Senior Director of Communications and Marketing

SparkWheel, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers preventing students and their families from being successful in school and in life. We believe there is a spark that lives inside each of us, and we are here to fuel that spark.  

JOB SPECIFICATIONS 

• Title: Senior Director of Communications and Marketing 

• Reports to: Chief Development Officer 

• Department: Communications, External Relations Division, Central Office 

• Location: Remote (Kansas or Missouri) 

• Classification & Status: Exempt, Full-Time 

• Work Schedule: 40-hour work week, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

JOB SUMMARY 
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing leads SparkWheel’s communications, marketing, and branding efforts, driving public engagement, supporting organizational growth, and amplifying impact. This role will develop and implement the department’s strategic plan, oversee internal and external communication initiatives, and ensure cohesive messaging across all platforms. As the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, you will play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around our mission, and driving public support for our initiatives, which is vital to advancing the organization’s mission and increasing awareness of its work. The Senior Director of Communications and Marketing implements the vision and goals of SparkWheel as articulated by the President & CEO. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO  
Leadership and Collaboration (30%) 

• Supervises the Digital Engagement and Content Manager and closely collaborates with the Director of Donor and Media Relations. 

• Oversees the Communications and Marketing Department workflow. 

• Contributes meaningfully to agency-wide vision and strategy. 

• Acts as a staff liaison to the board of directors, supporting strategic communication and reporting. 

• Fosters a culture of inclusiveness, innovation, and excellence in communication processes. 

• Completes other tasks and activities as assigned by the President and CEO or Chief Development Officer. 

Strategy and Innovation (35%) 

• Develops and manages the annual Communications and Marketing Strategic Plan and department budget. 

• Defines and oversees short- and long-range goals and objectives for the department. 

• Leads innovation in storytelling and engagement tactics across platforms.  

• In collaboration with the Development, Policy and Government Relations, and Programs teams, leads the effort to identify key audiences and priority areas on which to focus SparkWheel’s outreach, engagement, communications, and marketing efforts. 

• Develops written materials, including social media content, website copy, blog posts, press releases, and long form white papers and thought leadership pieces and provides high-level copy editing for the same. 

• Supports the External Relations Division with content creation and engagement for and with their respective audiences. 

• Ensures communications and marketing processes and workflows are effective and aligned.  

• Guides market research to strengthen SparkWheel’s brand and reputation. 

• Evaluates marketing campaign performance and adapts strategies based on data.  

• Analyzes and reports on communications and marketing outcomes and return on investment (ROI).  

• Manages vendor relationships and external services (designers, printers, etc.)  

• Monitors sector trends and funding shifts to inform strategic approaches.  

• Prepares detailed reports and presentations for the Chief Development Officer, President & CEO, and Board. 

 Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations (35%) 

• Develops and leads public relations strategies to elevate the organization’s presence. 

• Advises and leads on crisis communications in combination with the C-Team. 

• Cultivates media relationships and responds to media inquiries in coordination with the Director of Donor and Media Relations. 

• Directs the creation and distribution of press releases and earned media.  

• Oversees the execution of media campaigns and advertising buys. 

• Supervises digital engagement strategies, including Google Ad Grant management.  

• Guides the production of branded content, including video and podcast support.  

• Leads the development and approval of all marketing materials across the department.  

• Ensures the website and digital channels reflect current messaging and campaigns.  

• Identifies publication opportunities to increase visibility and credibility. 

• Creates and oversees strategic communications projects, including the Annual Report and organizational impact collateral across departments and makes adjustments in tone and content depending on the audience.  

Core Values & Shared Responsibilities (0%) 

• Recognizes shared ownership of agency wide culture.? 

• Develops, promotes and practices teamwork in all activities.?? 

• Advocates, promotes and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-to-day interactions.? 

• Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.? 

• Highly collaborative approach.? 

• No job is too small mindset.? 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR 

Qualifications:?? 

At a minimum, the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. 

• At least 5-7 years of professional experience in communications and marketing, including digital strategy.  

• At least three years of supervisory and team leadership experience 

• Excellent writing skills – both marketing and technical writing. 

• Demonstrated superior interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.? 

• Proven success in campaign strategy, public relations, and brand development.  

• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet strict deadlines, and maintain high attention to detail. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with a diverse audience. 

• Excellent knowledge and experience of computer applications such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CMS platforms, and analytics tools, electronic data tracking, internet, web sites, social media, etc.? 

• Experience managing vendors and external partners preferred. 

• Familiarity with nonprofit or education sectors is a plus.  

• Dedication to relationship building and a commitment to working as an integral part of the External Relations team, while exercising significant initiative and autonomy.? 

Physical Demands:? 

• Work Environment: Office, Remote Office, and Community? 

• Lifting Requirement: 25 pounds? 

• Travel Requirements:?? 

• Occasional travel – both day and overnight, including conferences, meetings, travel between school sites, etc.? 

• Valid driver’s license? 

• Transportation? 

• Auto insurance? 

• Pass various background checks? 

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.? 

OTHER POSITION INFORMATION 

Mandated Reporter:   

As a staff member of SparkWheel, Inc., you are a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect as outlined in the employee handbook. Failure to properly report to the appropriate child welfare authority and your supervisor can result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination. See Mandated Reporter Policy in the Employee Personnel Manual for specific details.  

The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change without prior notice. 

 HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to humanresources@sparkwheel.org.  Applicants will be required to pass state and NSOPR background checks prior to hiring. SparkWheel, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.