Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Marketing and Communications

at Active Minds

🏢 About Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's leading nonprofit exclusively focused on youth and young adult mental health advocacy, with programs reaching over 1,000 schools and communities. What makes them unique is their youth-driven approach to changing mental health culture through peer-to-peer support and innovative programming. Someone would want to work here to be at the forefront of mental health advocacy while building a household brand for young adult mental health.

About This Role

As Director of Marketing and Communications at Active Minds, you'll be responsible for making the organization a household name in young adult mental health through strategic marketing, PR, and content development. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape how millions of young people perceive and access mental health support while managing a team and collaborating across departments on life-saving initiatives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning check-ins with your 3 direct reports to align on campaign priorities, followed by strategy sessions with program teams to support upcoming mental health initiatives. You'd likely spend afternoons reviewing content for key campaigns, engaging with media contacts about youth mental health stories, and representing Active Minds in partner meetings to expand the organization's reach.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Active Minds Is Looking For

  • Has 8-10 years of experience specifically in nonprofit or cause-driven marketing/communications with measurable success in brand-building campaigns
  • Demonstrates proven ability to lead teams while collaborating across departments in a mission-driven environment
  • Shows authentic passion for mental health advocacy through previous work, volunteer experience, or personal commitment
  • Possesses specific experience with youth/young adult audiences and understands how to communicate effectively with Gen Z and millennials

📝 Tips for Applying to Active Minds

1

Quantify your impact in previous roles with specific metrics (e.g., 'increased brand awareness by X% among young adults' or 'secured media placements in Y youth-focused outlets')

2

Demonstrate your understanding of Active Minds' specific programs like Send Silence Packing, Mental Health Month, or their chapter network in your application materials

3

Show how you've previously built brands from emerging to household names, particularly in the nonprofit or mental health space

4

Highlight experience working with youth/young adult demographics and understanding their communication preferences

5

Connect your personal commitment to mental health advocacy and social justice principles to Active Minds' specific mission and values

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific strategy for making Active Minds a household name among young adults', 'Examples of successful team leadership in marketing/communications with measurable outcomes', 'Your personal connection to or experience with mental health advocacy and youth empowerment', "How you've previously managed cross-departmental collaboration to support campaigns and programs"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Active Minds' current campaigns and programs (Mental Health Month, Send Silence Packing, chapter network)
  • → Their existing media presence and brand recognition among youth audiences
  • → Recent partnerships and stakeholder relationships mentioned in their annual report or news section
  • → The organization's specific approach to youth-driven mental health advocacy versus other mental health nonprofits
Visit Active Minds's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a marketing strategy to make Active Minds a household name specifically among 15-25 year olds?
2 Describe a time you led a team through a complex, multi-departmental campaign and how you ensured alignment
3 What media outlets and platforms would you prioritize for engaging young adults around mental health topics?
4 How would you approach content development for Active Minds' key campaigns while maintaining brand consistency?
5 How have you incorporated equity and social justice principles into previous marketing/communications work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic marketing experience without specific examples of cause-driven or nonprofit work
  • Focusing only on traditional marketing channels without demonstrating understanding of youth communication platforms
  • Failing to show personal connection to or understanding of mental health advocacy and social justice principles

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Active Minds!

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