Communications Director Jobs in California
Communications Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, entertainment, healthcare, and public affairs across a market that ranges from entry-level communications managers to senior vice presidents of corporate communications. The heaviest hiring happens in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major employers such as Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and Apple maintain large communications teams. The most in-demand specialties include digital and social media strategy, crisis communications, and executive and stakeholder communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 113+ Communications Director jobs
Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Senior Marketing Communications Director. This hybrid position is based in the Greater Bay Area division and the work is wherever it is most effective – in the field, at home and in our Oakland office.
Under general supervision, the Senior Marketing Communications Director manages, plans, directs, and implements the communications, marketing, and media and public relations plans of the American Heart Association in a specified market, in addition to assisting the communications team as needed for other territories. The Marketing Communications Director provides targeted, proactive positioning of the American Heart Association as the public’s leading authority on cardiovascular health and science. This is achieved through external and internal communications, marketing, media relations, digital strategies, sponsorship activation and special campaigns/initiatives.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
Brand Integrity
- Maintains the integrity of the brand and identity of the American Heart Association by developing and/or reviewing/editing communications and marketing materials.
Traditional and Digital Media
- Raise visibility of the Division via traditional and digital media outlets. Maintain and steward existing media relationships. Explore and engage new outlets, especially media with reach to targeted audiences. Research and monitor new/burgeoning media, especially those being developed in the market.
- Seeks, cultivates, and maintains regional media relationships, with traditional and emerging media.
- Secures formal media partnerships/sponsorships for various events, campaigns and cause initiatives as appropriate.
- Pitches “big picture” stories, focusing on hard news, feature and research stories, to the specified media market.
- Researches and prepares media and background materials to support American Heart Association policy issues and community programs.
- Develops fast response mechanism for hard news stories. Alerts field staff with media advisories and cause/marketing activities as appropriate.
Overall Campaign Development and Traction
- Work closely with internal partners to be an innovator and market disruptor. Seek new approaches to transforming sponsorship communications and marketing deliverables. Steward current sponsorships and expand into new industries. Help craft mission-focused proposals and weave in media, marketing and messaging themes to fully complement our campaigns. Contribute to campaign revenue through health asset sponsorships/activations.
- Develops and submits proposals outlining the details of the partnerships/sponsorships.
- Supports day-of event activities.
Elevate Visibility of Local Divisions as Engaged Community Stakeholders
- To truly make an impact, each local Division needs to be widely recognized as a trusted and reliable stakeholder. We are invested in the overall health of the communities we serve.
- Implements communications plans with media advocacy, public policy initiatives and media spokespeople. Contributes to volunteer leadership, including helping identify and recruit potential committee and board members.
- Identifies, recruits and trains volunteers who can serve as media and cause initiative spokespersons. Maintains an accessible database of human interest stories to tap for media inquiries.
- Develops and executes social media strategy in conjunction with digital staff.
- Works with internal and external partners to produce mission-focused content for organic social channels.
- Plans and executes paid social media campaigns.
- Develops, in conjunction with field staff and volunteers, and oversees implementation of communications and marketing plans.
- Works with internal partners to ensure effective local implementation of field-related communications and marketing activities.
- Works with external media partners to plan and execute advertising campaigns.
- Serves as communications and marketing consultant to staff and volunteers, including conducting communications orientation and training, monitoring progress on key objectives and cause initiatives, and providing general counsel and guidance.
- Coordinates, in conjunction with National Center and Western States communications and marketing staff, communications- and marketing-related promotions, mailings, distribution, and reporting.
Qualifications
Success factors include strong collaboration skills, a commitment to excellence, and a proven track record of progressively responsible experience of 5 years with:
- Knowledge of variety of mass and alternative media, and principles of journalism including news gathering, interviewing, writing and editing. Basic video, graphic design and photography skills desired.
- Experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs with a background in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or similar position.
- Knowledge and experience with the fundamentals of multiple disciplines are needed, including the principles and ethics of public relations, promotion, marketing and business communications.
- Demonstrated excellence in written communications skills, including news, business, and persuasive writing.
- Demonstrated skills in effective one-on-one and group communications and work with all levels of media contacts, community leaders, and American Heart Association volunteers and staff.
- Ability to deal professionally in a corporate and non-profit environment and assume responsibility for guiding communications and marketing projects and programs from inception through completion.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time pressure.
- Knowledge and experience with developing content for event collateral materials.
- University/College degree or equivalent experience.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic planning, budgeting, and managing work.
- Knowledge of basic fund-raising principles, practices, and techniques.
- Knowledge of American Heart Association’s mission and programs.
Compensation & Benefits
Expected pay range will be $89,500 to $116,000 annually. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Default: Location: Location US-CA-Oakland
Posted Date 3 weeks ago (5/13/2026 8:57 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17494
Job Category Marketing, Communications & Public Relations
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Senior Marketing Communications Director. This hybrid position is based in the Greater Bay Area division and the work is wherever it is most effective – in the field, at home and in our Oakland office.
Under general supervision, the Senior Marketing Communications Director manages, plans, directs, and implements the communications, marketing, and media and public relations plans of the American Heart Association in a specified market, in addition to assisting the communications team as needed for other territories. The Marketing Communications Director provides targeted, proactive positioning of the American Heart Association as the public’s leading authority on cardiovascular health and science. This is achieved through external and internal communications, marketing, media relations, digital strategies, sponsorship activation and special campaigns/initiatives.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
Brand Integrity
- Maintains the integrity of the brand and identity of the American Heart Association by developing and/or reviewing/editing communications and marketing materials.
Traditional and Digital Media
- Raise visibility of the Division via traditional and digital media outlets. Maintain and steward existing media relationships. Explore and engage new outlets, especially media with reach to targeted audiences. Research and monitor new/burgeoning media, especially those being developed in the market.
