Leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy — disasterphilanthropy.org

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is the only full-time national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional disaster-related giving decisions.

Director of Marketing and Communications

Title: Director of Marketing and Communications, Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Position Type: Full time | Exempt

Timeline: ASAP

Location: Flexible (teleworking); Washington, DC area preferred

The Organization

Founded in 2010, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is the only full-time resource dedicated to helping donors make more strategic disaster-related giving decisions. With a focus on medium- to long-term recovery, CDP raises awareness of the need for committed attention and localized, sustainable funding in support of vulnerable communities. As the intensity and frequency of disasters has increased, the role of CDP has become even more crucial.  

A new Strategic Plan was adopted in November 2019, setting a course of action to enhance CDP’s thought leadership, advocacy and stewardship. The CDP vision is a world where the impact of disasters is minimized by thoughtful, equitable and responsible recovery for all. Its mission is to leverage the power of philanthropy to mobilize a full range of resources that strengthen the ability of communities to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. 

CDP has three distinct focus areas: 1) Educational Resources including a comprehensive website, frequent webinars, speaking engagements, Disaster Philanthropy Playbook and the Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy report; 2) Consulting Services to help donors become more strategic in their disaster giving; and 3) Grantmaking from CDP Disaster Recovery Funds for both domestic and international events.

The Opportunity

The Director of Marketing and Communications is charged with strengthening CDP’s brand positioning, implementing an integrated marketing plan, supporting donor stewardship and maintaining excellent standards for both external and internal communications. The Director leads and monitors the success of all marketing and communications efforts including websites, social media, newsletters and emails, media relations, content development and signature projects.

This position is also tasked with ensuring that an equity lens is integrated into all aspects of CDP’s communications and works closely with other team members to ensure that the DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives set out in the Strategic Plan are implemented in a manner that is meticulous, culturally competent, and in alignment with branding and organizational priorities.

The recent pandemic has amplified CDP’s profile and its support, prompting this position to work even more closely with the Director of Development on cause-related marketing and other relationship-building opportunities with funders. Going forward, the Director of Marketing & Communications will play a pivotal role in leveraging this increased awareness among the media, corporate partners and individual donors to benefit all CDP lines of business. 

Responsibilities

The Director reports to the President and CEO and manages the Digital Marketing Manager. The Director also works closely with CDP leadership to develop marketing, communications and content strategies. The Director also recommends and implements external relations tactics that support media, funder and stakeholder engagement.

The Director sets and guides the strategy for proactively leveraging CDP's expertise and content in order to cultivate and/or steward relationships with foundations and corporate partners, consulting clients and individual donors.

The Director also sets the direction for the Digital Marketing Manager’s implementation of online marketing and social media campaigns across all CDP platforms and supports social media outreach as needed.

The Director provides content guidance to CDP staff to assure alignment with brand and quality standards, the CDP voice and organizational messaging.

The Director, along with the Digital Marketing Manager, is a primary point person when disasters strike. Position requires the ability to work flexible hours during times of crisis, including nights and weekends.

Tasks

• Develop content, media and external relations activities to fulfill strategic communications objectives

• Develop and oversee proactive digital campaigns to broaden CDP’s audience

• Manage and mentor Digital Marketing Manager

• Monitor relevant metrics and progress

• Assign and edit all CDP content, including blogs ( ~ 10/month), targeted emails, educational resources, presentations and website updates 

• Write content for the website, including ghost writing assignments

• Project management and writing for annual report and other promotional materials

• Maintain consistent branding—look, feel, tone—throughout all content channels (website, social media, one-pagers, donor updates, presentations, emails, newsletters, etc)

• Manage all media interactions and field press inquiries

• Develop and manage media relations plans and story pitches

• Develop and implement user feedback and outreach tools including surveys, polls, interviews

• Keep current with emerging marketing, content and communications trends

• Manage website and marketing/design vendors

• Participate in biweekly team meetings with updates on comms activities

• Serve on the CDP strategy team

Required Experience / Skills

• Progressive leadership experience in the fields of marketing and communications, philanthropy, nonprofits or foundations (10+ years preferred)

• Experience outside of nonprofits and philanthropy (e.g. advertising, public relations or branding agencies, 5+ years preferred)

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, required

• Staff management experience (5+ years preferred)

• Knowledge of HTML/CSS and experience with content and constituent management systems (WordPress, Blackbaud, Hatchbuck, etc.)

• Demonstrated work in DEI, including implementation of its principles in communication channels

• Proven ability to manage effectively and develop skills of direct reports

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment

• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills

• Demonstrated ability to structure information for online publication that is clear and concise

• Proven ability to build consensus and collaborate effectively

• Ability to work effectively within a geographically distributed team

• Proven ability to handle both strategic and tactical marketing/communications initiatives

• High level of confidence, integrity and professionalism for interacting with key stakeholders, internal and external

• Mission-driven with a strong interest in the humanitarian assistance field

• Extremely high attention to detail and a strong sense of personal responsibility 

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, time management and communication skills

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

How to Apply

liz.joseph@disasterphilanthropy.org

https://www.disasterphilanthropy.org

Qualified candidates should email their resume, a sample of work and a cover letter to Liz Joseph, liz.joseph@disasterphilanthropy.org with the subject line: Director of Marketing and Communications. Applications must highlight competencies against requirements and include salary expectations and a potential start date.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only finalists will be notified.  

All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period of time.  

No phone calls please.