Reports to: VP of Account Services

Prepared By: Human Resources March 2026

Overview

You will build and grow lasting client relationships, manage and execute projects, and, through a deeply ingrained equity lens, you will create and implement measurable strategic integrated communication plans that prioritize inclusivity and reflect cultural competency for public agencies and civic organizations, as well as private clients.

Who We Are

D&A Communications is a San Francisco–based, equity-first agency with nearly 30 years of experience advancing inclusive, community-centered strategies. We are culturally fluent storytellers who integrate public relations, creative services, and public engagement to deliver transformative communication programs for clients in both the public and private sectors—including government agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven companies.

Our work focuses on meeting people where they are—developing strategies that reflect community voices and promote equitable outcomes. From expanding transportation access and affordable housing to raising awareness about environmental resilience, to healthcare access and educational equity, we address the barriers impacting low-income residents and communities of color.

With deep cultural competency and a strong understanding of diverse social landscapes, we specialize in social impact sectors such as healthcare, housing, transportation, and education. Partnering with government agencies, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and socially responsible companies, we design inclusive, community-centered campaigns that foster trust, build lasting connections, and drive meaningful, measurable change.

What You Will Be Doing: Creating a More Just and Equitable Society

As a Sr. Communications Manager, you will build deep and long-lasting relationships with your clients, act as a trusted and valued advisor to them by providing strategic insights and recommendations to address their needs. You will develop integrated strategic communications plans, lead and manage project teams, manage the day-to-day project tasks and deliverables, write scopes of work, create and manage budgets, solve problems, communicate with internal and external stakeholders, coach and mentor junior staff, and participate in the growth and development of our Agency.

You will work collaboratively with clients to develop and implement a variety of culturally inclusive communication strategies that amplify diverse voices, foster equitable participation, and authentically reflect the communities being served, increasing visibility, awareness, and long-term sustainability. Our client work also includes planning and facilitating multicultural community meetings with hard-to-reach stakeholders, branding beloved places, spaces, infrastructures, government agencies, companies, and organizations that make up the fabric of our community, and working with community groups.

As an equity-first agency, many of our clients and projects are focused on reaching people where they are, and ensuring that our tactics are inclusive of engaging those who make up the fabric of our community. We work with community groups and city departments to benefit underserved, diverse communities and address issues and barriers that impact low-income residents and communities of color, such as mobility and access to transportation and affordable housing, to raising awareness about environmental resilience; to creating marketing strategies that reflect an equity lens; to creating public policy initiatives that ensure diversity and inclusion are valued. You’ll engage with stakeholders and community thought leaders through focus groups, town hall meetings, surveys, webinars, and more.

Who You Are

You have a natural interest in social change through policy or government. You are someone who is and always has been passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and making a positive impact on your community. You have a proven track record of cultural competency and sensitivity, with success in building meaningful relationships and trust with individuals with diverse backgrounds, including underserved and underrepresented communities.

You have the confidence, presence, and presentation skills to make recommendations to clients on how to best approach their issues. You are a driven leader with a growth mindset who can guide and lead a team of internal and external partners to move things forward. You will use your experience and expertise as a communications professional to craft compelling strategic campaigns for your clients, you have the ability to engage, inspire, and motivate those around you to meet and exceed desired outcomes. You can maintain a holistic view of projects without losing track of the details. You are comfortable acting decisively when necessary to keep projects on time and on budget. You can coordinate tasks, create a project plan, manage and oversee budgets and team resources, and excel at identifying a clear-cut plan of action and the resources needed.

You possess a strong work ethic, are a self-starter and you do what it takes to get it done on time and well. You are highly organized and detail-oriented and don’t flinch when you are thrown a curveball or two. You love solving problems, you enjoy engaging and collaborating with others and are not afraid to hold yourself accountable.

You can effectively communicate and have the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. You are a gifted writer with the ability to match the voice of the client and our Agency. You have experience managing clients and the ability to best understand their unique needs (both stated and unstated). You have experience developing integrated communications programs to reach diverse audiences, including branding, marketing, digital media, advertising, public education, and engagement and you have a good understanding of social media and how to leverage it on campaigns.

