Access Fund

Access Fund is a nonprofit advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation o

The Director of Brand Marketing & Communications works to strategically and creatively advance Access Fund’s visibility, reputation, and relevance with multiple constituencies, including climbers, donors and members, land managers, and lawmakers. This role works to broaden Access Fund’s reach, deepen engagement, and inspire the public and our community to give, advocate, and volunteer. The Brand Marketing & Communications Director develops and implements a broad range of brand marketing, communications, and public relations projects to engage constituents in the protection of America’s climbing areas.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional project manager who thrives on bringing ideas to reality and has a talent for coordinating many moving pieces in a fun and fast-paced team environment. We are looking for a strategic thinker who is also comfortable with day-to-day execution and embraces the spirit and work ethic of the nonprofit workforce, where we think big and roll our sleeves up to get the work done. This role reports to the Vice President of Marketing & Philanthropy and directly manages the Communications Manager.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Own the annual planning and budgeting for brand marketing and communications functions, developing and implementing marketing initiatives in alignment with financial and mission goals and in collaboration with the team. Monitor and report performance of marketing initiatives to leadership team and board of directors.
• Support and manage the Communications Manager in execution of the organization’s core content deliverables, including monthly e-newsletter, blog content, news content, fundraising content, and written content for printed newsletter.
• Manage, maintain, and grow a pool of outside contractors (including graphic designers, website developers, videographers, writers, copy editors, etc.) and vendors to implement Access Fund marketing initiatives.

Brand Marketing Responsibilities

• Lead brand marketing innovation for the organization. Research, develop, deploy, and analyze new brand marketing strategies to keep Access Fund on the cutting edge of nonprofit marketing strategy.
• Act as chief brand marketer, set strategy, messaging, and look and feel across all brand collateral, print advertising, communications, video, and the Access Fund website.
• Primary project manager for all brand projects. Keep brand standards consistent across the organization.
• Serve as primary creative director for the Access Fund brand, working with freelance designers and illustrators to develop compelling visual assets that bring the brand to life.
• Work closely with the Digital Marketing & Membership Director to produce brand awareness campaigns that generate qualified leads and aid in the growth of Access Fund’s membership.
• Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy to set and implement event marketing strategies and tactics.
• Work in collaboration with the Vice President of Marketing & Philanthropy to identify and produce high-impact marketing collateral to support major gift initiatives.
• Oversee front end of Access Fund website, including design, user interface, architecture, and content management to ensure that Access Fund’s mission and purpose are reflected in the websites' content, imagery, branding, and navigation.

Communications Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Leadership Team and Program Directors across the organization to shape and define advocacy and engagement opportunities from Access Fund’s mission work, launching effective campaigns and communications that inspire and motivate the climbing community to engage in the protection of America’s climbing.
• Grow Access Fund’s public relations footprint by building out a disciplined PR strategy and program. Act as primary contact for all media and proactively work to develop and steward a database of responsive media contacts. Deploy project-specific PR campaigns as necessary to promote mission work and support business objectives.
• Serve as project manager for the Vertical Times newsletter, partnering with Communications Manager to ensure content accurately reflects our work and motivates members to engage in the climbing advocacy movement.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent experience, preferably in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in marketing and communications management; at least 2 years in a management position.
• Demonstrated experience in both traditional and digital marketing, as well as public relations and media strategy.
• Extensive project management experience, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through. Ability to balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, working well with deadlines and adapting to challenges and opportunities with a solution-oriented perspective.
• Demonstrated leadership excellence, including the management and support of team members, building relationships with external stakeholders, and sound decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing department budgets.
• Proficient and comfortable working in platforms such as a CRM database, content management system, marketing automation software, and Google Analytics.
• Agency experience is strongly preferred.
• Understanding and interest in technical rock climbing and the work of protecting America’s outdoor climbing areas.
• A desire to integrate JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) principles into their work.
• Ideal candidate will be located within commuting distance to Boulder, Colorado, but remote candidates will be considered.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check.
• Proof of current COVID-19 vaccination or qualified exemption.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a full-time nonexempt position with a salary range of $70,000 - $85,000, based on experience.
• Generous time off, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, 403b retirement participation with a 3% match after one year of employment.
• Access to industry pro-deals.
• Climbing gym discounts (based on location).

TO APPLY

To view the job posting in its entirety, go to accessfund.org/careers. Please send a resume and cover letter describing pertinent professional and personal experience with “Brand Marketing & Communications Director” in the subject line to [email protected] no later than March 21. No phone calls, please.

A NOTE ABOUT COVID-19

Access Fund will navigate this situation utilizing the best available national and local guidance. We are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters. Meanwhile, Access Fund will continue to operate at the fullest capacity possible to further our mission to keep climbing areas open and conserve the climbing environment.

Access Fund is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. We seek to attract a skilled workforce that reflects the diverse demographics of current and future outdoor enthusiasts. At Access Fund, we pride ourselves on the health and happiness of our staff. Together, we are building an organization and an industry where great ideas, born from a diversity of experiences, thrive.

Boulder, CO

03/21/22

This is a full-time nonexempt position with a salary range of $70,000 - $85,000, based on experience. Generous time off, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, 403b retirement participation with a 3% match after one year of employment. Access to industry pro-deals. Climbing gym discounts (based on location).