Communications Manager in San Francisco, California at Rafiki Coalition

Company Description:

Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness is a San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating health inequities and improving the lives of Black, African American, and marginalized communities in the Bay Area. For over 35 years, we have provided a safe, welcoming space where health, healing, and hope come together. We offer a holistic range of services, including free and low-cost health screenings, HIV prevention and care, mental health counseling, housing and economic support, fitness classes, and nutrition programs. Guided by a belief that wellness is more than the absence of illness, we embrace a whole-person approach that honors the cultural, social, and emotional needs of our community.

At Rafiki, we are more than a service provider. We are a trusted partner, advocate, and resource. Our work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice. Every day, our team stands with our community to dismantle barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways to health and opportunity.

If you're looking to join a mission-driven organization where your work directly empowers individuals and strengthens communities, Rafiki Coalition is the place to make a meaningful impact

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Director of Development and Communications, the Communications Manager leads Rafiki Coalition's internal and external communications. The position develops clear, consistent messaging; manages digital and print communications; supports media and community outreach; and increases awareness of Rafiki's mission, programs, services, and impact. The Communications Manager also supports development activities through fundraising communications, donor materials, sponsorship promotion, and funder-facing content. The position may supervise staff, contractors, interns, or volunteers assigned to communications projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY AND BRAND MANAGEMENT

• Develop and implement annual communications and marketing plans aligned with organizational priorities and approved by the Executive Director.
• Maintain consistent messaging, voice, visual identity, and use of the Rafiki Coalition brand across departments, programs, campaigns, and public materials.
• Create communications calendars, establish priorities and deadlines, and coordinate information from staff and program leaders.
• Monitor communications results and provide practical reports and recommendations to the Executive Director.

CONTENT AND PUBLICATIONS

• Write, edit, and coordinate print and electronic materials, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, presentations, flyers, organizational updates, and the annual report.
• Translate program information, community needs, and organizational results into accurate, accessible, and culturally responsive content for varied audiences.
• Manage the review and approval process for public-facing materials and maintain organized communications files, templates, photographs, and content resources.
• Coordinate designers, printers, photographers, videographers, and other vendors as needed.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

• Manage website content and coordinate website maintenance to keep information accurate, current, accessible, and easy to use.
• Plan, create, schedule, and monitor social media and email communications in support of programs, events, community education, and organizational priorities.
• Maintain digital content standards and use basic analytics to assess reach, engagement, and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate timely communications during urgent, sensitive, or rapidly changing situations, in consultation with the Executive Director and appropriate leaders.

MEDIA COMMUNITY AND PARTNER RELATIONS

• Develop media outreach materials, including press releases, media advisories, background information, talking points, opinion pieces, and responses to media inquiries.
• Build and maintain working relationships with media, community partners, coalitions, issue experts, and organizations serving Rafiki's communities.
• Support public events, campaigns, and community engagement activities through messaging, promotion, materials, and communications logistics.
• Prepare the Executive Director and other designated representatives for interviews, presentations, public statements, and community appearances.
• DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
• Partner with the Executive Director, development staff, and consultants to create fundraising appeals, donor communications, sponsorship materials, campaign content, and event promotion.
• Contribute communications content for grant proposals, funder reports, acknowledgments, impact stories, and other development materials.
• Help communicate the results of funded programs accurately and consistently while meeting applicable funder recognition requirements.
• Support donor and sponsor cultivation through coordinated messaging and appropriate communications follow-up.

PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION

• Develop and monitor the communications budget; manage vendors, contracts, schedules, and project deliverables within approved authority.
• Coordinate multiple projects, clarify roles and approvals, and keep the Executive Director informed of progress, risks, deadlines, and decisions needed.
• Supervise and train assigned staff, contractors, interns, or volunteers and provide clear expectations and feedback.
• Follow organizational policies and protect confidential, sensitive, and personally identifiable information in all communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related work, preferably in a nonprofit or community-based organization.
• Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, interpersonal, and project management skills, with careful attention to accuracy and detail.
• Experience managing websites, email communications, social media, publications, media relations, and communications vendors or consultants.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and represent Rafiki's mission and work in a culturally responsive manner.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and common content management, email marketing, social media, design, and analytics tools.

Additional Information:

• This is a full time position
• Hybrid
• FLSA Status - Exempt

Application Instructions:

When applying for the position include with your resume a cover letter explaining:

• Why you are a strong candidate for this position
• Why you are interested in working for Rafiki