Make a lasting impact through the power of communication.
First 5 Orange County is seeking an experienced, skilled, and purpose-driven Senior Manager of Marketing Communications to successfully execute strategic plans and programs that build awareness, inspire enthusiasm, and amplify our mission to support young children and their families.
We’re looking for a strategic thinker and skilled executor who understands how to leverage brand, website, public relations, and social media to expand awareness and deepen public commitment to First 5 Orange County’s mission and impact. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at building and managing effective communication strategies, and who can bring thoughtful ideas to life through expert coordination and implementation.
If you’re motivated by meaningful work, grounded in strategy, and experienced in managing integrated communications efforts, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and be part of a mission-driven team making a difference across Orange County.
We welcome all interested and qualified applicants. Please submit a cover letter and resume to First5OC@cfcoc.ocgov.com.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Partnerships and Government Relations, the Senior Manager of Marketing Communications brings a collaborative spirit and a self-starter mindset. This role requires someone who is equally comfortable leading strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute on day-to-day marketing needs. They bring thoughtfulness to how messaging is developed and deployed, ensuring all communications reflect First 5 Orange County’s mission and values.
The ideal candidate understands the full spectrum of marketing communications, including how reputation, awareness, and demand intersect to support organizational goals. They have the strategic expertise to shape campaigns and the tactical know-how to implement them effectively. They are experienced in building and managing content for websites, understand best practices in user experience, and know how to leverage digital platforms to educate and engage the public. An understanding of government agencies is especially important, as is experience navigating the unique communications needs and protocols in those environments.
Social media plays a key role in the communications ecosystem, and this leader will guide its use as a tool for public awareness and education. Additionally, they bring seasoned public relations experience and are confident managing external vendors, creatives, and consultants to bring ideas to life. Above all, they have a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families and are energized by the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Develop and lead a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with First 5 Orange County’s mission and strategic plan.
- Lead content development across all platforms, including website, newsletters, social media, presentations, and marketing collateral.
- Plan, write, and oversee the production of marketing collateral such as brochures, fact sheets, infographics, flyers, and other outreach materials.
- Manage and produce the organization’s annual report, ensuring it effectively communicates impact, financial transparency, and community outcomes.
- Coordinate visual storytelling efforts, including photography and videography at community events and for campaigns.
- Oversee the planning, creation, and publication of compelling content that educates, informs, and inspires action.
- Manage and optimize the organization’s website for content accuracy, accessibility, SEO, and user experience.
- Design and execute social media strategies to increase engagement and awareness, managing both content and performance metrics.
- Build and maintain media relationships and manage proactive and reactive public relations initiatives.
- Lead or support the development and execution of public education campaigns in partnership with creative agencies and vendors.
- Ensure messaging consistency across all internal and external communications.
- Analyze and report on the effectiveness of marketing and communications efforts, using data to guide improvements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and community partners to ensure communications are inclusive, culturally responsive, and effective.
- Manage relationships with marketing consultants, designers, web developers, and other vendors.
- Serve as a thought partner to leadership on communications strategy and crisis communications, as needed.
- Lead and oversee branding strategy to ensure consistent, accurate, and compelling use of logo, visual identity, and messaging across all communications.
Additional Information
This is an "at-will" position. Incumbents in this position will serve at the discretion of First 5 Orange County and can be terminated at any time. In such an event, the candidate has no right to any appeal or grievance procedure under any rule or regulation of First 5 Orange County or the State.
