Senior Communications Officer

The California Wellness Foundation; Oakland, Los Angeles (CA, CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Wellness Foundation seeks a Senior Communications Officer to elevate its voice and that of its partners, expanding visibility, influence, engagement, and impact. The role reports to the Director of Communications and sits on the strategic communications team within the Programs & Public Affairs Department.

The ideal candidate brings broad experience in writing, digital and social media, and storytelling through photos and videos, with a deep commitment to the mission and social

Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing strategic communications across multiple channels.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and digital media skills.
• Ability to partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to mission, social justice, and equitable impact.

Responsibilities

• Elevate the voice of the Foundation and partners through strategic narratives.
• Craft messaging and manage communications across a full range of tactics.
• Collaborate with the organization to shape communications for program areas.
• Prepare high-impact speaking opportunities and strengthen social media presence.

Skills

Strategic communications

Writing

Digital & social media

Storytelling (photos/videos)

Leadership

Collaboration

Job description

The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness) seeks a skillful, creative, and strategic communications professional to serve as a Senior Communications Officer focused on proactively elevating the voice of the Foundation and its partners to expand visibility, influence, engagement, and impact. This role requires the skills and experience to develop, execute, and manage strategic communications across a full range of tools and tactics that advance the mission of the Foundation. The Senior Communications Officer will report directly to the Director of Communications and serve on the strategic communications team. They will be part of the Programs & Public Affairs Department, which integrates communications, government relations, community engagement, and grantmaking. The ideal Senior Communications Officer will bring a breadth of relevant experience and skills inclusive of writing, digital and social media, and storytelling through photos and videos; deep commitment to the mission; and a spirit of inquiry and positivity which allows them to contribute and thrive through moments of growth and transition.

Cal Wellness is entering an exciting period of transformation as we are preparing to operate under a new strategic framework in 2026. As we continue to push the boundaries of traditional philanthropy, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing racial and social justice and improving health and wellness across California. The Senior Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in amplifying this work—crafting strategic narratives; elevating our voice and influence; and collaborating across the organization to shape communications for both transitioning and emerging program areas. This leader will also partner closely with executive leadership to develop compelling messaging and prepare for high impact speaking opportunities while collaborating with the communications team to support and strengthen our social media presence in ways that clearly communicate our vision, strategy, and impact.

The ideal candidate is committed to the mission, values-aligned, and social justice-oriented; is able to work effectively in both a highly collaborative environment as well as autonomously as a self-starter; possesses superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; has the ability to anticipate needs and adapt and respond thoughtfully to emerging issues; and has honed the advanced organizational and prioritization skills needed to work quickly within a dynamic

The California Wellness Foundation is pleased to partner with Walker & Associates Consulting – an Oakland-based, Black- and woman-owned strategic management consulting and executive search firm promoting equitable community impact - for this search.

The California Wellness Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse candidate pool. Additionally, we are a fair chance employer and welcome candidates with lived experience with the criminal justice system.

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to limit the scope of potential work assignments. This is only a summary of the typical functions of the job and duties may differ from those as outlined above.