Director Public Relations & Marketing

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE, INC. • Santa Rosa, CA

2h • $110,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Director Public Relations and Marketing is a key member of the marketing leadership team and is responsible for driving strategic marketing and media initiatives while ensuring integration across the organization. This role leads Canine Companions’ national media strategy and oversees field public relations and marketing staff to elevate brand awareness and impact. The Director develops and executes an integrated media plan that advances the mission and supports awareness, fundraising, and advocacy goals, while maintaining consistent messaging across national and local markets. Acting as an organization spokesperson, this role cultivates strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and partners to expand visibility and reinforce leadership within the service dog sector.

Requirements

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Proven success developing and executing integrated marketing and media strategies that drive brand awareness and audience engagement
• Demonstrated ability to secure national earned media across broadcast, print, digital, and social platforms
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and performance optimization skills
• Ability to manage priorities, solve problems, meet goals, and maintain attention to detail
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Experience leading and mentoring distributed marketing and public relations teams

Nice To Haves

• Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, public interest, or mission-driven organizations
• Crisis communications and issues management experience
• Familiarity with digital analytics, media monitoring tools, and CRM systems
• Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro

Responsibilities

• Marketing and Media Strategy: Lead and execute an integrated national media and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities. Drive outreach and campaigns to maximize reach, engagement, and impact.
• Integrated Campaigns and Content: Collaborate on integrated campaigns across web, social, email, and video to ensure consistent messaging and audience growth. Develop media pitches, creative briefs, and an annual pitch calendar.
• Media Relations and Spokesperson Duties: Secure earned media across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. Serve as an organization spokesperson and prepare leaders for interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances. Manage crisis communications and rapid response.
• National-to-Local Engagement: Lead event marketing strategies and national-to-local outreach initiatives that strengthen community engagement while maintaining brand consistency.
• Leadership and Performance: Lead and mentor a distributed team of public relations and marketing staff. Set KPIs, manage budgets and vendors, and report on performance and impact to senior leadership and the board.

Benefits

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being
• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees