Staff at The San Diego Foundation address the region’s most pressing challenges and identify opportunities by working with donors and partners to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.
Thank you for your interest in the work of The San Diego Foundation. To learn more about our work and inquire about joining our team, contact jobs@sdfoundation.org.
Employment Opportunities
Communications Manager
The Communications Manager will serve as the project and events manager for the Communications Department, providing leadership with planning, executing and evaluating Foundation events and serving as the point-of-contact with internal departments and partner organizations. The individual will ensure effective management of projects from conception through the budget phase to day-of execution, and will direct staff and partners, as appropriate, throughout the event planning process in order to align tactics with strategies, and complete all projects to meet critical deadlines.
The Communications Manager will manage all cross-departmental and internal projects that require Communications support. Working with the Vice President, Communications Director, Digital Marketing Manager and Graphic Designer, as appropriate, the individual will manage all inbound requests and serve as the point-of-contact for The Foundation’s Communications traffic, ensuring all tasks are completed within given deadlines and key decision-makers are involved in the process.
The Communications Manager will also assist in the planning and execution of Communications strategy for The San Diego Foundation to build awareness for Foundation services, programs and impact, and engagement with stakeholders and prospects. In collaboration with the Communications Director and Digital Marketing Manager, the individual will support marketing and public relations plans and content, support social media strategy and content, and update The Foundation’s database for email and direct mail marketing communications.
Essential duties and principal responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Principal Duties/Position Goals
Core job responsibilities – 70%
- Manage comprehensive project management and traffic, including department production calendar and deadlines.
- Oversee all cross-department routings related to communications projects to ensure a smooth, efficient and timely workflow.
- Serve as Communications Department liaison for all inbound inquiries and internal projects.
- Manage and execute complex projects that require buy-in and support from multiple stakeholders.
- Conceptualize, plan and execute on-time event planning that matches the annual goals of the organizations. Events will include The Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Donor & Legacy Appreciation Luncheon, Quarterly Investment Webinars, Regional Affiliate Program grant celebrations and membership events, and other events as needed.
- Build and manage all project budgets from start to finish, working directly with Foundation leadership and partners for approval and input throughout process.
- Manage and direct staff/volunteers responsible for event coordination activities, as well as train and educate staff on proper event procedures prior to the event.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to meet budget requirements.
- Research and determine appropriate venues, catering, equipment and other operational needs that best match goals and budget of events.
- Travel to on-site inspections and events.
- Proactively manage any unexpected issues and troubleshoot any problems that arise on event days.
- Analyze event performance and present metrics for Foundation leadership.
- Hold bi-weekly event production and project overview meetings with the Vice President of Communications
Secondary job responsibilities – 30%
- Write a variety of content in a range of styles (news, feature, conversational), as and when needed, for The Foundation’s various communication vehicles including press releases, talking points, SDF News Blog, web content, social media and marketing communications materials.
- Manage and ensure completion of monthly Fast Fact updates, Foundation website updates and coordination of new hire bios.
- Assist with media relations, including scheduling interviews, meetings with agency representatives, talking points, etc.
- Contribute to social media content and SDF Blog posts, to ensure consistency in voice, while helping to grow social networks through engagement strategies and integrated communications.
- Train and manage all staff in BaseCamp and maintain all Communications collateral on the platform.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Five years or more of experience planning and managing events
- Five years or more of experience developing marketing and communications collateral, including content for press releases, social media posts, brochures and other materials
- Three years or more of experience in project management and/or traffic coordination
- Demonstrated track record in developing and utilizing administrative organizational systems with attention to detail, timeliness and record keeping
- Good working knowledge of media strategies and experience with analysis of results
- Experience with social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
- Experience with coordinating and implementing business meeting logistics and event planning required
- Professional, positive attitude and demeanor to appropriately represent the organization with both internal and external partners
- Ability to generate creative event ideas, and create strong connections between creative strategies and organizational goals
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Politically savvy and discreet
- Ability to work independently and successfully prioritize and manage multiple projects with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines
- Regularly take the initiative to recognize problems, and clearly explain potential solutions
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment where adapting to change is necessary and the ability to multi-task successfully is critical
- Advanced knowledge and proficiency with computer software applications to include MS Windows, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel as well as database/contact management.
- Experience with a nonprofit organization preferred
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related field preferred
Language Skills
- Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
Judgment/Reasoning Ability
- Use of good judgment and own initiative
- Logical thought process
Physical Demands
- Ability to lift 20 lbs
- Ability to carry event signs, collateral and refreshments
- Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for long periods of time
- Able to type on a computer keyboard
- Able to speak into and use a telephone for long periods of time
- Ability to bend and stoop
Work Environment
- Non-smoking, professional office environment
- Fast-paced working with multi-level distractions
Special Conditions
- Ability to work extended hours as needed
- Ability to travel to and attend meetings throughout San Diego County as needed
Apply Today
Interested applicants can apply by emailing Salary Requirements, a Resume and Cover Letter by Friday, July 14 to jobs@sdfoundation.org. Please use the subject line: Communications Manager.
Manager, Age Friendly Communites
At The San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff that are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.
We are seeking an experienced professional to serve as a program manager for the Age-Friendly Communities program, an initiative focused on creating livable, accessible communities to ensure that people at every stage of the aging continuum can live, work, enjoy, and learn in an inclusive and connected community. This opportunity offers:
- An exciting career opportunity at a leading San Diego philanthropic institution.
- An opportunity to work with a collaborative team, and community members passionate about improving their communities through philanthropy.
