Every gift, grant, and partnership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation tells a story about what’s possible when a community invests in itself. We’re looking for a Director of Brand Engagement to set the strategy for how the Foundation tells those stories, builds relationships, and shows up in the community. This is a strategic leadership role for someone who can bring communications, brand, events, community engagement, and executive presence together to advance the Foundation’s priorities and create meaningful experiences.

What You’ll Do: As the Director of Brand Engagement, you’ll serve as the Foundation’s communications strategist, shaping how we tell our story, engage our community, and bring our mission to life. You’ll set annual communications and engagement priorities, lead integrated campaigns and high-profile initiatives, advance our brand, and turn the Foundation’s impact into stories and experiences that deepen relationships, inspire philanthropy, and amplify community impact. You’ll partner closely with the CEO and VP of Strategy and Culture to identify opportunities that elevate our community presence and advance Foundation priorities, while collaborating across the organization to ensure our communications, events, partnerships, and experiences feel connected and intentional. You’ll also lead and develop our Brand Engagement Associate and Event Associate, providing the strategy, direction, and support they need to do their best work.

To be successful in this role: You’ll bring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, marketing, event management, or a related field, along with 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, brand management, and community collaboration; 5+ years leading events from planning through execution; 5+ years building and advancing client, donor, or community relationships; and 3–5 years of direct supervisory experience. You’re a strategic thinker and confident relationship builder who can advise senior leaders, lead complex projects, tell compelling stories, and bring people together around a shared goal. You also have genuine ties to Sarasota, Charlotte, or DeSoto Counties, whether you live here now or grew up here and want to return, with a real understanding of these communities’ unique needs, opportunities, and people.

The logistics: This is a hybrid role with work taking place across the Foundation’s Venice and Sarasota offices and remotely based on operational needs. Because this is a highly collaborative, community-facing role, additional in-person time may be needed for team meetings, strategic planning, events, community engagement, and other organizational priorities.

Excellent benefits: Enjoy a robust benefits package with generous employer contributions (up to 100% depending on the plan): medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, 200 hours of PTO, 12 paid holidays, and many more.  

Exceptional Culture: You’ll work in a collaborative environment built on accountability, trust, clarity, and alignment – one that fosters teamwork, innovation, and professional growth, and empowers you to take measured risks and move confidently into the future. 

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried. Salary Range: $99,200-$124,000 annually

To see the full job description and learn more about our benefits, visit GulfCoastCF.org/careers

To Apply: Send resume to: jointheteam@gulfcoastcf.org

Since 1995, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has powered bold philanthropy and collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change across our region. Guided by values of authenticity, curiosity, collaboration, grit, and a trailblazing spirit, we work side-by-side with donors, partners, and community members to tackle our region’s biggest challenges and unlock its greatest opportunities. Together with our donors, we’ve invested more than $625 million in health and human services, education, civic & economic development, arts & culture, and the environment. Headquartered in Venice, with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Gulf Coast is nationally recognized for excellence, earning multiple “Best Nonprofits to Work For” honors and accreditation from Community Foundations National Standards®. Learn more at GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.