Senior Manager of Internal & Institutional Communications

Description

About Us

Here for animals since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA is a cherished San Francisco institution, known for compassion, excellence and innovation in the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine. 

We operate a public veterinary hospital, a high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter clinic, a community veterinary clinic, and provide low-cost community medicine programs. The SF SPCA saves the lives of homeless dogs and cats through our shelter medicine and adoption programs. Our innovative programs and services serve as models for humane organizations across the country and around the world.

As a community-supported nonprofit, not affiliated with any national organization, our values “Be Generous, Fearless, and Connected” guide our talented and dedicated professionals to deliver on our promises each day. Iconic and innovative, the SF SPCA offers you the opportunity to join a team committed not only to veterinary excellence and animal welfare, but to a balanced and rewarding work environment.

Role Description:

The Senior Manager of Internal and Institutional Communications is a hands-on role responsible for advising on and executing communications strategy across internal, executive, Board, and institutional channels. This is largely an individual contributor role requiring someone equally comfortable providing strategic recommendations and rolling up their sleeves to deliver on agreed direction. The Senior Manager works in close partnership with senior and executive leadership across multiple functions — serving as a trusted communications advisor, driving cross-functional alignment, and maintaining direct accountability for and execution of deliverables. This role requires a willingness and enthusiasm to immerse oneself in the organization to learn its programs, priorities, and culture. Strong relationship management and the ability to navigate a matrixed environment are essential to success.    

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal and executive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals, including Vision 2030 and key business priorities.
• Partner closely with senior and executive leadership across functions to understand internal communications needs, provide strategic recommendations, and execute on agreed direction.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to craft messages and presentations that effectively communicate organizational initiatives and updates to employees, donors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders. 
• Develop and oversee an online reputation monitoring program; analyze sentiment, provide risk assessments, and partner with leadership on response strategies.
• Produce a high volume of communications materials including leadership talking points, organizational announcements, briefing documents, newsletters, and intranet content.
• Support the VP of Marketing and Communications in executing external communications strategy, serving as a day-to-day partner on external initiatives
• Manage and direct the external PR firm, serving as primary point of contact and ensuring strong partnership aligned with organizational priorities and highlighting strategic communication initiatives.
• Contribute to crisis communications planning and response, developing employee-facing messaging and supporting external communications under VP direction.
• Write and edit external communications materials for strategic initiatives, including content, announcements, and messaging frameworks as needed.
• Produce and oversee the creation of internal communication materials, including newsletters, emails, intranet content, and announcements. Write and edit messaging frameworks, leadership talking points, organizational announcements, briefing materials, and other external and internal communications materials.  

Requirements

• 6 - 8 years of experience in communications, PR, or related field, with demonstrated experience across both internal and external communications
• Exceptional writer and communicator with demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling messaging
• Proven experience supporting executive or Board-level communications
• Experience managing external agencies or PR firms
• Track record of working cross-functionally and building trust with senior stakeholders
• Deep understanding of nonprofit communications needs preferred
• Comfort operating independently in ambiguous environments with limited resourcing
• Strategic thinking paired with strong execution — this role requires both in equal measure
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management across levels and functions
• Strong project management and personal accountability from brief to delivery
• Ability to navigate a matrixed environment and earn trust across multiple reporting relationships

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment up to 8 hours per day 
• Work is performed in a shelter/animal hospital setting.   
• Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available
• This role is eligible for a hybrid work schedule of 2–3 days remote per week based on business needs and when schedules allow. 
• Position requires occasional evening and weekend availability in support of organizational events and communications needs; schedule flexibility is expected.

Salary & Benefits

The starting salary for this position depends on the depth and breadth of experience. The expected range is $124,000 - 138,000 annually.  Regular, full-time positions are eligible for a benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Plan and contribution matching
• Student debt relief program
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits
• Discounts on retail and pet supplies
• Discounts on veterinary care at our SF SPCA Mission Campus Veterinary Hospital and Spay/Neuter Clinic

The SF SPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job ad reflects the assignment of essential functions and does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. The San Francisco SPCA is an at-will employer and may conduct pre-employment background checks and drug screening depending on the role.