- A convenient Point Loma location, green-certified professional office building with free parking,
- A comprehensive and generous benefit package that includes: 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, life & LTD, 11 paid holidays, 15 accrued PTO days, competitive retirement contribution, and employer matched charitable giving.
Purpose of Position
The Manager, Age Friendly Communities is responsible for managing the implementation of the Age Friendly Communities goals and strategic plan, as well as hosting community convening’s, building relationships, fundraising, and overseeing program-related grant-making.
The focus of this work relates to increasing the quality of life for people of all ages in the region. Organized around a framework of WELL (Work, Enjoy, Live, and Learn), the Manager will identify opportunities to support community based initiatives that are best integrating services that ensure people are thriving at all stages of life.
The Age Friendly Communities (AFC) designation is one that is inclusive and accessible, promoting active and purposeful aging through the following eight domains:
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social Participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
These eight domains illustrate primary areas of programmatic alignment. While aging and healthy living is a core part of the AFC principles, the factors that increase livability and connectivity in communities as related to these eight domains are of key focus for the Age Friendly Communities Manager role. The Manager is expected to be able to create purposeful alignments with these eight domains, connecting AFC principles to these broader priorities that create livable, healthy, accessible, smart and connected communities.
Essential Duties and Principal Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Principal Duties
- Program management: oversee timelines, map program activities to strategic goals, report on progress, write and research as necessary, identify and pursue alignments in the community related to the eight AFC domains.
- Conduct research and identify organizations to collaboratively work on issues related to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages, and the eight AFC domains;
- Raise funds from donors and foundations to support AFC activities
- Communicate community need and impact of programming through strategic data collection and storytelling
- Annual grantmaking to innovative projects in San Diego County that support people along the aging continuum
- Convening stakeholders and the public on issues concerning livability and age-friendliness to raise awareness, build capacity, and facilitate collaboration
- Engaging policymakers and staff to understand the policy opportunities to improve outcomes for the eight AFC domains and communities
- Coordinate activities internally with the Community Impact Division to ensure integration and increase effectiveness and efficiency within WELL framework;
- Implement the strategy of Age Friendly Communities and ensure outcomes are aligned with the program objectives;
- At the direction of and in conjunction with the Director, Community Impact, initiate and participate in fundraising and networking efforts that will support and encourage the strategic plan for Age Friendly Communities;
- Plan, evaluate, and improve the efficiency of processes and procedures to enhance quality and output;
- Coordinate activities internally with Charitable Giving and Communications teams to develop donor engagement in age friendly communities as well as tell stories to the media about opportunities for decreasing isolation and poor health and increasing quality of life;
- Lead (when appropriate), support (when appropriate) and enhance cross-sectoral collaboration and integration of community-based efforts among nonprofits, government, academia, and businesses in helping communities become great places for all ages, with safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services, and opportunities for residents to participate in civic life;
- Lead and support grant seeking efforts that leverage Foundation discretionary funds with other philanthropic and public sources;
- Plan and manage the preparation and maintenance of requests for proposals, timelines, applications, letters, surveys and reports necessary to carry out programmatic functions;
- Create opportunities for peer learning, education and inspiration from outside experts, in collaboration with The San Diego Foundation Center for Civic Engagement
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Reports directly to the Director, Community Impact
Contacts
INTERNAL
- All staff
- Affiliate Board and Committee members
- Other Affiliate Members
EXTERNAL
- Current and Prospective Donors
- Public and Private Foundations
- Elected officials
- Nonprofit leaders
- Community leaders
- Government administrators
- General public
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of three years of management-level experience in a private or community foundation or corporate, government, nonprofit organization (or comparable)
- Knowledge of the range of issues facing the region’s growing population of older adults and the growing interest among localities in building high quality communities for all ages
- Understanding and knowledge of philanthropy in San Diego preferred
- Experience professionally representing a program or organization with both internal and external customers
- Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to engage, convene, and build collaboration with diverse constituents
- Experience in fundraising, grant/proposal writing and reporting as well as knowledge regarding stewarding successful donor relationships
- Regularly takes initiative to recognize and anticipate problems, and clearly communicate possible solutions
- Knowledge of and interest in advancing the collective impact model of cross-sectoral collaboration
- Interdisciplinary, analytical, innovative and critical thinking skills
- Demonstrated organization, time and project management skills. Ability to “right size” projects.
- Outstanding verbal, interpersonal and written communications skills
- High level of comfort with public speaking and interacting with elected officials, donors and other community leaders
- Professional personal presentation and demeanor
- Strong emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
- Culturally competent
- Team player with a positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Knowledge, experience and proficiency with computer software applications: MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; contact management software experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; health or social sciences field preferred
Language Skills
- Ability to read, write and speak English fluently
- Spanish fluency preferred
Judgment/Reasoning Ability
- Use of good judgment and own initiative
- Logical thought process
- Strong time management skills
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
Physical Demands
- Able to safely lift 25 pounds
- Able to sit for prolonged periods of time at meetings, desk, computer, driving
- Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
- Able to type using a computer keyboard
- Able to speak into and use a telephone
- Ability to bend and stoop
Work Environment
- Non-smoking, professional office environment
- Fast-paced
- Multi-track workflow that requires the ability to prioritize and plan
Special Conditions
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Needs to have own transportation
Apply Today
Interested applicants can apply by emailing Salary Requirements, a Resume and Cover Letter to jobs@sdfoundation.org. Please use the subject line: Manager, Age-Friendly Communities.
