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Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation · Chicago, IL, USA ·

Job type:
Full Time

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership for all marketing, communications, and brand initiatives of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director oversees the Marketing and Communications department, including direct supervision of the Manager of Marketing and Communications. In accordance with the 5-year strategic plan - The PFF is Me, this role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive strategies that advance the PFF’s mission, strengthen brand identity, grow audience engagement, and support fundraising and patient education goals.
The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, strategic communicator with a strong nonprofit background, proven experience leading teams, and the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling, multi-channel communications.

Position Details
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Direct Reports: Manager of Marketing and Communications
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and implement an annual integrated marketing and communications plan aligned with the PFF’s strategic priorities, fundraising initiatives, and patient education goals, including but not limited to:

PFF Registry

PFF Summit

Broadway Belts for PFF!

PFF Walk

Serve as the primary strategic advisor to senior leadership on all matters related to brand, communications, and marketing

Monitor and report on key performance metrics, campaign outcomes, and departmental goals to the Chief Development Officer

Stay current on trends in nonprofit marketing, digital communications, and the pulmonary fibrosis landscape to inform strategy

Department Management & Team Leadership
Provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the Manager of Marketing and Communications and other department staff

Establish departmental priorities, workflows, and timelines to ensure high-quality, on‑time delivery of all communications projects

Manage departmental budget, vendor contracts, and outsourced agency relationships, ensuring effective use of resources

Collaborate cross-functionally with Development, Programs, Research, Clinical Affairs, Corporate Partnerships, and Events teams to align messaging and support organizational goals

Brand Identity & Creative Direction
Champion and protect the PFF brand, ensuring consistent application of visual identity guidelines across all platforms and materials

Provide strategic and creative oversight for all public-facing PFF materials, including print, digital, social media, website, and event collateral

Lead the evolution and refinement of brand standards as the organization grows

Digital Communications, Website & Email
Provide strategic oversight of the PFF website and SEO strategy in partnership with outsourced digital partners

In conjunction with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ensures email communications and campaigns are in alignment with organizational messaging strategies

Evaluates performance data to optimize engagement across PFF’s digital assets

Social Media & Marketing Campaigns
Provide strategic support to the Marketing and Communications Manager, who oversees the PFF’s social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms

Oversee the development and execution of major marketing campaigns

Supports the Marketing Manager in directing the PFF’s work with outsourced marketing agencies, ensuring deliverables meet quality standards and strategic objectives

Public Relations & Media
Oversees PFF Communications Consultant as it relates to the PFF’s public relations strategy, including media outreach, press releases, and spokesperson preparation in partnership with PR consultants

Serve as a communications resource and liaison for crisis communications, organizational announcements, and media inquiries

Build and maintain relationships with media contacts and key external stakeholders

Publications & Print Communications
Provide strategic oversight and editorial direction for the PFF’s annual magazine, the Breathe Bulletin, as well as the PFF Annual Report, and the PFF Registry Annual Report.

Ensure all print and digital materials maintain brand integrity, accuracy, and alignment with PFF messaging

Administrative & Reporting
When necessary, prepares and delivers reports to the Chief Development Officer on departmental activities and outcomes

Take on special projects and assignments as requested by senior leadership

Qualifications
Required

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field;

advanced degree a plus

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive marketing and communications experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role

Demonstrated experience in nonprofit communications, with a deep understanding of mission-driven organizations

Proven ability to develop and execute integrated, multi-channel marketing and communications strategies

Strong leadership, team management, and mentorship skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience with executive-level communications

Experience managing budgets, agency relationships, and vendor contracts

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Acrobat Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office

Experience with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and email marketing tools

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment

Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends (less than 10%) to support PFF events and meet organizational deadlines

Preferred

Experience in health-related nonprofit organizations, rare disease, or patient advocacy

Familiarity with Constant Contact or similar email marketing platforms

Experience with Sitefinity or similar web content management platforms

Knowledge of SEO best practices and digital analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)

Experience with print production processes

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