Specialist, Digital Communications

At San Diego Foundation, we value our diverse and experienced staff who are committed to our mission of improving the quality of life within all of San Diego’s communities. We strive to be an employer of choice, offering a competitive compensation package, and a professional and vibrant work environment for those who have a passion for our mission that is carried out every day by providing leadership for effective philanthropy and promoting community solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Communications Specialist who will assist in the planning and execution of marketing and communications strategy for San Diego Foundation (SDF). This includes building awareness for the mission and values of SDF, as well as SDF services, programs and impact to engage donors, prospective donors and partners.

In collaboration with the Director of Digital Marketing, Development & Stewardship, and Community Impact teams, the Communications Specialist will serve as a lead content creator for the Marketing & Communications Department, developing internal and public-facing messaging across a variety of the organization’s channels, including social media, blog, email, website and print collateral. This position will manage the social media program for the organization, bringing new and creative ideas to communicate SDF’s impact to a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including donors, community leaders and nonprofit partners.

The ideal candidate will also support business development campaigns through compelling, strategic copywriting. We seek a skilled writer with expertise in crafting engaging content for digital platforms, who can quickly adapt and make an immediate impact in the role.

Essential Responsibilities:

Social Media Management (25%)

• Maintain, grow, and analyze SDF’s multi-platform social media program of 36,000+ followers through aligned messaging, diverse and engaging post types, audience targeting, and competitor research and benchmarking.
• Manage and execute organic and paid social media campaigns requiring buy-in and support from multiple stakeholders.
• Cultivate a network of internal influencers to amplify social media content and expand reach.

Campaign Management and Analytics (35%)

• Manage monthly budgets for paid social media campaigns and optimize advertising strategies.
• Analyze social media campaign performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Regularly research and benchmark competitor activities to refine SDF’s social media strategies.

Content Creation (30%)

• Write and edit engaging content for the SDFoundation.org website to support awareness and engagement goals.
• Create compelling blog posts (500–1,000 words) tailored to various audience segments, showcasing SDF donors, nonprofit partners, community impact, and events.
• Write email marketing content, including crafting subject lines, body copy, and calls-to-action (CTAs) that drive opens and clicks.

Creative Strategy Development (10%)

• Generate creative marketing ideas and connect them to organizational goals, ensuring alignment with SDF’s broader strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with team members to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment while ensuring consistent branding.

Brand Representation and Alignment

• Ensure all content reflects diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values, crafting narratives that are inclusive and representative of SDF’s mission.
• Represent the organization professionally with both internal and external partners, fostering positive relationships.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in social media and digital content creation, including organic and paid social media campaigns, website copy, blog writing, and email marketing.
• Proven ability to write engaging and high-performing content tailored for diverse digital platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of social media campaigns paid social strategies, and analytics, with proficiency in platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Experience managing budgets for paid campaigns, with a solid understanding of advertising best practices.
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) narratives and the ability to create content that aligns with inclusive values and language.
• Proficiency in tools such as MS Office Suite, Canva, and social media management platforms like Sprout Social; experience with photography, videography, or graphic design is a plus.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A professional demeanor and positive attitude, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of online marketing and web copywriting best practices.
• Initiative to recognize problems, propose solutions, and thrive in a fast-paced, adaptive environment.
• Experience with nonprofit organizations preferred.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Professional, hybrid work environment in San Diego
• Fast-paced work with multi-level distractions
• Ability to safely lift 25 pounds
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time at meetings, desk, computer, driving
• Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to two hours
• Ability to type using a computer keyboard
• Ability to speak into and use a telephone
• Ability to bend and stoop

• Salaried Exempt: $69,000.00-$75,000.00 (San Diego Foundation is committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. Actual offers will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience, internal equity, alignment with market data, among other relevant factors.)
• Supportive, inclusive company culture; awarded Top Workplace by the San Diego Union Tribune 5 years in a row 

• Flexible 9/80 Alternative workweek schedule, with every other Friday off 

• Hybrid work environment with support for at home office setup 

• 100% Employer paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D and long-term disability premiums: 75% Employer-paid premiums for all dependents on your benefits 

• 403B Retirement plan match up to 4% + Annual discretionary contribution 

• Earned Incentive Program 

• 3 weeks of paid time off + 1 additional week off with pay in July for all staff 

• 4-week sabbatical for every 5 years of service 

• 13 paid holidays + 2 paid volunteer days off each year 

• Extended Health Care Time accruing at 2.77 hours per pay period to a cap of 480 hours: use for sick time, family care, and parental leave baby bonding 

• $100 monthly cell and internet reimbursement 

• $75 quarterly gym reimbursement 

• Donor Advised Fund contribution with no minimum and $600 annual match from the Foundation to a nonprofit of your choice 

• Annual service award $100 donation to nonprofit of your choice 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.