POSITION SUMMARY
The Vice President, Executive Communications provides leadership, planning, and execution of strategic communications management for the President & CEO of United Way Worldwide and select others executive leaders as assigned (i.e., Board Chair).
Collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President, Executive Communications is responsible for developing a strategy and executing on a broad range of communications and messaging activities that elevate Executive(s) leadership voice and global positioning, align with organization objectives, and engage key stakeholders. The Vice President, Executive Communications will work to help devise appropriate thought leadership platforms for Executive leadership and develop or oversee the creation of external and internal communications and messaging materials.
The Vice President is a seasoned professional with a demonstrated track record of navigating complex environments, demonstrates a high degree of judgement and discretion, is persistent and creative, and acts with a sense of urgency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION
The Vice President must be able to perform essential duties listed below:
- Oversight: Management of other Executive Office communications staff and oversee executive communications consultants.
- Speech Development: Research, write, and edit speeches for Chief Executive Officer. Contribute to the development of speeches, presentations, talking points, correspondence, social media posts, op-eds, blogs, thought-leadership papers on a variety of topics, as well as background material and research for events and meetings.
- Message Strategy: Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and content experts to define key messages and themes, ensuring consistency across all communications, including social media platforms, and seamless execution for Chief Executive Officer’s public and private engagements.
- Presentation Support: Assist in developing engaging presentation materials, including slide decks and visual aids, which complement Chief Executive Officer’s speeches and public appearances.
- Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on relevant topics, trends, and audience interests to inform speech content and ensure accuracy.
- Feedback Incorporation: Revise speeches based on feedback from Executive leadership and other stakeholders to refine messaging and delivery.
- Crisis Communication: Collaborate with internal teams to assist in crafting statements and messages for sensitive or crisis situations, maintaining the organization’s voice and integrity.
- Collaboration: Serve as general communications liaison between Executive Office and Marketing & Communications team to ensure alignment in messaging and to leverage insights for speech development.
- Leadership: Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the team that advances organization-wide communication and social media goals.
- Training and Preparation: Travel with the Chief Executive Officer when requested to provide strategic and operational support, including advance work, meeting preparation, logistics coordination, communication with constituents and staff, as well as follow up to specific requests.
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive experience in similar roles.
- Five years of owning and initiating the work rather than being assigned the work is desirable.
- Demonstrated success in crafting substantive and cohesive messaging, which has been successfully communicated to key audiences and resulted in a measurable difference.
- Ability to quickly distill complex concepts into interesting and digestible pieces; ability to listen actively and thoughtfully and incorporate ideas to influence strategy and shape content.
- Experience serving in an operational capacity, staffing and supporting an executive.
- The ideal candidate will be up to date on relevant current events and policies in various sectors aligned with United Way priorities.
- This person will be expected to accommodate the Chief Executive Officer’s extensive domestic and international travel schedule.
- They must be as flexible and responsive as is necessary.
- Passion for the mission and excitement for the delivery of the work must be palpable in the person who holds this position.
- In addition to being an experienced writer, the position requires strategic thinking, excellent oral communication skills, comprehensive proficient computer skills, as well as exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills.
ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE
United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.
United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.
