Marketing & Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Manager

🔹 Company: Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas

🔹 Location: Austin, Texas, United States (Hybrid: 2 office days per week)

🔹 Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Exempt

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: May 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 office days per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to enhance brand visibility and community engagement.
• Creating impactful content, managing social media, and building strategic partnerships to support the organization's mission.
• Collaborating with various teams to create effective acquisition and retention strategies, including impactful development materials and storytelling.
• Managing crisis communications and serving as the internal point of contact for crisis issues.
• Ensuring marketing content is culturally relevant and inclusive, with bilingual messaging where appropriate.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of creativity and analytical skills, with a focus on data-informed decision-making to drive awareness, wish referrals, and donor retention.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Strategy Development: Create and implement an annual marketing and communications calendar and strategy with action plans to increase brand awareness and drive engagement and resources to the chapter. Track defined data, metrics, and benchmarks to meet goals established for revenue, engagement, and brand awareness.

✅ Creation & Execution: Lead the development and utilization of all key external messaging and positioning, with an emphasis on powerful storytelling. Write accurate, emotionally resonant stories that drive community understanding of the impact of a wish. Oversee the management of the chapter's social media accounts and websites, ensuring the development of dynamic and impactful content. Create and manage print communications, marketing materials, and electronic communications for revenue (including events) and mission-related projects.

✅ Relationship Management: Build strategic partnerships with local media outlets, influencers, creative agencies, and community organizations in Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. Manage relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers, providing clear guidance and ensuring deliverables meet brand and strategic goals.

✅ Administrative: Maintain internal communications calendar and assist with internal communications. Prioritize media opportunities and prepare talking points, speeches, and presentations for the CEO, board, and volunteers. Oversee brand protection by ensuring proper use of Make-A-Wish marks and adherence to national identity standards. Maintain the photo and story library to ensure accessibility for future marketing and promotional needs. Ensure the chapter website and event microsites are regularly updated with accurate information and a strong user experience. Adhere to all Make-A-Wish America performance standards and Chapter internal controls, policies, and procedures.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of discretion to sensitive constituent information and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, graphic design, or related field.

Experience: 5+ years of professional work experience in communications and marketing, with a track record of improving engagement and brand outcomes.

Required Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to write and edit compelling stories across platforms with emotional clarity and cultural relevance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively across the organization in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management skills, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft computer programs, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• A passion for the mission of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.

Preferred Skills:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro), email marketing platforms, and/or tools such as Canva or video editing software.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the nonprofit sector or working with children's causes may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Marketing & Communications Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector)

Benefits:

• Full individual insurance premium coverage for Medical, Dental and Vision care. Optional employee-paid family coverage.
• Health Savings Account options with monthly employer contributions.
• Employer-paid life insurance policy and STD/LTD policies.
• Simple IRA Retirement Savings Plan with 3% employer matching.
• 2 personal days off (PD), birthday day off, 15 accrued paid time off days (PTO), Quarterly Wellness days off, 13 additional paid holidays annually; PTO increases with tenure.
• Monthly business mileage reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Annual Spanish bilingual stipend available upon successful completion of language proficiency skills test.
• Discounts and special offers with entertainment and travel vendors.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends for in-person activities.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Marketing & Communications Manager with 5-10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the organization's budget.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Philanthropy - Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. They operate locally across 40 counties in central and south Texas, contributing to the more than 375,000 wishes granted throughout the U.S. and its territories.

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees) - As a small organization, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas offers a close-knit work environment where employees have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's mission.

Founded: 1984 - Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas was founded in 1984 and has since granted more than 6,500 wishes in the local community.

Company Description:

• Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is committed to bringing the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health.
• The organization aims to deliver hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most, contributing to the more than 375,000 wishes granted throughout the U.S. and its territories.
• With 58 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states.

Company Specialties:

• Wish granting
• Charity
• Nonprofit
• And kids

Company Website: http://cstx.wish.org/

ASSUMPTION: Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is a well-established nonprofit organization with a strong reputation in the community and a clear mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level - This role is a mid-level position within the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer and working closely with the CEO and various teams to achieve the organization's mission.

Reporting Structure: The Marketing & Communications Manager will report directly to the Chief Development Officer and work closely with the CEO and various teams, including the development, wish granting, and community engagement teams.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid - This role requires a hybrid work arrangement, with at least two office days per week and the flexibility to work remotely/from home. The position will be expected to work in-office at least two days a week and some weeknights/weekends for in-person activities, such as event support, wish events, and team bonding activities.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a mid-sized nonprofit, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization as it continues to expand its impact in the community.
• With a strong focus on storytelling and data-informed decision-making, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional development in the marketing and communications field.
• Working closely with various teams, the Marketing & Communications Manager will have the opportunity to gain experience in multiple aspects of nonprofit operations and management.

ASSUMPTION: As a mid-sized nonprofit, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization as it continues to expand its impact in the community.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid - The Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas offices in Austin and San Antonio are open for use by all staff, with this role requiring a hybrid work arrangement of at least two office days per week.

