The Role

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Overview: The VP of Communications reports to the President and CEO and serves as a key leadership team member responsible for developing and executing IS’ communication strategy. They will develop a world-class communications plan for IS, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation. The VP of Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of IS, to include print publications, web, e-news, media, public relations, and marketing.

Salary Range: $171,500 – $190,567

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance IS’ brand and broaden awareness of its programs and priorities.
• Increase the visibility of IS’ programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow IS’ leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with the leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Serve as communications counselor to IS’ leadership.
• Develop and enforce brand guidelines to maintain a strong and recognizable brand presence. Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage and respond to potential reputational risks.
• Serves as a key decision maker during crisis situations, providing clear and timely communication. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning, and staff development

Media Relations/Public Relations

• Oversee development of IS’ print communications including the annual reports, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including IS’ website and new media.
• Manage relationships with associated vendors.
• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding IS’ programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
• Oversee the creation of compelling and impactful content for various channels including press releases, articles, social media, and marketing materials.
• Respond to media requests for information and oversee development of press/information kits, news releases, news materials, and fact sheets on organizational programs and initiatives. Proactively seek media opportunities and op-ed placements.
• Develop and oversee digital and social media strategies to enhance IS’ online presence.
• Monitor trends and implement innovative approaches to engage and expand the organization’s audience.

Team Leadership

• Manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture of mentorship that encourages innovation and excellence.
• Conduct yearly performance evaluations and implement the appropriate professional development tools and training to ensure the achievement of employee goals and performance benchmarks.
• Provide constructive and timely performance feedback.
• Interview, hire, and oversee daily workflow and training of direct reports.
• Directly manage the team: motivate, support, and direct employees, taking disciplinary action if required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community organizations to ensure effective communication and alignment of messaging.
• Represent IS at public events and conferences.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the Board of Directors, and staff.
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker to include the ability for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high impact placements.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories. Experience building, mentoring, and coaching a team of communications staff.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing/communications discipline (journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, etc.).
• Minimum of ten (10) years of communications, marketing, and/or PR experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior role with responsibility for managing the reputation of and setting vision and communications strategy for a major nonprofit, government or corporate entity

What Drives Us

• Sector Health—We conduct research and analysis to better understand the health of the nonprofit sector and to inform policy and practice changes that will lead to healthy, trusted, and equitable nonprofit institutions.
• Building Community—We build community among changemakers who work and volunteer in the social sector in order to create a growing sense of agency of the community, and to build its power in service of a healthy and racially just society.
• Public Policy—We develop and advocate for public policies that strengthen the nonprofit sector and the communities they serve. We serve as the voice of the entire sector on pressing legislative and economic issues in the sector.

Why Choose Us

• Competitive salary package: that reflects your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Comprehensive benefits: 100% employer covered for self to include coverage for health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance and additional coverage for dependents.
• Retirement Contribution: We will match up to 7.5% of your 403(b) retirement savings.
• Leave Options: Unlimited time off, paid time off (PTO), 14 holidays, parental leave, and DC FMLA Work life balance: Flexible hours core hours with a hybrid work schedule (3 days of telework), access to wellness and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Professional Development: A yearly stipend for continuous learning and professional development. Company Events and Social Activities: Participate in companywide events, team building activities and social gatherings.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Be a part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your unique perspectives and contributions are valued.
• Advocacy: Opportunities to travel, engage, and represent IS at various meetings and conferences