Director of Marketing & Communications

Join UP! We are lighting the path home, one person at a time.

About Urban Pathways

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City’s most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, “lighting the path home, one person at a time.” Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chief Development and Communications Officer (CDCO), the Director of Marketing & Communications is a senior leader responsible for setting and executing Urban Pathways’ integrated communications, brand, and public engagement strategy. This role serves as a strategic partner to development, programs, policy, and executive leadership, ensuring consistent, compelling storytelling that advances fundraising, public awareness, advocacy, and organizational impact.

The Director of Marketing & Communications oversees organizational messaging across all platforms and audiences, builds and manages a high-performing communications function, and ensures that Urban Pathways’ mission, values, and impact are clearly articulated to donors, partners, policymakers, and the broader public.

·         Develop and lead an annual and multi-year marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities, fundraising goals, and policy initiatives.

·         Establish clear KPIs and proactively recommend adjustments to KPIs and overall strategy to the Chief Development & Communications Officer (CD&CO) as needed.

·         Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and CD&CO on brand positioning, messaging, reputation management, and external communications.

·         Participate in contributing to organization-wide planning, decision-making, and growth strategies.

·         Oversee Urban Pathways’ brand identity and ensure consistency across all communications, including digital platforms, print materials, events, and media.

·         Lead storytelling efforts that elevate client outcomes, program impact, and organizational vision.

·         Represent Urban Pathways externally at events, convenings, and media opportunities, as appropriate.

·         Partner closely with the Director of Development to align communications strategies with donor acquisition, stewardship, and campaign goals.

·         Develop campaign messaging, donor-facing materials, and executive communications in support of major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, and special events.

·         Create board and volunteer ambassador tools, including talking points, presentations, and outreach materials.

·         Directly manage and mentor marketing and communications staff and consultants, setting clear goals, providing performance feedback, and supporting professional development.

·         Build scalable systems, workflows, and tools to support organizational growth and increased fundraising and advocacy activity.

·         Oversee digital strategy including website, email marketing, and social media platforms.

·         Manage media relations and external content distribution.

·         Track and analyze communications performance metrics (engagement, reach, visibility) and translate insights into strategic recommendations for leadership.

·         Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree preferred.

·         7–10 years of progressively responsible marketing and communications experience, preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations.

·         Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing cross-functional initiatives.

·         Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans that support fundraising, advocacy, or organizational growth.

·         Strong writing, storytelling, and messaging skills for diverse audiences.

·         Experience working with senior leadership and boards of directors.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and rapid problem-solving skills.
• Able to demonstrate independent decision-making and project management skills, including keen attention to detail and big picture.
• Comfort building relationships and collaborating with colleagues across teams and program sites.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders (e.g. funders, employers, colleagues).
• Experience building and integrating a brand across an organization – messaging, graphics, collateral, advertising, website, and social media.
• Highly proficient with technology; eager and capable of learning new software and systems as necessary.
• Commitment to Urban Pathways’ mission, vision, and values.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends.

Capabilities

•         Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull, lift (up to 25 lbs.).

•         Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.

•         Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

•         Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various programs sites.