Office Location(s): Austin Main Office (3600 Bee Caves Rd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746) and San Antonio Regional Office (1931 Northwest Military Hwy, Suite 210, San Antonio, TX 78213)

Geographic Context:

• Austin and San Antonio are two of the largest cities in Texas, with a combined population of over 3 million people.
• The Austin-San Antonio corridor is a rapidly growing region with a diverse population and a strong economy, providing ample opportunities for community engagement and partnership building.
• The Central & South Texas region served by Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas covers 40 counties, with a total population of over 7 million people.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends for in-person activities, such as event support, wish events, and team bonding activities.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement for this role allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility for employees while maintaining a strong connection to the organization's mission and culture.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Chief Development Officer.
• In-depth interview with the Chief Development Officer and the CEO.
• Final interview with the CEO and a panel of staff members.
• Background check and reference check for the final candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Candidates will be assessed on their ability to create compelling stories and communicate effectively across various platforms and audiences.
• Their understanding of the Make-A-Wish mission and the ability to align marketing and communications strategies with the organization's goals will be evaluated.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in marketing and communications, with a focus on storytelling, project management, and data-informed decision-making.
• Include a writing and/or design sample/portfolio that showcases your ability to create impactful content and manage projects effectively.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your understanding of the Make-A-Wish mission and your ability to create engaging and culturally relevant content.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with crisis communications and your ability to manage relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers.

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Storytelling, Project Management, Data Analysis, Social Media Management, Crisis Communications, Content Creation, Relationship Management, Bilingual Communication, Adobe Creative Suite, Email Marketing, Public Relations, Community Engagement, Digital Marketing, Brand Management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' ability to create compelling stories, communicate effectively, and manage projects effectively in a fast-paced environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro)
• Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are industry-standard and widely available, with many free or low-cost alternatives available for candidates to gain experience and demonstrate proficiency.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Mission-driven - Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas is committed to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and delivering hope and joy to families when they need it most.
• Community-focused - The organization aims to build strategic partnerships with local media outlets, influencers, creative agencies, and community organizations to enhance brand visibility and community engagement.
• Inclusive - Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas strives to create an environment where every child, family member, volunteer, staff member, intern, and supporter can be their true and authentic self, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, faith, religion, age, or any other aspect that makes them unique.

Work Style:

• The ideal candidate for this role will be both creative and analytical, blending compelling storytelling with data-informed decision-making to drive awareness, wish referrals, and donor retention.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment are essential for success in this role.
• Candidates should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively across the organization, with a focus on building strategic partnerships and managing relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have experience creating compelling stories and communicating effectively across various platforms and audiences?
• Are you comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, with a focus on project management and attention to detail?
• Do you have experience with crisis communications and managing relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers?
• Are you passionate about the mission of Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas and committed to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role will be both creative and analytical, with a strong focus on storytelling, project management, and data-informed decision-making. They should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and have experience with crisis communications and managing relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, requiring strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Working with a limited budget and resources, requiring creativity and strategic planning to maximize impact.
• Balancing the need for cultural relevance and inclusivity in marketing and communications materials, requiring a deep understanding of the diverse communities served by Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.
• Managing relationships with vendors, printers, and freelancers, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends for in-person activities, such as event support, wish events, and team bonding activities, which may require flexibility and adaptability.

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges associated with this role require a strong blend of creativity, analytical skills, and adaptability, with a focus on project management, attention to detail, and effective communication.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other marketing and communications roles in the nonprofit sector, this position offers a unique opportunity to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and deliver hope and joy to families when they need it most.
• With a strong focus on storytelling and data-informed decision-making, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional development in the marketing and communications field.
• As a mid-sized nonprofit, Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas offers opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization as it continues to expand its impact in the community.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses and deliver hope and joy to families when they need it most, with a strong focus on storytelling and data-informed decision-making.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan to enhance brand visibility and community engagement for a major fundraising event, including creating impactful content, managing social media, and building strategic partnerships.
• Managing crisis communications for a high-profile wish reveal, ensuring accurate and emotionally resonant storytelling that drives community understanding of the impact of a wish.
• Creating and managing print communications, marketing materials, and electronic communications for a mission-related project, such as a wish reveal or a corporate partner check presentation, ensuring appropriate stewardship of relationships.

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role require a strong blend of creativity, analytical skills, and adaptability, with a focus on project management, attention to detail, and effective communication.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the organization's mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the organization measure the success of its marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the organization?
• How does the organization support work-life balance for its employees, particularly for those in hybrid or remote work arrangements?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions to ask during the interview for this role should focus on understanding the organization's mission, priorities, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in marketing and communications, with a focus on storytelling, project management, and data-informed decision-making.
• Include a writing and/or design sample/portfolio that showcases your ability to create impactful content and manage projects effectively.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your understanding of the Make-A-Wish mission and your ability to create engaging and culturally relevant content.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.