Meet Madeline Milligan, VP of our Marketing & Communications Committee!
Tell us about your role — what you do, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I am the Director of Marketing and Communications for Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, where I manage all aspects of marketing for our 46 Club locations across the state. As a team of one, I partner closely with operations and resource development to support their needs while ensuring our overall marketing strategy stays focused and effective.
A typical day can involve everything from developing campaigns and designing creative materials to collaborating with Club staff and partners on upcoming events or initiatives. I also spend time gathering stories from across our organization so the community can see the impact our Clubs make every day. The variety keeps things exciting and makes each day feel meaningful.
What’s a common misconception people have about your job or about marketing in your industry?
Many people believe that nonprofit marketing is simple or low pressure. The reality is that it involves an incredible amount of strategy, coordination, and adaptability, especially in an organization with 46 locations and diverse community needs. Each Club has its own programs, events, and stories that deserve visibility, so the marketing work must be both agile and intentional. It requires balancing mission-driven storytelling with the practical needs of fundraising, operations, and community relationships. It is rewarding work, but it is anything but simple.
What’s one marketing tool, habit, or framework you rely on more than anything else right now?
I rely on a mix of tools and resources that help me stay organized and focused across many competing priorities. Content calendars, project trackers, and creative platforms all play a role in keeping everything moving smoothly. As a team of one, structure is essential because it allows me to plan strategically while still responding quickly to new needs or opportunities. These tools help me remain intentional, creative, and timely in everything I produce.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I really enjoyed Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace. The book offered valuable insights into leading creative teams and building a culture where ideas can thrive, even in challenging environments. I found many of the concepts relevant to my own work in a mission-driven organization where creativity and collaboration are essential!
What are you looking forward to the most for the industry over the next year?
I am excited to see how brands start to distinguish themselves as AI becomes a more common part of marketing work. We are entering a period where technology is accelerating quickly, and I am curious to see how organizations embrace these tools in meaningful and intentional ways. I think the brands that succeed will be the ones that use AI to enhance human creativity rather than replace it. The next year will bring a lot of experimentation, and I look forward to learning from it!
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is to get involved. Professional development does not only happen within your job description. It happens when you put yourself in new environments, meet new people, and take on responsibilities that stretch your skills. Being involved opens doors you may not have known existed and helps you build relationships that can support you throughout your career.
I credit where I am in my career partially to getting involved in projects and conversations and offering key insights! Everyone has a different perspective, and especially in the nonprofit sector, there’s always a need for more hands on deck!
What advice would you give to the next generation of marketing leaders?
Learn wherever you can, especially in volunteer roles or hands-on opportunities. The chance to contribute in real-world environments teaches you practical skills that you cannot get from textbooks alone. It also helps you understand how different teams and organizations work, which is invaluable as your career grows. Stay curious, stay open to new experiences, and do not underestimate what you can learn by simply saying yes.
When you unplug from work, where are you most likely to be in Philadelphia?
When I take time away from work, I love spending time at the Kimmel Center listening to the Philadelphia Orchestra. The arts have always been a source of inspiration for me, and experiencing live music gives me a creative reset that I carry back into my work. It is a special place that helps me recharge and reconnect with the creative energy that fuels my role.
What’s a mistake you made early on in your career?
Early in my career, I made the mistake of assuming that everyone around me had everything figured out. Over time, I learned that most people are learning as they go and that it is perfectly normal to ask questions or seek clarification. Realizing this helped me become more confident, more collaborative, and more willing to step into unfamiliar situations. It was an important lesson in both humility and growth.
What’s one benefit of being an AMA Philadelphia member that you enjoy?
One of the greatest benefits of AMA membership is the opportunity to connect with other marketing professionals. As a team of one, it is incredibly valuable to have a network of peers to share ideas with and learn from. The community provides great trainings to grow my skillset, and a sense of connection that I truly appreciate. It reminds me that even when my role feels busy or stretched, I am not navigating it alone.