Marketing & Communications Specialist

TITLE: Marketing & Communications Specialist

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

STATUS: Exempt, 40+ hours

SALARY: Commensurate with Experience -RANGE $45,000-$50,000

LOCATION: 975 Lomaland Dr.

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, occasional Saturdays

JOB SUMMARY:

General Purpose: The Marketing & Communications Specialist advances the mission of the Underserved Communities Foundation (UCF) by designing, executing, and evaluating strategic marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives. The Specialist strengthens brand visibility, membership and sustaining donor growth, accelerates donor and community engagement, leads donor and fundraising campaigns, and supports donor development. The Specialist also serves as the communications lead for the organization. 

This role requires a highly self-directed professional who can manage multiple priorities independently, produce detailed and accurate work with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, startup-stage nonprofit environment. The Specialist is expected to take initiative, solve problems proactively, take ownership of deliverables, and consistently meet deadlines without repeated reminders or direction.

Roles Description and Essential Duties: 

1. Strategic Marketing & Communication 

• Guide the development and execution of UCF’s annual marketing and communication strategy.
• Serve as the communications lead for the organization.
• Develop and support the various campaigns for fundraising, programs, and events of the organization.
• Guide communication strategy meetings with staff, partners, and advisory groups.
• Provide strategic communication reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Monitor marketing, social, and community trends to enhance communication efforts.
• Oversee UCF branding and ensure consistency, high-quality messaging.
• Develop and execute marketing initiatives independently from concept through completion, requiring minimal oversight.
• Take full ownership of assigned campaigns and ensure timely completion without requiring repeated follow-up from leadership.
• Anticipate communication needs and proactively prepare materials in advance of deadlines.

2.  Digital Marketing & Analytics

• Manage and optimize digital marketing efforts across all platforms.
• Measure and report analytics for all UCF campaigns.
• Manage social media, advertising, Google Ads, and content.
• Conduct regular SEO/SEM audits to improve online performance.
• Maintain editorial calendars for all digital channels and campaigns.
• Monitor campaign performance independently and recommend data-informed adjustments without requiring repeated prompting.
• Take responsibility for tracking campaign results and reporting performance accurately and on schedule.

3.  Creative Production & Content Development

• Produce written, graphic, and video content with minimal supervision.
• Create materials for all campaigns including videos, social, animations, print collateral, and PSAs.
• Serve as UCF’s photographer/videographer and maintain media libraries.
• Develop scripts, creative briefs, newsletters, and collateral materials.
• Oversee creative projects with vendors and external partners.
• Review and proof all materials carefully prior to submission to ensure accuracy, alignment with brand standards, and attention to detail.
• Deliver polished, publication-ready materials that do not require extensive revision due to preventable errors.

4.  Website Management

• Create design, update, and management of UCF’s website and supporting sites.
• Ensure ADA compliance, SEO performance, and user-friendly/accessible navigation.
• Post regular updates and manage forms, landing pages, and analytics.
• Implements Google Analytics and other website analytics tools.
• Ensure all website updates are accurate, properly formatted, and tested prior to publishing.

5.  Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Maintain relationships with regional broadcast, print, and digital media.
• Pitch stories, draft press releases, prepare scripts and talking points. 
• Serve as spokesperson when assigned by Executive Director.

6.  Special Events & Public Relations

• Lead all communication and marketing logistics for UCF events.
• Manage vendor coordination, registration, signage, collateral, and run-of-show.
• Support major donor events, open houses, community events, annual meetings, and other public appearances. 

7.  Development & Donor Support

• Guide marketing efforts for UCF fundraising events, Giving Day, and other fundraising campaigns. 
• Coordinate donor appeal campaigns.
• Develop donor-focused content such as impact summaries and recognition materials.
• Co-author communication-related grant components and reports.
• Promote online giving and donor pathways throughout communication efforts.

8.  Internal & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Support alignment of messaging across UCF team and volunteers.
• Support internal communication processes and staff updates.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying communication gaps and propose solutions that support organizational growth.
• Demonstrate adaptability, sound judgment, and independent execution in a lean, startup-stage nonprofit environment where systems and priorities evolve.
• Accept responsibility for deliverables and follow through to completion without requiring repeated direction.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage projects from inception to completion without close supervision.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to double-checking work for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• High level of personal accountability, ownership of outcomes, and responsibility for meeting commitments.
• Professional judgment in determining when to seek clarification versus when to take initiative.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advances skills in design, photography, and video editing.
• Strong project and time management abilities.
• Ability to simplify and communicate complex information.
• Strong relationship-building and media relations skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, website managing platforms, social media platforms, Microsoft Office, and analytics platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception to completion independently, maintaining momentum and meeting deadlines without close supervision.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, or related field or 5 years of experience in marketing or communications.
• Experience in nonprofit is highly desirable.
• Experience leading campaigns, producing creative content, and managing websites required.
• Experience with event planning and media relations required.

Core Competencies

• Mission Focused
• Highly Efficient, Agile, and Timely or Operational Excellence
• Relationship and Service-Oriented
• Collaborative
• Results Driven
• Highly Accountable – Takes ownership of responsibilities, meets deadlines consistently, and follows through without repeated reminders.
• Brand Steward

Other Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, and/or weekends as needed to meet the needs of the organization.
• Duties may change at any time with or without notice.         
• Must have own transportation with valid driver’s license and current insurance.
• Must be able to lift and transport work-related materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to assist with transportation, pick-up, and delivery responsibilities related to program implementation, participant support, and organizational operations as needed.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this position. Incumbent may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work as may be required to perform the functions and responsibilities associated with this position properly. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.