Marketing and Communications Officer in Redwood City, California at Pets in Need

MISSION
Pets In Need's mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes, to partner with communities striving to do the same, and to advance our no-kill legacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Marketing & Communications Officer is responsible for bringing the Pets In Need brand to life through compelling storytelling, strategic communications, and engaging digital content that inspires action and deepens community connection.

Reporting to the Director of Development & Marketing, this position leads the organization's day-to-day marketing and communications efforts while partnering with an external marketing agency to elevate the Pets In Need brand. The Marketing & Communications Officer serves as the internal steward of the organization's voice, creating meaningful content that advances fundraising, adoptions, volunteer engagement, corporate partnerships, community programs, and public awareness.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional storyteller, highly organized project manager, and collaborative communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This individual enjoys building relationships, creating engaging digital content, managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and finding creative ways to tell the stories that make Pets In Need unique.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Storytelling & Content Creation

· Develops compelling written, photographic, and video content that supports fundraising, adoption, volunteer engagement, community outreach, and organizational priorities.

· Identifies and develops meaningful stories featuring animals, adopters, volunteers, fosters, donors, staff, and community partners.

· Writes and produces content for social media, websites, blogs, email, internal communications, and other marketing materials while maintaining the Pets In Need brand.

· Captures and curates photography and video that reflects the organization's mission and impact.

Marketing Campaign & Project Management

· Manages marketing and communications projects from concept through completion, coordinating timelines, creative assets, stakeholder reviews, approvals, and deliverables.

· Balances multiple organizational priorities while ensuring projects remain on schedule and aligned with strategic goals.

· Collaborates across departments and with external partners to support fundraising, adoption, and organizational initiatives.

Social Media & Community Engagement

· Oversees Pets In Need's social media platforms, content calendar, and day-to-day community engagement.

· Creates engaging social content that strengthens community awareness, celebrates impact, and supports organizational objectives.

· Coordinates volunteer photographers and creative volunteers while identifying opportunities to amplify user-generated content.

Website & Digital Communications

· Maintains website content to ensure organizational information, campaigns, events, and messaging remain current and accurate.

· Coordinates website enhancements and digital communications with external marketing partners.

· Develops marketing email content and monitors digital communication performance to recommend continuous improvements.

Public Relations & Communications

• Assists in developing media materials, press releases, talking points, annual publications, and other public-facing communications.
• Represents Pets In Need professionally with media, community organizations, corporate partners, and the public.

Performance Measurement

· Tracks and analyzes marketing performance across digital channels, preparing reports that measure engagement, audience growth, campaign performance, and organizational impact.

Uses data to refine communications strategies and performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education & Experience

· Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Media, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

· Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, digital content, nonprofit communications, or a related field.

· Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

· Experience coordinating with external vendors, agencies, freelancers, or creative partners preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Exceptional written, verbal, editing, and proofreading skills with demonstrated excellence in grammar, accuracy, and storytelling.

· Excellent organizational, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while building collaborative relationships.

· Experience managing organizational social media platforms and creating engaging digital content.

· Experience utilizing AI-powered tools (such as ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, Gamma, or similar platforms) to improve workflow, content development, and productivity while maintaining organizational quality standards.

· Proficiency with Canva, Microsoft Office Suite, website content management systems, social media scheduling and analytics tools, and email marketing platforms such as Pardot (Salesforce).

· Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret performance metrics and make data-informed recommendations.

· Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the organization professionally.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Successful candidates will demonstrate creativity, sound judgment, accountability, initiative, adaptability, collaboration, relationship building, strong project management, attention to detail, and a commitment to Pets In Need's mission and values.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Frequently moves throughout shelter facilities, office spaces, and event locations while capturing content, attending meetings, and supporting organizational activities.

· Regularly uses computers, cameras, mobile devices, and other office or audiovisual equipment.

· Frequently stands, walks, bends, kneels, reaches, and occasionally lifts or carries equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

· Occasionally assists with event setup and breakdown, including moving marketing materials, displays, or supplies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

· Works in a combination of office, shelter, and outdoor environments.

· Travels between Pets In Need locations and community events as needed.

· Works a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays to support events, campaigns, and organizational priorities.

· Regularly works around dogs, cats, and other companion animals in a shelter environment, including occasional exposure to frightened, stressed, or energetic animals.

SALARY RANGE:

$80000 - $95000 per year

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions and responsibilities and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Consistent with applicable law, Pets In Need will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.