SVP Marketing & Communications- NYC

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Founded in 1980, Urban Resource Institute (URI) is committed to the vision of a world free of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma, where individuals, families, and communities are safe, stable, and thriving.  URI works across the spectrum of prevention, intervention and services to empower individuals, families, and communities, particularly communities of color and other disenfranchised populations, to increase their safety and resiliency.  URI is the oldest licensed provider of domestic violence shelter and services in New York State, with 40 plus years of impact capped in the last five years with significant achievements and expansion leading to its position as the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the country.  This expansion has afforded URI the ability to serve individuals who have traditionally experienced barriers to accessing shelter services, such as singles and families with pets.

Today, URI is maximizing the impact of organizational growth, expanding its positioning as an Innovative service provider, an influential leader and “Employer of Choice” in its field.  URI has annual operating budget of nearly 100 million dollars, more than 700 employees and the capacity to provide services to over 40,000 individuals annually. The organization operates in more than 20 locations around New York City and is recognized as a valued thought-leader in the sector across the US and beyond.

The Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications (SVP) will be the chief architect of URI’s brand strategy, positioning the organization as the leading voice in domestic violence prevention and homeless family services. Reporting to the CEO, the SVP will drive a bold and visionary marketing and communications agenda that elevates URI’s profile, deepens stakeholder engagement, and advances the organization’s mission. This role requires a strategic leader who can craft compelling narratives, amplify URI’s impact across diverse platforms, and cultivate strong relationships with media, corporate partners, and key stakeholders. The SVP will oversee a dynamic team, including the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications and the Director of Marketing and Brand Awareness, as well as key consultant partnerships, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Salary: $180,000 - $215,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a transformative brand strategy that enhances URI’s visibility, credibility, and influence.
• Position URI as a thought leader in domestic violence prevention and homeless services through strategic messaging, media engagement, and high-impact storytelling.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure brand growth, campaign effectiveness, and audience engagement, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Provide executive-level strategic counsel to the CEO and leadership team on brand positioning, crisis communications, and public relations.

Comprehensive Marketing & Communications Strategy

• Oversee all aspects of marketing and communications, including public relations, social media, digital marketing, content development, internal communications, and crisis management.
• Lead the implementation of multi-channel campaigns that expand audience reach among survivors, donors, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
• Drive innovation through the integration of AI tools and emerging digital trends to enhance marketing efficiency and audience engagement while maintaining ethical standards.
• Experience in the ethical use of AI to promote URI’s mission and interests.

Brand Development & Messaging Integration

• Spearhead URI’s comprehensive rebranding initiative to create a powerful, cohesive brand identity that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that reflects URI’s values and strategic priorities across all communications channels.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality, impactful marketing assets, including video content, digital campaigns, and print materials.

Public Relations & Crisis Communications

• Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy that secures high-profile coverage in Tier 1 and ethnic media outlets, positioning URI as an industry leader.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, influencers, and media partners to amplify URI’s impact.
• Lead crisis communications efforts, ensuring swift, strategic responses that protect and strengthen URI’s reputation.

Executive Team & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a key member of URI’s Senior Team, contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
• Cultivate partnerships with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit leaders to drive brand-aligned collaborations, including PSA campaigns and co-branded initiatives.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with development, program, and government affairs teams to align marketing and communications strategies with organizational objectives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a high-performing marketing and communications team, fostering professional growth, creativity, and accountability.
• Oversee the selection and management of vendors and consultants, ensuring alignment with URI’s mission, values, and performance expectations.

Internal Communications

• Develop and execute a robust internal communications strategy that enhances organizational alignment, employee engagement, and transparency.
• Partner with People & Culture and leadership teams to effectively communicate key initiatives, policies, and organizational updates.
• Provide tools, templates, and training to support consistent internal messaging across departments.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, and public relations, with expertise in crisis communications and brand management.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic marketing plans that drive measurable brand growth and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including media, corporate partners, and vendors.
• Strong understanding of AI-driven marketing tools, digital communications platforms, and emerging industry trends.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep commitment to URI’s mission and values.
• Visionary and strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into impactful marketing initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a focus on mentorship and talent development.
• Expertise in public relations, media relations, and crisis communications.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including storytelling and message development.
• Proficiency in leveraging data analytics to inform marketing strategy and decision-making.

Urban Resource Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and alignment with URI’s mission.

URI Commitment

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Salary : $180,000 - $215,000