Communications Director

About the Company

McKinley is a highly respected welfare organization with a comprehensive array of programs and services—touching nearly 1,800 lives annually—including Short Term Residential Treatment Program (STRTP), Foster Care, Adoptions, Mental Health Services, and Special Education. We have 5 locations throughout Southern California, with our main campus in San Dimas. Our culture is built on the H.U.M.A.N. principles: Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. We celebrate diversity and are committed to cultivating an inclusive, trauma-informed environment.

About the Role

The Communications Director is a high-level strategic leader responsible for designing, directing, and executing McKinley’s overarching communications, media relations, and public relations framework. As the organization's chief storyteller and primary editor, this role elevates McKinley’s public profile by securing impactful media placements, producing elite-tier written content, and protecting brand integrity. The Director will leverage deep journalism networks to position McKinley as a premier thought leader in the sector and collaborate closely with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• PR & Media Relations:
  • Architect and champion comprehensive public relations and earned-media strategies to promote McKinley’s mission, programs, and community achievements.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local reporters, regional editors, and major national news outlets to secure ongoing coverage.
  • Act as the primary media contact and official spokesperson for the organization.
  • Write and pitch compelling press releases, orchestrate press conferences, and pitch targeted stories to key journalists.
  • Design and execute crisis communication protocols to protect the organization’s reputation.
• Copywriting, Editing, & Content Oversight:
  • Serve as the chief writer and principal editor for all major external and high-level communications, including executive speeches, op-eds, annual reports, donor appeals, and organizational statements.
  • Ensure all external communications align with grammar, tone, and strategic positioning while embedding community-centered, trauma-informed storytelling principles.
  • Establish and maintain organizational brand and message guidelines, reviewing and approving critical communication assets.
• Digital Footprint, Event Marketing, & Data-Driven Insights:
  • Oversee McKinley’s online ecosystem, ensuring high engagement and conversion of public interest into donor action.
  • Design and oversee multi-channel digital marketing campaigns to boost event registrations, ticket sales, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
  • Establish metrics to track communications campaigns, media placements, and PR value, adjusting strategies in real time.
• Leadership & Strategic Campaign Support:
  • Design and implement a multi-year integrated communications and marketing roadmap aligned with McKinley’s strategic vision.
  • Partner with the SVP of Development & Communications, CEO, and Department Directors on public messaging and brand positioning.
  • Lead PR and media outreach for premier fundraising events, including the Miles that Matter 5k, annual Golf Tournament, and Fall Fundraiser.
  • Leverage media networks to secure local and regional sponsorships (TV, radio, print, digital) to maximize event visibility.
• Fiscal & Resource Management:
  • Formulate and manage the annual communications department budget, maximizing strategic ROI.
  • Identify cost-effective vendors, tech stacks, and PR partnerships.
• Assume responsibility for assigned aspects of special events.
• Perform other related executive duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 6–8+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, journalism, or media management, with a proven track record of leadership in a mission-driven nonprofit environment.
• Exceptional, versatile writing portfolio across multiple genres (op-eds, thought leadership, press releases, investigative narratives, and donor impact stories) with impeccable editing and proofreading skills.
• Deep, active, and verifiable relationships with local news outlets, Southern California regional media, and major national journalism networks.
• Proven history of building and executing aggressive PR campaigns, securing high-impact earned media placements, and handling sensitive crisis communications.
• Deep familiarity with community-centered narrative practices, ensuring storytelling preserves the dignity, privacy, and agency of the populations served.
• Experience managing, coaching, and elevating high-performing communications, marketing, or creative teams.
• Proficient in Google Suite and project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com).
• Strategic mastery of Content Management Systems (CMS), email marketing software, and advanced social media analytics tools.
• Working familiarity with creative software suites (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) or Canva to direct creative asset workflows.
• Must pass pre-employment physical exam, TB, and drug screening.
• Ability to lift at least 15 pounds for filing, boxes, and packages.
• Ability to sit for several hours performing clerical functions.
• DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Index clearance required.
• Insurability under Corporate Automobile Insurance.

Pay

$80,000 - $95,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match up to 3%
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Credit Union Membership
• Training Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth