Vice President of Marketing and Communication

McKissack & McKissack, an outgrowth of the oldest African American-owned architecture-engineering in the country, has a strong reputation for consistently delivering results on high-profile projects for government and private sector clients. As part of the leadership team, this position will enhance people’s lives through the design and construction industry. The culture of the firm leverages teamwork, talent, integrity, fiscal and social responsibility to strengthen the delivery of its mission.

We are seeking leaders that exhibit the attributes of a great team player, Humble, Hungry and Smart:

• Humble: being of little ego; focusing more on their teammates than themselves.
• Hungry: strong work ethic and drive.
• Smart: what they say or do has a positive outcome on those around them.

The Vice President of Marketing and Communication will provide the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the company and its leadership. Acts as an ambassador for the organization and builds relationships with the media. The goal is to advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness. Completes our branding process and manages all aspects of our internal and external communications strategy that supports the strategic plan.

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‍Your Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy, Vision and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance McKissack’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences
• Create marketing/public relations strategies that will allow McKissack’s leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers
• Identify challenges and emerging issues that the company may face. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
• Oversee development of all McKissack’s print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including McKissack’s 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 company
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development team development/management
• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy (as required)
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments

Competencies:

• Communication - Communicates well (written and verbal), delivers presentations, has good listening skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, McKissack’s Board of Directors, and staff
• Conflict Management - Good listener, committed to finding solutions to problems, works well with difficult people
• Decision-Making - Able to reach decisions, takes thoughtful approach when considering options, seeks input from others, makes difficult decisions
• Innovative - Creative, offers new ideas, risk-taker, amenable to change
• Problem Solving – Strives to understand contributing factors, works to resolve complex situations
• Leadership - Provides strong leadership, sets a good example, skilled decision-maker, motivator, encourager
• Influence - Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of clients, board members, government officials, and relevant constituencies
• Results Driven - Defines appropriate goals, works toward achieving goals, articulates vision and steps for achievement
• Strategic Thinking - Works to establish and articulate vision, shows creativity when defining solutions
• Teamwork - Accountable to the team, works to meet established deliverables, appreciates the view of team members, respectful; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives

Your Qualifications:

• Education: Possession of a degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required, an advanced degree is preferred
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements
• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance McKissack’s mission and goals
• A minimum of five years’ experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
• Excellent and persuasive communicator
• Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of consultants and communications specialists
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers

‍What We Offer:

McKissack & McKissack offers a generous benefits package including:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401K
• Company-paid holidays
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Commuter SmartBenefits
• On the Job Training and Professional Development