What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate VP of Strategic Communications position at CareerSource Central FL?
GENERAL PURPOSE:
The Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications is the strategist and partner for CareerSource Central Florida (CSCF) and its executive team in developing and placing compelling stories that highlight the organization’s vision, mission, value proposition and outcomes to the Central Florida community. This executive leader guides, develops and drives the strategic direction of the Company’s marketing, internal and external communications, social media, public relations, media relations, advertising, and brand loyalty and awareness. The Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications is responsible for achieving maximum impact in the development of the CSCF brand, connecting with a more diversified audience, and ensuring consistent and significant awareness and communication with key stakeholders. He/She works to ensure the Communications team is running smoothly and executing all strategies and initiatives.
As a member of the Company’s senior executive team, the Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications brings equal parts strategy and creativity, strong process and project management experience, and proven well-round experience and skills in both marketing and public relations. This position requires talent for impactful storytelling through written, verbal, and digital/video communications. The position oversees the planning, day-to-day activities, and KPIs of a high-volume communications team, and also owns and executes their own projects and initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this job title. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the job title. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
Develops and oversees the Company's communication strategy, including external, internal, and reputation management. Accountable for the delivery of the products, tactics, and measurement of the work plans to support strategic/executive priorities in collaboration with the executive team. Utilizes expertise across digital, print and social media channels to include earned media, paid media, social media, video, events, speechwriting, marketing campaigns, Board of Directors communication and presentations.
Acts as a consultant, influencer and strategic thought partner to senior leadership and stakeholders to understand audience needs and data interpretation to shape forward-thinking, innovative communication.
Serves as the organization’s “chief storyteller” – providing continuity and oversight of the key messages and core story throughout the organization, coordinating and collaborating with other key teams to ensure consistent, accurate, timely and impactful communications.
Utilizes innovation to create strategies, messages, leads and tools required to allow CSCF to identify, cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted audiences, including the media, businesses, individual career-seekers and other key partners/stakeholders.
Oversees media relations efforts, manages press inquiries, and cultivates relationships with key media outlets and journalists. Often serves as Company spokesperson, or prepares other designees across the organization, as needed.
Provides leadership and oversees day-to-day activities of the organization’s communications function, including budgeting, planning and staff development/coaching. Allocates and assigns resources based on the needs of the organization.
Develops and oversees a comprehensive crisis communication strategy and process, guiding the organization through high-pressure situations to mitigate reputational risks. Serves as facilitator and executive team integrator when enacting. Identifies and resolves challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization, working with leaders, staff and stakeholders, to determine solutions and potential internal and external communication opportunities. Updates, reviews regularly and provides training for staff on crisis communications practices.
Partners with the CSCF Board of Directors to review, discuss and obtain feedback on ways to promote CSCF’s value and messaging in the community. Partners with the executive administrative team to connect CSCF Board members to events, activities and programs designed to deepen their engagement and connection to the organization’s mission.
Stays abreast and ahead of latest communication practices and technology and proactively brings forward ways to innovate in this space.
Models and promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, valuing coaching and staff development.
Other tasks and duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION:
Supervision Received - Work is performed with extensive latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Supervision Performed – Supervises others
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related discipline; 10 years in broad-based communication leadership experience. An equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may substitute for required experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s Degree in related filed; Accreditation in area of responsibility, including Public Relations credential (APR) OR Certification as a Public Relations Counselor (CPRC)
STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
ANALYTICAL
- Analyze and evaluate complex plans and strategies related to workforce, data analytics, public partnerships and communications
- Skilled in market analysis, planning and feasibility
- Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model
- Skill in examining, developing, reengineering, and recommending business and operational policies and procedure
- Ability to use critical thinking to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
- Solid ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans
COMMUNICATION
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies
- Skilled in consensus building and public speaking
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally in meetings, presentations or individually with staff; communicate effectively in writing
- Excellent interpersonal skills coupled with a demonstrated ability to relate to people at all levels; Strong relationship building with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders
- The ability to quickly establish credibility and serve as an advocate of the organization
- Utilize negotiation skills to advance initiatives for the organization
DECISIVE
- Ability to meet or exceed established performance goals and quality standards
- Ability to make timely decisions, and exhibit sound and accurate judgment that could lead to major community or organizational consequences
- Ability to oversee numerous projects and initiatives through direction and delegation
- Ability to successfully navigate in a dynamic, fast-paced, outcome-driven environment
LEADERSHIP
- Ability to formulate and initiate policies and procedures that result in a highly effective workforce services of excellence system, with continuous eye towards quality improvements
- Ability to develop and interpret budgets, contracts, personnel and financial reports
- Ability to effectively manage staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement
- Have leadership abilities including the ability to effectively work with community, staff, and peers
- Demonstrate organizational values in actions, words and attitude of Purpose-Driven, Innovation, Integrity and Fun
- Demonstrated commitment to values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
- Possesses a strong business acumen and commitment to service of CSCF staff and community
- Understand CSCF, the workforce development system and various programs operated by the organization
- Models CareerSource Central Florida’s core values
- Maintains workplace culture by demonstrating the highest level of standards as defined by CSCF’s Trust Creeds and core values
PROBLEM-SOLVING
- Ability to synthesize complex information, analyze data, and forecast trends related to CSCF workforce and the labor market it serves
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with a diverse workforce and community
TECHNICAL
- Extensive proven acumen for successful utilization of communication systems and tools in the digital space.
- Strong working knowledge of partnerships, revenue diversity strategies, and business models
- Knowledge of public administration principles and practices in Central Florida
- Ability to manage a budget effectively and efficiently within a department or division
- Ability to manage or administer grant funds
- Provide project focused support to CSCF’s organizational strategic goals and objectives, such as preparing for key internal and external meetings and conducting the necessary follow-up
- Proficient in the use of technology, including Microsoft Office applications and web-based platforms
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Tasks involve light physical effort (i.e., some standing and walking, or frequent light lifting of less than 10 pounds); and minimal dexterity in the use of fingers and limbs in the operating of office equipment. Tasks may involve extended periods of time sitting ata workstation and utilizing a keyboard.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position has a hybrid work schedule that combines remote work and in-office work based on business needs. Tasks are regularly performed inside without potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
Some tasks require manual dexterity. Some tasks require visual and hearing acuity. Tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Tasks require oral communications ability.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between CareerSource Central Florida and the employee and is subject to change by CareerSource Central Florida as the needs of the organization and requirements of the job change.
CareerSource Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, CareerSource Central Florida provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.