Director of Communications and Marketing

What We Need

Cascade Bicycle Club is seeking a mission-driven, values-centered communications and marketing leader to serve as the next Director of Communications and Marketing. This role is for a strategic marketer who believes in the power of bicycling to build healthier communities, advance equity, and create a more sustainable and connected region – and who brings the skills to translate that belief into meaningful engagement and growth.

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Communications and Marketing leads marketing strategy, communications, digital engagement, and brand stewardship for Cascade Bicycle Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Washington Bikes, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit affiliated with Cascade. The Director guides integrated marketing and communications efforts that support Cascade’s mission, values, and long-term impact, with a strong focus on event marketing, inclusive audience growth, and authentic connection.

This role oversees marketing and communications for all Cascade rides, events, programs, advocacy efforts, education initiatives, online fundraising, and membership opportunities, including 15 paid rides ranging from three-day tours to the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. The Director develops and manages campaigns, advertising, and outreach strategies that center equity, elevate rider and community voices, and inspire participation. The Director is also responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of all communications and marketing projects, while fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment across the organization.

Department Overview

The Director of Communications and Marketing directly manages two employees and leads a team of five. The Marketing and Communications Department has the objective to develop and implement strategies to increase the visibility of both Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes on a local, statewide, and national level. The department leads or provides final approval on both organizations’ websites, advertising, print publications, e-newsletters, branding, as well as fundraising and event materials, with the Director of Communications and Marketing overseeing the development, editing, deadline, and quality of each project. The department is also responsible for event marketing to support Cascade’s 15 paid rides.

Who We Are

Cascade Bicycle Club, the nation's largest statewide bicycle nonprofit, is 9,500-members, 56-years old, and 51-staff strong, serving bike riders of all ages and abilities throughout the state of Washington. We teach the joys of bicycling, advocate for safe places to ride, and produce community rides and events. Our signature programs include the Seattle to Portland ride, the Pedaling Relief Project, advocacy for connected trail networks and on-street bike networks in Seattle and across the Puget Sound Region, Free Group Rides, Adult Classes, Let's Go, and the Major Taylor Project.

Washington Bikes promotes the health, safety, environmental, and economic benefits of bicycling. We advocate for people who bike, endorse political candidates, and hold officials accountable. We collaborate with community members and public officials to shape policies and investments in active transportation that create equitable, sustainable, and thriving communities across Washington state.

Our Values:

• Equity - We lead with a racial equity lens to eliminate inequities in community health outcomes and in mobility and transportation access. Bicycles are a tool for liberation.
• Climate Justice & Clean Air - Bicycles are clean, healthy, and an affordable solution to help solve the climate crisis, clean our air, reduce transportation pollution, and create sustainable communities.
• Community - We create opportunities for people to come together by removing barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. Bicycles are an integral part of creating connected, equitable and thriving communities.
• Safety - Safety is a right; we champion spaces that foster physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Collaboration - We share power, resources, and knowledge as a means to enrich lives and form mutually beneficial partnerships. We celebrate the existing strengths of our partners and participants and seek to be an accessible asset for others.

For a detailed description of the organization and its programs, please visit http://www.cascade.org or http://www.wabikes.org

