What are the responsibilities and job description for the SVP of Communications position at Operation Hope?
SVP of Communications
Full Time
Atlanta-based preferred
JOB DESCRIPTION
Operation HOPE is dedicated to financial dignity and inclusion. We equip young people and adults with the financial tools and education to secure a better future—coaching them through their personal aspirations and life’s challenges and facilitating their journey to financial independence. Since our inception, we have developed strong, symbiotic corporate partnerships resulting in impactful outcomes for the communities we serve. As we embark on the next chapter, focused on expanding our reach and deepening impact, we seek to add a team of exceptional relationship managers to drive public awareness, as well as grow and expand current partnerships. The SVP of Communications will play a key role building, cultivating, and stewarding relationships with a portfolio of media relationships, ensuring their continued engagement and investment in the nonprofit’s mission.
General Description of Duties and Responsibilities
The SVP of Communications will have leadership responsibilities for external communications efforts for Operation HOPE, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision. The role will include strategic media relations, content creation, crisis communications, and thought leadership initiatives. This senior leadership position will work closely with the Chief of Communications & Strategy and the Chief Marketing Officer, and it will serve as a key member of the leadership team playing a critical role in advancing Operation HOPE’s public image, partnerships, and overall impact.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications Leadership:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with Operation HOPE’s mission, goals, and key initiatives.
- Guide the organization in shaping its narrative, messaging, and public identity.
- Provide communications counsel and strategy to senior leadership, ensuring alignment of messaging across all channels and stakeholder groups.
Media Relations:
- Cultivate and manage relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and influencers to increase positive coverage of Operation HOPE.
- Proactively pitch stories to national and local media, ensuring maximum visibility for key programs, events, and partnerships.
- Monitor media coverage and trends related to financial literacy, economic empowerment, and nonprofit sectors.
Crisis Communications:
- Lead the development of crisis communication strategies and ensure a rapid, transparent, and effective response to any organizational or sector-related issues.
- Act as a key advisor to the leadership team during times of crisis, ensuring that the organization’s reputation is protected.
Content Strategy & Development:
- Oversee the creation of compelling content for various platforms, including press releases, op-eds, social media, blogs, newsletters, and annual reports.
- Ensure all content reflects Operation HOPE’s voice, tone, and brand identity.
- Ensure the organization’s website is regularly updated with news, resources, and success stories.
Internal Communications:
- Develop and implement internal communication strategies that foster transparency and engagement with clients, partners, coaches, volunteers, and stakeholders.
Brand and Reputation Management:
- Protect and enhance Operation HOPE’s brand image across all communications channels.
- Work closely with the Marketing Team to ensure that messaging is consistent across all platforms and aligns with the nonprofit’s values and mission.
- Work closely with the development team to ensure communications support fundraising goals, donor relations, and partnership-building.
Thought Leadership:
- Position Operation HOPE as a thought leader in the fields of financial literacy, economic empowerment, and social entrepreneurship, as well as expand public awareness of all key initiatives, such as AI Ethics Council and 1BBM.
- Secure speaking engagements, op-eds, and thought leadership pieces for key executives and the Chairman to represent the organization in relevant media outlets.
Team Management & Development:
- Provide strategic direction, professional development, and day-to-day support to team members.
- Ensure the team has the tools, training, and resources needed to execute communications strategies successfully.
Metrics & Reporting:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications activities and regularly assess the effectiveness of communications strategies.
- Prepare reports on media coverage, campaign impact, and other communication efforts to inform leadership and stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field, or commensurate experience. Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
Experience:
- 10 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven experience working with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and large corporate organizations.
- Strong media network and experience securing national and local press coverage.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to various audiences and formats.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing teams and working with senior leaders.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to set clear goals and implement actionable plans.
- Deep understanding of digital communications and social media platforms.
- Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent judgement.
- Passion for the mission of Operation HOPE and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.
This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, and the organization may modify the role as necessary to align with its evolving needs.
