Senior Manager of Strategic Communications

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct a search for a new Senior Manager of Strategic Communications on behalf of our client, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit dedicated to serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Arc’s mission is to support people with IDD to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services.

The ideal candidate for this role is a skilled project manager and people manager who can take ownership of executing on large initiatives as the organization anticipates future growth. This full-time, exempt opportunity is for immediate hire based out of The Arc’s HQ in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.

ABOUT THE ARC CENTRAL CHESAPEAKE REGION:

The Arc began in 1961, founded by a group of parents who wanted equity, access, and opportunity for their children. At our core, The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and self-advocacy as any other community member. Our commitment to equity and access has led us to build services that people with IDD tell us they need to live the life of their choosing.

Responding to that need, The Arc has grown to support more than 4,000 people with IDD and their families throughout Maryland, providing comprehensive programs and services that support the full spectrum of a person's life, from birth through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between. All our programs and services are designed to empower and support people with IDD and provide greater self-determination in how they live, work, and connect with their communities.

The Arc’s Core Values are evident in all aspects of our programs and services. These values are:

• We embrace individuality - We see the whole person, celebrate our differences, and offer the people we serve, and our team, opportunities tailored to them.
• We are heart-driven - Every interaction matters to us; we go the extra mile to care for the people we serve and our team.
• We take strategic risks - Fueled by the urgency of our mission, we continually push for better and more innovative approaches.
• We are action-oriented - We are creative, resourceful, and have a “get it done” approach to overcoming challenges.
• We promote equity and respect - We value the different identities and experiences of the people and communities we work with, and we build respectful relationships to meet them where they are.

The Arc partnered with employees from across the organization and within the community to develop value statements (above) that reflect who we are as an organization and how we approach our work.

What's unique about The Arc is our focus on innovation, commitment to community-based services, and tremendous growth. The Arc is an entrepreneurial organization, and strongly values innovation informed by community needs. It is the driving force behind the growth of The Arc and the development of new programs, services, and subsidiaries throughout our history. To learn more about The Arc, visit www.thearcccr.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Manager of Strategic Communications will lead the implementation and execution of a dynamic communications strategy for The Arc and its related subsidiaries. This role will work closely with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to facilitate the coordination and timely delivery of communications projects and deliverables across various channels, ensuring efficiency and furthering the organization’s mission.

Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, this role will lead and collaborate with Communications Managers to execute multi-channel campaigns and projects from inception to completion. Acting as the primary liaison with external vendors and a trusted partner to leadership, this role will provide direct communication support as a member of the Leadership Council.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

Lead communications project management, execution, and reporting; coordinate and facilitate communications deliverables:

• Manage the delivery and coordination of internal and external communications campaigns, ensure alignment with enterprise-wide communications plan.
• Work closely with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to create well-defined project plans, schedules, and deliverables.
• Facilitate the execution of multi-channel campaigns from inception through completion, with a focus on alignment with project goals.
• Manage and monitor project timelines, ensuring deadlines are met and key deliverables are achieved.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive project calendar to track progress and key milestones; provide regular communications on project status with relevant stakeholders.

Serve as the primary liaison with executive and division/department leadership and external vendors and consultants to ensure project alignment and successful completion:

• Act as the primary point of contact for external vendors; managing relationships and ensuring deliverables are successfully executed.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide communication support for organizational initiatives.
• Coordinate regular meetings and check-ins with stakeholders to monitor project progress, address issues, and integrate feedback.

Manage and coach assigned Strategic Communications team members:

• Provide hands-on communications support and leadership to ensure effective messaging and delivery.
• Collaborate with Communications Managers to develop content for key communications projects, ensuring alignment and consistency with organizational communications plan.

Other Functions

• Support External Relations events and engagement initiatives.
• Keep up to date on current communication trends and best practices to ensure the team is employing the most effective strategies.
• Work with other divisions/departments to ensure a cohesive approach to organizational communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing or related field.
• 5 years of experience in communications and project management required.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
• Proven success leading a high-performing team as well as the implementation, execution, and reporting of impactful communications strategies.
• Proven experience in analytical and persuasive communication, with exceptional editing skills and the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong administrative skills and self-motivation, with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision in effective and efficient manner.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• High energy, team player, and passion for The Arc’s mission.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, flexible, and adaptive to change.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher), WordPress, and social media.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

In addition to a competitive base salary of $120,000, The Arc also provides a comprehensive package of benefits which includes access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) with up to 6% employer match; vehicle allowance; and unlimited PTO, as well as 12 paid annual holidays per year.

Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during The Arc office hours, with frequent night and some weekend hours based on the nature of the position. This position is eligible for periodic telework.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please apply with your resume and cover letter, formatted in Microsoft Word, via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/12535.

Please address applications to:

Ex Hopson, Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

(888) 487-8850 Extension 142

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.