Director of Communications and Marketing
The mission of Indigenized Energy is to pursue tribal energy sovereignty through trusting partnerships and innovative programs that grow our collective capacity to unleash the power of renewable energy. With shared values, we work side by-side with tribes to help them pursue energy sovereignty based on their unique conditions, and develop their capabilities to plan, develop, and manage resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Indigenized Energy (IE), fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to empowering tribal communities through sustainable and renewable energy initiatives. Our work, rooted in the principles of energy sovereignty and environmental stewardship, has been recognized and supported by prominent foundations such as the MacArthur Foundation, Energy Foundation, and Builders Initiative.

Job Summary

The Director of Communications & Marketing (DC&M) plays a crucial leadership role at Indigenized Energy, overseeing all aspects of communications, brand, and marketing to support the organization’s strategic goals. The DC&M is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively engage donors, sponsors, and strategic partners, and drive actions that support fundraising and sponsorship goals. The DC&M will ensure all communications are culturally sensitive and aligned with the organization's mission, particularly focusing on engaging and mobilizing native and diverse audiences.

Areas of Responsibilities

Strategic Communication Planning

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the organization’s fundraising goals, sponsor relations, and overall mission.

• Lead digital marketing initiatives, public relations efforts, social media campaigns, and event promotions to support visibility and donor engagement.

Donor and Sponsor Engagement

• Create and manage communication plans aimed at retaining and expanding donor and sponsor bases through compelling storytelling, personalized messaging, and strong calls to action.

• Develop targeted content that fosters meaningful connections and demonstrates the impact of donor and sponsor contributions.

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson, managing all public relations activities to enhance the organization’s visibility and credibility.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure consistent, positive coverage of key programs, events, and milestones.

Social Media Management

• Oversee the strategy and execution of all social media efforts, focusing on increasing audience engagement and driving conversions through organic and paid campaigns.

• Regularly track and report on social media metrics such as engagement rates, audience growth, and the success of paid advertisements to inform future strategies.

Content Development and Oversight

• Ensure the creation of high-quality, consistent, and compelling content across all channels—digital, print, and social media—that reflects the organization’s voice and mission.

• Manage a team of content creators to ensure alignment with organizational goals and resonance with diverse target audiences.

Collaboration with Fundraising Team

• Partner closely with the fundraising team to synchronize communication strategies with fundraising campaigns, donor outreach efforts, and sponsor engagement activities.

• Ensure all external communication materials maximize impact and contribute to the success of fundraising initiatives.

Brand Management

• Uphold the organization’s brand identity and ensure that all communications, both internal and external, reflect consistent messaging aligned with the organization's mission and long-term goals.

• Regularly assess the effectiveness of branding efforts and make recommendations for enhancements to improve brand recognition and resonance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.

• 7+ years of experience in development or fundraising, with a proven track record of securing funding from federal, state, and philanthropic sources.

• Proven track record in a communications leadership role, ideally within a nonprofit sector aligned with the mission and values of Indigenized Energy.

• Demonstrated expertise in creating and executing successful communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire engagement.

• Deep knowledge of digital marketing, social media analytics, and public relations strategies, with the ability to measure and optimize performance.

• Exceptional proficiency in writing, editing, and verbal communication, with a talent for conveying complex ideas clearly and compellingly.

• Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with funders, tribal communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational and strategic planning abilities to create comprehensive funding strategies and manage financial aspects of grants and contracts.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of partners, including tribal communities, government entities, and funding agencies.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to both internal and external audiences.

• A deep commitment to advancing tribal energy sovereignty and empowering Native American communities through capacity building and mentorship.

• A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner with tribal nations.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Suite, and internet.

• Strong customer service, negotiation skills and ability to interact with employees at all levels throughout the company.

• Willing and able to travel occasionally, including overnight travel.

• Enthusiastic team player who understands the dynamic of working in a matrixed organization

• Outgoing with ability to provide excellent customer service to staff and external partners

• Excellent critical thinker and problem solver; able to make solid judgments and decisions

• Exhibits Indigenized Energy’s core values

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $95,000.00 to $115,000.00 Negotiable based on qualifications and experience. We have a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full time employees including health insurance and paid time off.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: This position will require working remotely, in the field and from your home (or other suitable place). Reliable transportation and dependable internet service at your home (or place of working) is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mission Edge San Diego, the fiscal sponsor of Indigenized Energy, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Except as provided by Title 25, U.S.C. § 450e(b), which allows for Indian preference in hiring, Indigenized Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, genetic information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law.