VP of Advancement

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION                                                                                                                    

Vice President of Advancement, Marketing, & Public Relations

General Function:  The Vice President (VP) of Advancement, Marketing, and Public Relations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, and execution of all marketing, public relations, and advancement initiatives to support the organization’s growth and reputation. This role combines leadership in fundraising, branding, marketing communications, and public relations, with a focus on advancing the organization’s mission, increasing visibility, and cultivating relationships with donors, corporations, and key stakeholders. The VP will work closely with senior leadership and board members to drive strategic growth and long-term success.

Duties & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan for advancement, marketing, and public relations, aligned with the organization’s goals and vision.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, the board of directors, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment of marketing and PR strategies with organizational objectives.
• Lead the integration of marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts to create cohesive campaigns that build brand equity and drive engagement.
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on matters related to marketing, public relations, and fundraising.

2. Advancement and Fundraising:

• Lead and manage the advancement department, including planning and executing fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Work closely with the development team to build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and key partners.
• Develop strategies to increase philanthropic support and raise awareness for the organization’s mission and programs.
• Organize and oversee fundraising events, donor engagement initiatives, and campaigns to meet or exceed revenue goals.

3. Marketing and Branding:

• Oversee the development and execution of a strong, consistent brand strategy across all marketing channels, including digital, print, and experiential marketing.
• Ensure that marketing strategies effectively communicate the organization’s mission, vision, and values to target audiences.
• Drive the creation of high-quality marketing materials, including brochures, annual reports, websites, advertisements, and social media content.
• Analyze market trends, audience behavior, and competitor activity to inform marketing decisions and maximize impact.

4. Public Relations and Media Relations:

• Develop and manage public relations strategies to enhance the organization’s public image, increase media coverage, and raise awareness of key initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, and thought leaders.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.
• Manage crisis communications and serve as a spokesperson when necessary, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely messaging.

5. Digital Strategy and Communications:

• Lead digital marketing initiatives, including website management, SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing.
• Ensure effective digital engagement strategies, leveraging analytics to improve content performance and reach.
• Collaborate with IT and design teams to maintain a user-friendly, visually appealing online presence.
• Oversee the use of digital platforms to expand the organization’s reach and connect with diverse audiences.

6. Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of professionals in advancement, marketing, and PR, providing guidance and support in their career development.
• Foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture across the marketing and communications departments.
• Ensure the team’s projects align with strategic objectives and are executed efficiently.
• Promote an inclusive, creative, and high-performance work environment.

7. Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the budget for marketing, public relations, and advancement efforts, ensuring resource allocation aligns with organizational priorities.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and fundraising investments to ensure cost-effective spending and maximum impact.
• Secure additional resources, including sponsorships, partnerships, and in-kind donations, to support organizational goals.

8. Reporting and Analytics:

• Regularly report on the performance of marketing, PR, and advancement efforts to the CEO, board, and other stakeholders.
• Use data-driven insights to assess the impact of campaigns, adjust strategies, and optimize future efforts.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for all marketing, communications, and fundraising initiatives.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Education:
  Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in advancement, marketing, public relations, or related fields, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Proven track record of success in fundraising, brand building, public relations, and digital marketing.
  • Demonstrated success in creating and executing comprehensive, integrated marketing and PR strategies.
  • Experience working with executive teams and boards of directors.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership, management, and strategic planning skills.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media relations.
  • Expertise in digital marketing, social media strategy, and fundraising platforms.
  • Proficiency in project management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including donors, board members, media, and the public.
  • Experience with analytics tools and a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Visionary, results-oriented leader with the ability to drive change and inspire a team.
  • Creative and innovative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to marketing and PR strategies.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to engage with diverse groups.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the organization’s mission.