What You’ll Bring

Duties and Responsibilities

• Campaign and Event Marketing (30%)
  • Lead integrated marketing campaigns to drive registration and revenue for Cascade’s paid rides, including multi-day tours and the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride.
  • Develop and implement CRM-driven marketing strategies that deepen engagement with riders, members, donors, and partners, with a focus on attracting new and more diverse audiences.
  • Direct online advertising across programs and events, including budget management, creative direction, audience targeting, and reporting
  • Oversee segmentation, targeting, data hygiene, A/B testing, and performance analysis within the organization’s contact database.
  • Partner with the Digital Communications Manager to apply data-driven insights to email, social media, website performance, and event marketing funnels.
  • Collaborate with the Development Department on digital fundraising strategies that complement event marketing, including email, social media, storytelling, and donation forms.
  • Support the Development department to implement fundraising campaigns, including targeted member and recurring donor recruitment, and support through the capturing of engaging stories.
  • Support sponsorship activation by ensuring marketing and communications deliverables are met for ride and event sponsors.
• Communications and Marketing Strategy (30%)
  • Develop and implement an annual, integrated marketing and communications plan that supports event participation, membership growth, fundraising goals, and advocacy impact.
  • Manage the MarComms budget, including paid media and digital acquisition investments tied to event attendance and audience growth.
  • Collaborate with departmental leaders to align marketing strategies with organizational priorities across Events, Advocacy, Development, and Programs.
  • Lead print, digital, and earned media strategies that elevate Cascade’s brand and highlight the rider experience.
  • Set strategic direction for Cascade’s website(s) and oversee implementation of email and social media strategies.
  • Ensure consistent, compelling, and equity-centered brand identity and messaging for Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes.
• Team Leadership and Cross-Organizational Collaboration (25%)
  • Lead the Communications Department, including direct supervision of the Digital Communications Manager and Content Strategy Manager and close collaboration with the Technology Manager and the Events and Communications Coordinator.
  • Establish and maintain clear workflows and standard operating procedures for marketing, communications, and creative production.
  • Ensure racial equity objectives and goals are met in all Cascade and WA Bikes communications, both internally and externally
  • Collaborate with the Advocacy and Development Departments to ensure strategic communications goals are met.
  • Partner closely with the Events team to align marketing timelines, messaging, and rider experience.
  • Oversee and support development, preparation and production of digital and print communications and marketing materials.
  • Oversee and support website and general content updates.
  • Serve as final editor and approver for all major marketing and communications materials, including event promotions, email campaigns, website content, and printed materials.
  • Serve as department representative on the Leadership Team, in Executive Committee and Leadership Team meetings, and in other capacities as needed.
• Public Relations (5%)
  • Lead media relations strategy in partnership with the Content Strategy and Media Relations Manager.
  • Serve as a spokesperson supporting the Media Relations Manager or coordinate spokespeople for media inquiries related to rides, events, advocacy, and organizational news.
  • Provide on-site media support at major events, including STP and RSVP, as needed.
  • In collaboration with relevant staff, plan for and manage crisis communications.
• Reporting and Evaluation (5%)
  • Develop and oversee marketing and communications metrics, with a focus on event registration, conversion, audience growth, and engagement.
  • Lead production of the organization’s annual report.
  • Prepare creative marketing briefs to guide marketing strategies
  • Prepare and present regular marketing and communications updates for the Board of Directors.

Skills and Competencies

• Positive, can-do attitude with a friendly, approachable demeanor.
• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Detail oriented and methodical with strong creativity and strategic thinking skills.
• Flexible and accommodating with urgent/last-minute requests.
• Comfortable with uncertainty and ability to perform well under pressure.
• Embodies a mission-driven attitude with conviction, confidence, and optimism.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of applicable professional experience, or combination of experience and education.
• Experience working in customer relationship management tools such as Salesforce.
• Prior people management experience and serving on a leadership team.
• Experience working within departmental budget parameters.
• Experience developing strategic plans on a departmental and organizational level.
• Experience working with the media and being interviewed by news and media stations.
• Communications or journalism experience performing tasks directly related to this position.
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts, website content management systems (WordPress and Drupal preferred), and mass email service providers such as Campaign Monitor, MailChimp, etc.
• Experience marketing paid events, large-scale experiences, or destination-based programs
• Proven success driving registrations and revenue through digital marketing, email, paid media, and CRM strategies
• Excellent writing and editing skills, especially in a journalistic and conversational style.
• Knowledge of best practices for digital user experience, SEO strategy, and A/B testing.
• Proficiency with HTML and CSS, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Design Suite, Canva Pro, and/or other graphic design and photo editing software.
• Perform basic graphic design and photography work, including photo editing and creating compelling images for social media advertising.
• Excellent organizational skills, able to plan ahead, meet deadlines and goals while simultaneously managing multiple projects.
• Ability to travel throughout the region via personal vehicle, personal bicycle, and/or public transit to attend Cascade events and rides as needed to perform the duties of this role.
• Experience working at an advocacy-oriented organization or in an advocacy-oriented position. (preferred)
• Interest in or passion for the bicycling industry and cycling community. (preferred)
• Experience supporting racial, health, mobility, and/or environmental equity and justice programs and outcomes. (preferred)

Job Details

This position is full-time exempt and remote-hybrid eligible. Generally, work can be done off-site, provided there is no loss to team collaboration, the needs of the organization, and the essential functions of the position. However, residence in Washington state and the ability to come into the office one to three days a month are required. Some weekend and evening work may be required. Typical weekly hours for this position are Monday-Friday 9-5.

Cascade Bicycle Club is on a journey to becoming an anti-racist organization. We strongly encourage applications from people who have historically been underrepresented in the bicycle industry, advocacy, and nonprofit work.

Cascade is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to diversity, racial equity, and inclusion. Cascade does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, genetic information, marital status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination. We strive to have a diverse board, staff, and volunteer base that is reflective of the communities we serve. This position is subject to reference checks and the completion of a background check. Cascade will consider qualified applicants for employment pursuant to the Seattle Fair Chance Employment Ordinance and Washington State Fair Chance Act.

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement

If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination.

Hiring Timeline

Estimated date of hire for this position is March 1, 2026. Application review will begin January 5, 2026.