Because D&A champions new and innovative approaches, we will rely on your ability to pitch non-traditional ideas in ways that inspire client confidence. You can synthesize dense information and prioritize project goals. You are comfortable with delivering presentations, interacting with clients and the public, and facilitating meetings with diverse communities. You excel at leveraging cultural insights and data to craft impactful marketing strategies that authentically connect with multicultural and global audiences. You are committed to engaging with and empowering diverse communities through targeted outreach, meaningful partnerships, and programs that drive equity and inclusivity.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Communications Managers work closely with and report to the VP of Account Services and have the following key responsibilities:

Client Services

• Build, nurture, and grow client relationships. Manage client communications by interfacing directly with clients to understand their needs, goals, objectives, limitations, and concerns (both stated and implied).
• Meet with clients quarterly. Create quarterly strategic plans and revenue forecasts for all clients. Look for new opportunities to increase trust, add value, and grow the client relationship, which ultimately leads to additional projects, revenue and years of collaboration.
• Manage the contract, ensuring the project is aligned with the duration of work, financial terms and resource allocation.
• Manage projects from inception to completion, including strategy development, work plans, timelines and project budgets.
• Develop, implement and manage integrated marketing, branding, media relations, and communication program research, messaging, public engagement tools, and social media outreach that are rooted in equity, informed by cultural insights, and designed to engage and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Write and edit outbound communications, including promotional materials, creative collateral, social media and website content, newsletters, and new business proposals when needed.
• Develop and manage public awareness campaigns, special events; community partnerships, face-to-face outreach, and outreach programs that utilize social media and online tools to engage the public and facilitate the exchange of information.
• Interface and develop relationships with community-based organizations .
• Plan, execute and attend community based event/activities, some of which may take place outside of normal business hours.
• Actively participate in a collaborative team effort in the company’s proposal, RFP, and RFQ processes and ability to lead the team in content crafting, messaging, and package completion.
• Oversee contract and account budgets to ensure the project is on track and expenses are in line with deliverables. Manage annual CPI increases on applicable projects.
• Prepare monthly invoices for assigned accounts—ensuring billing rates are current and accurate on the contract and newly added staff has been approved by the client to bill time, and in turn appear on the invoice.
• Manage vendor, independent contractors and subcontractor relationships—overseeing the implementation of subcontractor agreements and invoices.

Leading & Managing Team Members

A Senior Communications Manager collaborates with all team members. They work closely with Communications Managers and Communications Associates who report to them.

• Delegate and assign tasks to team members for each project—providing clear direction for expectations around each deliverable, number of hours to be billed, and guidance with process, procedures and best practices.
• Lead and manage creatives, part-time people, independent contractors, and subcontractors as it pertains to the health of the project.
• Allocate hours for team members, including Communications Managers and Communications Associate on a weekly basis and ensure team members are utilized within capacity to do the job well.
• Ensure timesheets have been submitted, approved, and billed against the proper task with their respective notes. This includes Communications Associates, Graphic Designers, Independent Contractors, part-time team members, and the CEO.
• Review task descriptions to ensure they are accurate and match the work assignments.
  Provide the necessary tools that will aid in the efficient workflow for each team member.
  Schedule weekly touch points (or as needed) with team members to ensure staff are apprised of weekly deliverables.
• Coach, mentor, and train junior staff to help them develop professionally.
• Help solve problems as they arise for the long-term greater good of the company.

Education, Experience, Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, or related field (advanced degree a plus).
• 10+ years in PR, Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or Public Affairs — agency experience strongly preferred.
• 7+ years managing client relationships, projects, and cross-functional teams.
• 6+ years coaching and mentoring junior staff.
• Proven success in developing and executing integrated, equity-centered communication strategies.
• Deep experience engaging diverse and underrepresented communities and crafting culturally resonant messaging.
• Strong understanding of DEI principles and how to apply them in communications, marketing, and public engagement.
• Skilled in facilitation, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Mac), Google Drive, Slack, and project management tools.
• Familiarity with social media, analytics, multimedia, influencer marketing, and Canva or basic design tools is a plus.
• Experience working with government, public agencies, elected officials, or community-based organizations is highly desirable.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, both remotely and in person. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Psychological Demands

This role requires adaptability and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Key demands include:

• Managing shifting priorities and multiple tasks simultaneously
• Maintaining focus and attention to detail under deadlines
• Collaborating effectively within diverse teams and departments
• Communicating ideas persuasively and building strong internal relationships
• Navigating interruptions and thinking quickly to solve problems
• Working independently and remotely while staying connected with colleagues, clients, and partners through phone, video, and email
• Navigating interactions that may be complex or sensitive.

Physical Demands

Typical physical activities for this role include:

• Sitting for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day) while using a computer, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other office equipment.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle objects, and operate controls (e.g., computer keyboard, mouse, keypad).
• Regularly required to manipulate small objects and maintain fine motor skills for detailed tasks.
• Frequent verbal communication via phone, video calls, and in-person meetings.
• Occasional travel to client sites or events using various transportation modes.
• Standing at client or community events for long periods.
• Vision requirements include close focus, color recognition, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus as needed.

Work Environment

Work settings vary between quiet to moderately noisy office environments and remote locations with variable noise levels. This role supports hybrid work arrangements, requiring flexibility between home, office, and client/event sites.

Equipment Used

• Regular: Computer, telephone, printer
• Occasional: Copier