Chief Communications Officer

Mile High United Way•Denver, CO

1d•$145,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Mile High United Way is excited to announce an opening for a Chief Communications Officer. We believe in keeping equity at the heart of our work. That starts from within, including intentional application of diversity, equity and inclusion practices that guide how we operate and work within the communities we serve. Ideal candidates have a personal commitment and connection with our mission, vision, and values as seen in our Annual Reports.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 10+ years' experience in communications, public relations and marketing, including leading a team
Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organization and managing crisis communications
Superb analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team
Passionate customer advocacy
Thorough knowledge of communications, public relations, brand, product and service management principles
Deep understanding of changing media and market dynamics
Understand dynamics of community-based fund-raising in non-profits
Demonstrated ability to organize and manage a creative communications, marketing and events program
Experience working directly with print, broadcast and news media.
Substantial and progressively responsible experience in, and knowledge of planning, production and management of large, small, high-profile, and less-formal events for diverse and distinguished guests, with the ability to formulate creative ideas, and analyze, evaluate, and negotiate all details reflective of a successful event
Demonstrated project management, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage details of multiple and complex projects within firm schedules, set priorities that accurately reflect the relative importance of activities or job duties, and effectively carry out event goals in a manner that enhances the brand/image of MHUW
Leadership skills to provide vision, motivation and guidance to others on the team or throughout the organization.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas and agreements concisely and persuasively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of constituencies
Demonstrated integrity, dependability, sound judgment, teambuilding and resourcefulness to establish and maintain collaborative, positive, and effective working relationships with multiple and diverse groups
Creative thinker
Willingness/ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects and changing priorities and meet deadlines and respond nimbly to changing deadlines
Highly organized
Manage all applicable committees to meet project objectives and timelines
Coordinate work schedules and projects for department staff as needed, to complete within established time frame
Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint Project)
Working knowledge of online CRM tools
Some experience with Adobe Acrobat/Photoshop/InDesign desirable
Ability to work in a collaborative working environment and have the capability to share information and exchange views in order to reach a common understanding.
Must be able to lift 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree

Responsibilities

Develop, implement and manage MHUW's integrated communications strategy across earned, owned and paid channels
Set communications goals, objectives and measures of success
Develop and advance MHUW's brand and value proposition across all communications
Develop the annual communications plan for services and programs to meet committed donor needs and expectations
Develop communications programs that support and reinforce fundraising efforts
Serve as principal communications counsel to the President and CEO, the Senior Management Team and the Board
Develop organizational message strategy and ensure a consistent voice across every channel and audience
Build constant awareness of and participation with MHUW through public and media exposure opportunities
Serve as chief spokesperson for the organization, or designate a spokesperson, and respond to media requests and press conferences
Lead crisis and issues communications, including response protocols, message development and executive preparation
Direct internal and executive communications for staff, board members and volunteers
Serves as the executive sponsor for digital process innovation
Map digital capabilities to strategic priorities
Supervise the creation and production of television and radio broadcast commercials and public service announcements
Oversee the creation and production of print, outdoor, digital and direct marketing advertising
Secure and maintain pro bono advertising agency and media relationships
Maintain effective media relations, including proactive relationships with reporters, editors and producers
Lead the Marketing Department, ensuring brand, advertising and campaign work advances the organization's communications strategy
Lead the special events function, overseeing the planning, production and execution of signature, donor and community events
Ensure event programming, promotional materials and executive remarks align with organizational message and priorities
Provide direct, day-to-day oversight of the Donor Engagement & Events team, including affinity groups, the Turkey Trot and the annual luncheon, ensuring strong execution and a consistent donor experience across all events and engagement touchpoints
Partner closely with the Chief Development Officer on strategic direction, budget and goals for this portfolio, keeping events and engagement work fully aligned with broader fundraising priorities
Manage timelines, logistics and staff performance for the Donor Engagement & Events team
Initiate research among donors and the general public
Direct communications and organizational behavior changes based upon research results
Manage the communications, marketing and special events budgets
Design, plan and execute integrated communications and marketing campaigns
Must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands.
Attend organization events.
Must adhere to all organization policies and procedures.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Willingness and ability to work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required.
Other duties as required.