Head of Marketing and Communications

Position Title:

Head of Marketing and Communications

Description:

We are seeking a dynamic, data-driven Head of Marketing and Communications who excels at crafting high-level strategies and leading them through planning and execution. This hands-on leader will oversee the strategy, team, initiatives, and daily operations of marketing and communications at the San Jose Downtown Association, while building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to amplify the organization’s mission and impact.

The ideal candidate combines visionary strategic thinking with a proven ability to execute effectively. As a director-level role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Marketing and Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping the Association’s brand, engagement, and outreach efforts.

About Us:

The San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing the heart of San Jose. We are passionate about making downtown a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving destination for businesses, residents, and visitors. Our work has a tangible impact on the community – from creating lively public spaces to support exciting events that bring people together. At SJDA, we believe in fostering a collaborative and creative environment where innovation meets fun, and where every team member’s contributions make a difference. Join us in shaping the future of downtown San Jose!

This is a full-time exempt position located on-site in our downtown San Jose office.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Serve as a key member of the organization’s internal Leadership Team by collaborating with executive leadership to shape organizational strategy, drive alignment across departments, and contribute to decision-making processes that impact the overall mission and objectives
• Develop, document, and implement comprehensive, data-driven marketing and communication strategies that align with the San Jose Downtown Association's mission, promote downtown as a vibrant and inclusive community, set measurable objectives, engage diverse audiences across channels, foster stakeholder collaboration, and drive measurable outcomes through continuous evaluation and optimization

Team Leadership and Management

• Directly supervise and manage a small team of marketing and communication professionals, ensuring that they are motivated, engaged and working towards achieving their objectives
• Develop detailed project timelines and ensure on-time delivery of campaigns
• Create and manage budgets effectively to allocate resources where they will have the greatest impact

Project and Campaign Implementation

• Oversee the development and execution of marketing campaigns, activations, and initiatives that build brand awareness, drive engagement, and increase revenue through sponsorship
• Manage the end-to-end planning and execution of high-impact activations, events, and initiatives that engage the community and promote the San Jose Downtown Association's brand
• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless delivery

Performance Analytics and Reporting

• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to identify new opportunities for growth
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics across a wide range of traditional and digital channels, including social media, email campaigns, website analytics, paid advertising, events, and public relations efforts
• Develop detailed monthly reports that provide insights into campaign performance, audience engagement, channel effectiveness, and overall marketing ROI
• Leverage data insights to inform strategic decision-making, identify growth opportunities, and make actionable recommendations to refine marketing and communication strategies

Public Relations and Opportunity Building

• Responsible for communications to, for and about the San Jose Downtown Association (Including its subsidiaries – PBID, Foundation and DCDC) to its various constituencies, including members, downtown employees, residents, media, and local government officials
• Craft and oversee distribution of SJDA communications to the public, including talking points for the CEO, press releases, editorials, and op/ed pieces, letters to the editor, and photo opportunities
• Ensure that all marketing and communication efforts are in compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines
• Identify, secure, and manage sponsorship and partnership opportunities that align with campaign goals and enhance revenue streams

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, with at least 2 years in a leadership or director-level role
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing and communication strategies
• Experience supervising, motivating, and managing small teams of marketing and communication professionals
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and oversee budgets effectively
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute data-driven strategies that align with organizational goals and deliver measurable outcomes
• Proficiency in analyzing performance metrics and making data-informed decisions to optimize campaigns and initiatives
• Proficiency with digital marketing tools, such as Google Analytics, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and content management systems
• Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders, media, influencers, and community leaders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft and oversee press releases, editorial pieces, and public communications.
• Experience managing public relations efforts, including media inquiries and crisis communications
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure marketing and communication efforts meet compliance standards
• Familiarity with issues and opportunities specific to downtown revitalization or urban development (preferred)
• Experience working within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization (preferred)

Compensation/Benefits:

• Salary range between $110k and $125k dependent on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits, including 100% paid health insurance, supplemental benefits, PTO, paid holidays, work from home Wednesdays, and matching 401K

Please send resume and letter of interest to hr@sjdowntown.com – position open until filled.

At the San Jose Downtown Association we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We believe that our differences—whether in background, experiences, or perspectives—enrich our team and drive innovation. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our hiring practices reflect our commitment to building a team that represents the communities we serve, and we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.