Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications

Position: Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting Relationship: Reports to the Office of the President

Website: United Negro College Fund Home Page - UNCF

Purpose of the Position

UNCF, the nation’s largest leading advocate of minority education and community engagement, seeks an experienced and innovative Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications to join during a period of significant growth and forward momentum. As they celebrate their 80th anniversary and pay tribute to their founders, supporters, and beneficiaries, UNCF continues their unwavering mission of transforming the future of our nation through educational excellence. Serving as a key UNCF’s spokesperson and chief brand strategist, the Senior Vice President will be instrumental in developing and executing a multifaceted and fully integrated branding, marketing, and communications strategy and thought leadership aimed at proactively positioning UNCF as a model of excellence in education, community service, economic development, and social mobility. As UNCF embarks on an ambitious $1B capital campaign designed to secure vital resources that empower member institutions to continue providing scholarships, support services, and cutting-edge programs, they need a savvy MarComms leader who can increase the prominence of the organization by translating its mission and vision into compelling content that engages key stakeholder audiences, garners support, and promotes brand relevance. In doing so, the SVP will develop and implement an innovative branding, marketing and communications plans, collaborate with a broad constituent base, and advance a diverse and welcoming environment.

Reporting to the Office of the President, the Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications will be responsible for creating a modern and intergenerational branding, marketing, and communications function that leverages new platforms to engage a broad audience to increase UNCF’s overall visibility. As a trusted advisor to the President, senior leadership, and the Board, the Senior Vice President will provide strategic counsel and expert advice on all branding, marketing, and communications matters to ensure the organization’s image and brand reflect its stellar reputation. With strong leadership, momentous growth, and tremendous support, the Senior Vice President will have the opportunity to provide a fresh perspective and renewed vigor in showcasing this vital organization and the crucial role it plays in positioning member organizations, creating transformational support, and building awareness of educational attainment. With the support of dynamic and creative MarComms team, the Senior Vice President will develop and deploy a cohesive brand strategy which includes a wide range of impactful marketing and communication activities across various delivery platforms to publicize and promote UNCF’s excellence in education highlighting the overall success and impact they are having as they innovate, inspire, and invest in lighting a way to better futures.

The ideal candidate be a highly collaborative and visionary MarComms leader who is well versed in all facets of brand strategy and execution. The Senior Vice President must be an accomplished MarComms executive with strong subject matter expertise coupled with a proven track record of navigating a rapidly changing and highly competitive media landscape in order to reach targeted audiences beyond traditional outlets. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to develop and execute award-winning branding and MarComms strategies, effectively engage with a broad set of stakeholders, and garner support for the organization’s core values and missions for generations to come. Candidates must have outstanding communication skills, proactive leadership capabilities, and a strong commitment to UNCF’s mission and vision. The breadth and depth of responsibilities associated with this role requires an individual with strong strategic and conceptual skills coupled with a passion for overseeing and developing a highly diverse and talented team. This individual must stay abreast of trends in the field as well as in tune with the needs of the organization and their member institutions to be nimble in their approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO and other key leaders on the strategic visioning of a comprehensive, multi-year MarComms strategy aimed at building UNCF’s brand and support.
• Lead UNCF’s branding, marketing, and communications strategy during a period of significant growth. Develop an integrated and future oriented MarComms plan that supports UNCF’s strategic priorities.
• Serve as the key messenger and subject matter expert on all matters related to branding, marketing, and communications, providing proactive advice and thoughtful counsel to all UNCF staff and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with fundraising to uniquely position UNCF to grow and strengthen the community of supporters.
• Contribute to the overall enhancement of the image and visibility of UNCF and their member institutions by working closely with the CEO and COO as well as other key internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote UNCF’s values, programs, and contributions to educational excellence, workforce development and community engagement as well as foster strong relationships through initiatives that encourage support from the community, corporations, and foundations.
• Ensure that the organization’s vision, mission, and stakeholder experience are closely aligned through fully integrated marketing efforts.
• Create an active social media presence through various forums including Podcasts, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to expand UNCF’s broader audience and reach.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key community influencers and leaders in order to amplify UNCF’s voice.
• Cultivate and maintain a trusted relationship with the media, pitching story ideas, issuing press releases, and fielding broadcast inquiries locally and nationally.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as foster a welcoming environment with a strong sense of belonging.
• Provide leadership and strategic oversight to the branding, marketing, and communications team championing a state-of-the-art MarComms strategy.
• Lead the marketing and communications team in a manner that fosters collaboration, customer service, and best practices.
• Track metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the MarComms strategy to ensure strategic allocation of resources.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, both leading teams as well as developing and executing on highly effective MarComms strategies.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required along with a proven track record of success in developing and implementing multi-faceted MarComms programs.
• A proven ability of leading highly successful marketing and communications functions including brand awareness, social media, public relations, strategic communications, digital and visual teams.
• A master storyteller with exceptional writing, editing, and digital media skills coupled with the ability to engage diverse audiences and purposes.
• An unwavering commitment to diversity in all forms as well as a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
• Experience as a fair, respected leader, and skilled administrator with a proven ability to effectively manage resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.
• A collegial and collaborative leadership style with a commitment to open communication and consensus building.
• An ability to balance day-to-day operations with overarching strategy in order to anticipate the future needs and options for the organization.
• A strong collaborator with excellent organizational and communication skills, both oral and written, with internal and external constituents.
• An ability to travel extensively in support of this highly visible position.

UNCF provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or any characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. UNCF complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, and termination.

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