Marketing Communications Specialist Jobs in San Mateo, CA

Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

About Peninsula Family Service

Peninsula Family Service is a nonprofit organization that provides children, families, and older adults with the support and tools they need to realize their full potential. As one of the largest providers of infant, toddler, and preschool programs in the region, PFS also delivers services in financial empowerment, employment, and older adult support. Established in 1950, PFS has been a trusted community partner for over 76 years, dedicated to fostering stability, resilience, and well-being for the individuals and families it serves.

Position Overview

PFS is seeking a talented, driven, and collaborative Associate Director of Marketing & Communications to serve as a senior member of the MarCom team. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, this role is responsible for translating organizational priorities into compelling campaigns, storytelling, brand execution, and communications initiatives that advance PFS’s mission and visibility.

The Associate Director leads integrated campaigns, drives content strategy and storytelling, oversees collateral development, executes on brand direction set by the CMCO, manages social media content strategy, coordinates PR support, and stewards vendor relationships. The right person brings both strategic thinking and strong hands-on execution — equally comfortable shaping a campaign and doing the work to bring it to life.

This position works in close partnership with the CMCO and alongside a Marketing Manager focused on translating organizational priorities into compelling campaigns, storytelling & brand initiatives.

Why This Role Matters

PFS is at a pivotal moment — launching a new strategic plan, expanding Early Learning programs, strengthening its external voice, and investing in brand modernization and storytelling. The MarCom function supports every department across the organization, and this hire will be essential to ensuring we have the senior creative leadership and execution capacity to deliver on those priorities.

The Associate Director will play a central role in helping PFS show up consistently and compellingly — to donors, program participants, community partners, media, and the public. This is an opportunity to do meaningful, high-impact work at a mission-driven organization, with real creative ownership and room to grow.

REPORT TO: CMCO

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full-time, Hybrid (After the initial probationary period, the selected candidate will be expected to work onsite 2–3 days per week.)

SALARY RANGE: $130,000–$150,000 annually

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns aligned with organizational priorities and the PFS strategic plan
• Partner with the CMCO to implement strategic communications initiatives across channels and departments
• Develop campaign architecture, messaging, and editorial calendars that reflect the PFS brand and mission
• Support Advancement with fundraising campaign creative, storytelling multimedia and donor communications

Strategic Storytelling & Content Creation

• Own organizational content strategy — identifying, capturing, and amplifying stories that showcase the impact of PFS programs, staff, clients, and community partnerships
• Develop compelling, mission-driven content across web, email, social media, newsletters, and campaigns
• Write, edit, and proof a wide range of communications with clarity, warmth, and brand voice consistency
• Support video storytelling efforts including concept development, scripting, interview coordination, and vendor management

Collateral & Marketing Asset Development

• Lead development of organizational collateral including flyers, brochures, signage, campaign materials, branding templates, and program-specific assets
• Manage production workflows from brief through delivery, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Ensure all materials reflect brand standards and are delivered on time and within budget
• Maintain organized systems for digital asset management and template libraries

Brand Execution & Creative Direction

• Execute on brand strategy and governance direction set by the CMCO, ensuring consistency across all communications, materials, and platforms
• Support ongoing brand development and optimization efforts including visual identity improvements and updated templates
• Provide creative direction to designers, photographers, videographers, and other creative partners
• Serve as a day-to-day brand steward, maintaining quality standards across MarCom output

Social Media Content Strategy & Audience Engagement

• Mentor marketing manager working collaboratively to develop social media content strategy, creative planning, and audience engagement across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
• Develop and maintain a content calendar aligned with organizational priorities and audience engagement goals
• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager on scheduling, execution, and analytics

PR & External Communications Support

• Support PR strategy and media coordination in partnership with the CMCO
• Draft and assist with press releases, media pitches, and organizational announcements
• Identify opportunities to elevate PFS’s external profile through earned media and partnerships
• Support leadership preparation for external visibility opportunities

AI, Innovation & Emerging Tools

• Leverage AI tools and emerging marketing technologies to improve content creation and efficiency
• Stay current on digital trends and bring relevant innovations to the team
• Identify opportunities to scale output and quality through technology

Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Manage multiple campaigns and projects with strong organization and attention to detail
• Develop project plans, briefs, timelines, and workflows (e.g., Asana)
• Partner closely with internal teams and external vendors
• Communicate project status and next steps clearly
• Vendor Management & Budget Support
• Manage external vendors (designers, photographers, videographers, printers)
• Support tracking of campaign budgets and vendor invoices

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package that includes:

• Resume outlining relevant experience and qualifications
• Cover Letter describing your interest in Peninsula Family Service and how your skills align with this role
• Work Samples / Portfolio showcasing examples of marketing campaigns, writing, storytelling, or communications work (e.g., digital content, social media campaigns, collateral, video, or other creative projects)

Please submit all materials as a single PDF (preferred) or via separate attachments with clear labeling.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early submission is encouraged.

Qualifications Required

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field
• Significant experience in nonprofit or mission-driven communications
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities with cultural competency
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience leading integrated campaigns across digital and print
• Strong social media strategy and engagement experience
• Experience managing collateral development and production workflows
• Experience managing vendors and multiple projects
• Familiarity with AI-assisted tools
• Ability to work independently with strong judgment
• Experience with WordPress or similar CMS, email marketing platforms, Asana, Canva, Adobe Creative, social media management tools, and AI-powered content and design tools.
• Experience in working with Advancement teams on joint donor communications projects and initiatives

Preferred

• Experience supporting PR, media outreach, and advocacy communications
• Knowledge of SEO, analytics, and engagement best practices
• Experience with brand development and visual identity
• Bonus if fluent or proficient in Spanish, able to develop bilingual content

Who You Are

• A strong writer and storyteller adaptable to any audience or channel
• A creative leader with high standards and fresh thinking
• Deeply committed to equity and experienced engaging diverse communities
• Digitally savvy and curious about AI and emerging tools
• Highly collaborative across teams and levels
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities
• Comfortable with building systems in a growing function
• Committed to PFS’s mission and communities