- Seeks, cultivates, and maintains regional media relationships, with traditional and emerging media.
- Secures formal media partnerships/sponsorships for various events, campaigns and cause initiatives as appropriate.
- Pitches “big picture” stories, focusing on hard news, feature and research stories, to the specified media market.
- Researches and prepares media and background materials to support American Heart Association policy issues and community programs.
- Develops fast response mechanism for hard news stories. Alerts field staff with media advisories and cause/marketing activities as appropriate.
Overall Campaign Development and Traction
- Work closely with internal partners to be an innovator and market disruptor. Seek new approaches to transforming sponsorship communications and marketing deliverables. Steward current sponsorships and expand into new industries. Help craft mission-focused proposals and weave in media, marketing and messaging themes to fully complement our campaigns. Contribute to campaign revenue through health asset sponsorships/activations.
- Develops and submits proposals outlining the details of the partnerships/sponsorships.
- Supports day-of event activities.
Elevate Visibility of Local Divisions as Engaged Community Stakeholders
- To truly make an impact, each local Division needs to be widely recognized as a trusted and reliable stakeholder. We are invested in the overall health of the communities we serve.
- Implements communications plans with media advocacy, public policy initiatives and media spokespeople. Contributes to volunteer leadership, including helping identify and recruit potential committee and board members.
- Identifies, recruits and trains volunteers who can serve as media and cause initiative spokespersons. Maintains an accessible database of human interest stories to tap for media inquiries.
- Develops and executes social media strategy in conjunction with digital staff.
- Works with internal and external partners to produce mission-focused content for organic social channels.
- Plans and executes paid social media campaigns.
- Develops, in conjunction with field staff and volunteers, and oversees implementation of communications and marketing plans.
- Works with internal partners to ensure effective local implementation of field-related communications and marketing activities.
- Works with external media partners to plan and execute advertising campaigns.
- Serves as communications and marketing consultant to staff and volunteers, including conducting communications orientation and training, monitoring progress on key objectives and cause initiatives, and providing general counsel and guidance.
- Coordinates, in conjunction with National Center and Western States communications and marketing staff, communications- and marketing-related promotions, mailings, distribution, and reporting.
Qualifications
Success factors include strong collaboration skills, a commitment to excellence, and a proven track record of progressively responsible experience of 5 years with:
- Knowledge of variety of mass and alternative media, and principles of journalism including news gathering, interviewing, writing and editing. Basic video, graphic design and photography skills desired.
- Experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs with a background in journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising or similar position.
- Knowledge and experience with the fundamentals of multiple disciplines are needed, including the principles and ethics of public relations, promotion, marketing and business communications.
- Demonstrated excellence in written communications skills, including news, business, and persuasive writing.
- Demonstrated skills in effective one-on-one and group communications and work with all levels of media contacts, community leaders, and American Heart Association volunteers and staff.
- Ability to deal professionally in a corporate and non-profit environment and assume responsibility for guiding communications and marketing projects and programs from inception through completion.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time pressure.
- Knowledge and experience with developing content for event collateral materials.
- University/College degree or equivalent experience.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic planning, budgeting, and managing work.
- Knowledge of basic fund-raising principles, practices, and techniques.
- Knowledge of American Heart Association’s mission and programs.
Compensation & Benefits
Expected pay range will be $89,500 to $116,000 annually. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Default: Location: Location US-CA-Oakland
Posted Date 3 weeks ago (5/13/2026 8:57 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17494
Job Category Marketing, Communications & Public Relations
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
See All 113+ Communications Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Director JobsCommunications Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Communications Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of California Berkeley9
- Apple3
- MongoDB3
- Revolution Medicines3
- Samba TV3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software44
- Education13
- Investment & Asset Management9
- Media & Entertainment9
- Consulting & Professional Services8
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in communications director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field
- Seven or more years of progressive communications or public affairs experience
- Demonstrated experience managing communications teams and agency relationships
- Expertise in digital content strategy, social media platforms, and media relations
- Experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or stakeholder engagement
- Familiarity with California's regulatory and public affairs environment preferred
Communications Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a communications director in California?
The path to a communications director role in California typically starts with a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, though many senior roles prefer a master's or an MBA. There is no state-issued license required. California employers, especially in tech, healthcare, and public agencies, look for candidates who have worked up through communications coordinator, manager, or senior manager roles and can show experience with media strategy, crisis response, and team leadership.
Which companies hire communications directors in California?
Employers hiring communications directors in California right now include University of California Berkeley, Apple, and MongoDB, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major health systems, university campuses, and entertainment studios makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for senior communications talent.
Which California cities have the most communications director jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Berkeley have the most communications director openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its density of entertainment companies, healthcare networks, and large nonprofits, while San Francisco draws demand from technology and financial services firms headquartered in the Bay Area, and San Diego's defense, biotech, and university sectors generate steady openings for senior communications professionals.
Are there remote communications director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most senior leadership roles. About 26% of communications director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the desk-based, strategy-heavy nature of the work. Functions like content strategy, media monitoring, executive communications, and digital campaigns are most commonly offered on a remote or hybrid basis, while roles tied to in-person executive teams or live events tend to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a communications director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a communications coordinator or public affairs associate role at a California public agency, university, or large health system, where structured promotion tracks exist. The University of California and California State University systems regularly hire entry-level communications staff who move into management over time. Building a portfolio of media placements, campaign results, or crisis response work, alongside a strong grasp of digital analytics tools, closes the gap faster than credentials alone for candidates lateral-moving from journalism, marketing, or policy roles.
Where can I find and apply to communications director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to communications director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 113+ Communications Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Communications Director Jobs