POSITION TITLE: Vice President of Marketing and Communications
STATUS: Exempt
FT/PT Full-Time
GRADE: 7
SUPPORTS: Brand Experience Coordinator, Digital Brand Experience Manager
REPORTS TO: Chief Development & Brand Inspiration Officer
SUMMARY: The VP of Marketing & Communications is a member of the Development & Brand Inspiration Team, leading the marketing and communication strategy for the YWCA of Metro Chicago, a $40 million dollar organization with 300 plus employees across a dozen locations. Our storytelling, marketing and communication efforts bring to life our mission to eliminate racism and empower women, which we do by unleashing the potential of youth, helping people heal and building economic equity.
The Vice President of Marketing and Communications is responsible for building and strengthening the organization’s brand through the strategic integration and execution of the marketing communications, public relations, creative strategy, events and brand management functions throughout the YWCA enterprise. Through the effective execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy, the organization will build and refine our brand voice, demonstrate our impact, engage new and existing constituents in our work, and drive revenue generation to support our continued growth, expansion and long-term sustainability.
Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
- Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance YWCA of Metro Chicago’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
- Create a marketing and public relations strategy that will empower YWCA of Metro Chicago leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
- Oversee implementation of the marketing and communications strategy - including awareness and fundraising campaigns, special events, digital marketing, and public relations.
- Build out KPIs and evaluation protocols; regularly report to leadership on progress and challenges to foster a culture of transparency and learning.
- Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization; Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions; Define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
- Oversee all aspects of marketing and communications, including but not limited to: branding, advertising, special events, collateral materials, direct mail, email, sponsorship and partner development.
Communications Operations
- Develop and manage a comprehensive annual marketing plan and strategic communications calendar for client recruitment, new programs, internal communications, community relations, government relations and special events.
- Oversee development of all YWCA print collateral, including the annual report, as well as electronic communications, including YWCA website and new media; actively manage relationships with associated vendors.
- In partnership with Chief Development and Brand Inspiration Officer, prepare annual department budgets for review and approval; diligently manage contracts and annual expenses; prepare regular budget reports for leadership and finance departments.
- Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
- Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding YWCA of Metro Chicago programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
- Draft, assign and/or approve internal and external communications for organizational e-newsletter, e-mail communications, press releases, and organizational statements.
- Provide oversight to the management of website, social media efforts and overall digital presence.
- Interacting regularly with Program Leaders and direct service staff, with the goal of fully understanding our portfolio of programs and services and providing assistance in meeting their constituent engagement needs.
Team & People Leadership
- Lead and manage two direct reports to support the development and execution of the communications strategy as well as day to day operations.
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, creativity and a commitment to excellence.
- Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach; identify informal and formal professional development opportunities to foster their growth and engagement.
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.
Key Qualifications
- Strong passion for the YWCA Metro Chicago’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, journalism or a related field.
- Minimum of ten years’ of marketing or communications experience and experience with direct supervision of support staff (in-house or agency).
- Experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’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.
- Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategist.
- 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.
- Well-versed in using SEO and social media strategies.
- Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with all types of organizational constituents (clients, volunteers, donors, board members, partners).
- Ability to work in fast-paced environment, balancing many projects and responsibilities.