Director of Communications & Marketing

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a full-time Director of Communications & Marketing to join our Development team! Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer, the Director of Communications & Marketing is responsible for defining and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances Lifeworks’ mission to solve youth homelessness. This role is responsible for brand management, media relations, content creation, and storytelling that engages stakeholders, donors, and the broader community. The Director will oversee all external and internal communications efforts, including digital media, print materials, crisis communication, and community outreach. The Director of Communications & Marketing ensures that LifeWorks is consistently represented as a local and national leader in services for youth and young adults.

The full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $107,477.21-$117,449.33 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 15 paid holidays per year; a free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the development and execution of all communications, branding, and marketing strategies (including major campaign initiatives) to elevate Lifeworks’ visibility and support fundraising, advocacy, and programmatic goals.
• Develops brand voice and maintains brand integrity across all platforms, ensuring consistency in messaging and design.
• Oversees Lifeworks’ website and social media presence, producing compelling content and campaigns that engage audiences, drive donor support, and amplify the agency’s impact. Continuously evaluates and optimizes analytics to inform strategy.
• Serves as the primary media contact, building relationships with journalists/media outlets and securing coverage through press releases, op-eds, and media advisories. Develops, pitches, and secures relevant, compelling stories in media outlets.
• Leads crisis communications planning and response in partnership with executive leadership.
• Develops, implements, and monitors metrics to assess communication efforts, identifying successes and opportunities for improvement.
• Works closely with the development team to provide the appropriate collateral, execute strategic communications for fundraising & advocacy campaigns, and promote events.
• Develops and maintains high-quality written, audio, and visual content for internal and external communications. Manages the production of Lifeworks’ annual report, newsletters, brochures, flyers, and donor communication materials.
• Oversees photography, graphic design, and videography efforts to create high-quality assets for campaigns, events, and publications.
• Researches, selects, and manages external vendors and contractors for marketing, communications, and event production, ensuring quality and timely execution.
• Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports in accordance with Agency policies and procedures. Ensure staff are informed, their activities are well coordinated, and they have the necessary resources to carry out their work.
• Serves as lead copywriter and editor for all external communications.
• Researches and writes talking points and correspondence for executive leadership and board members.
• Prepares LifeWorks’ leadership for media interviews and high-stakes public speaking engagements.
• Supports leadership with internal communications to ensure staff are informed and engaged.
• Monitors media coverage and identify opportunities to assert Lifeworks’ thought leadership.
• Develops and manages an annual communications calendar aligned with organizational priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field;
• 5 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit organization; or
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency using Google Analytics and Hootsuite.
• Proficiency in videography, photography, and graphic design is highly preferred.
• Expertise and facility with e-marketing, social media, and web communications.
• Preferred experience in crowdfunding campaigns, digital communication strategy, and/or storytelling.
• Preferred experience in branding and brand management.
• Preferred experience in speech writing or executive communications.
• Preferred experience with cross-platform posting using website content management systems and blast email clients.
• Preferred experience using project and communication management software.
• Preferred visual literacy experience and knowledge and use of AP style.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.

We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.

A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.

Salary : $100