Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Marketing Communications Director based in Los Angeles County. This position is responsible for Marketing Communications strategies and initiatives in the Los Angeles County and Ventura County market and the Orange County, Inland Empire and Coachella Valley market.

As the Marketing Communications Director, you will work with Executive Directors and the Development and Health teams to plan, manage and implement strategies promoting the American Heart Association’s health and development priorities in the specified markets. This is achieved through media and public relations, earned and paid media, digital media, content creation and storytelling, marketing, sponsorship activation, media advocacy and special campaigns/initiatives.

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing Communications, this is a field/home-based position involving regular travel on-site across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire as well as work performed from a home office environment, regular meetings in the Association’s offices in Culver City and Irvine, and remote locations for meetings and events, some of which are outdoors.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.

• Develop, plan and implement innovative communications and marketing strategies to promote and support national, regional and local health priorities, revenue goals, fundraising events, cause initiatives and supporter-funded community activations.
• Secure earned media placements by crafting and pitching “big picture” stories focusing on hard news, feature, community impact and research stories to the specified media market.
• Collaborate with local marketing communications and advocacy teams to develop and execute advocacy communications plans for local, state and national public policy priorities.
• Identify, cultivate and maintain media relationships, including with producers, editors, reporters, anchors, community affairs directors and non-traditional media such as local influencers.
• Create and curate video content for local social media channels and other market needs.
• Work with local and regional communications team to plan and implement local campaigns through paid social, online and traditional media.
• Identify, recruit and train volunteers who can serve as media and cause initiative spokespersons. Maintain an accessible database of human interest stories to tap for media inquiries.
• Write internal communications, as assigned.
• Serve as a communications and marketing consultant to staff and volunteers, including conducting communications orientation and training, monitoring progress on key objectives and cause initiatives, and providing general counsel and guidance.
• Maintain the integrity of the brand and identity of the American Heart Association by developing and/or reviewing/editing communications and marketing materials.
• Work with the Vice President of Marketing Communications and local staff to handle crises or sensitive issues.

Success factors include strengths in collaboration, agility and a dedication to excellence along with a track record that includes:

• At least three (3) years of experience in marketing communications, communications, public relations or journalism.
• Solid understanding of strategic public relations, marketing planning and implementation using earned and owned channels.

• Ability to write and edit for a variety of audiences through numerous platforms, including writing for media, web and mobile.

• Experience in content creation and storytelling with the ability to craft compelling narratives through writing, video, graphic design and photography.

• Experience developing content for and driving community engagement via social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.).

• Demonstrated excellence in written communications, including news, business and persuasive writing.
• Strong one-on-one and group communication and the ability to work with all levels of media contacts, community leaders, and American Heart Association volunteers and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects at various stages of development with efficiency and strategic oversight.
• Highly adaptable with the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment that promotes continuous learning.
• Willingness to travel within the assigned markets, work at on-site events, as well as occasional travel to other locations; access to reliable transportation is required.
• Willingness to work outside regular business hours including some evenings and weekends as needed.

Here are some of the additional preferred skills we are looking for:

• University or college degree.
• Nonprofit and/or agency experience.
• Existing media connections throughout the Southern California market.
• Experience with AP Style writing.
• Experience with web-based platforms like Canva.

Expected pay range will be $68,700 to $91,700 annually. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

• Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  
  
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; eligibility for an incentive program is based on the type of position. 
  
  
• Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
  
  
• Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  HeartU is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  
  
• Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  
  
• Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.

At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.

This position not a match with your skills?  Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities