Vice President Communications

Opportunity Finance Network•Washington, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Communications will serve as deputy to the SVP, blending strategic communications leadership with day-to-day delivery management. This role ensures that OFN’s communications function operates with excellence across all pods, relationship management, narrative/storycraft, content studio, and data/insights, while driving outcomes in media, public affairs, and executive visibility. The VP is both a generalist and an operator: a senior leader with judgment on media/public affairs strategy, and a delivery manager who ensures deadlines are met, SLAs are upheld, and projects move efficiently through the system. OFN is the nation’s leading investment intermediary and network CDFIs serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. With over $1 billion in total assets under management, OFN manages a national membership network of over 490 mission-driven lenders and CDFIs, including community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, community development banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others. For more than 40 years, our team has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for people and places traditional finance doesn’t reach. To learn more, visit www.ofn.org People who work at OFN come from a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. If you have: Passion for the mission and true believer in our core purpose. Courage to be a fearless advocate who is confident and resilient in our fight to drive capital into low-income communities. Smart, quick seekers of knowledge who thrive on creating and developing new strategies, products, and programs for increasing capital to communities we serve. Desire to be a collaborative team player who possesses humility and a willingness to lean in all areas of our work. Come be a part of our growing diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff. At OFN, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply nonetheless. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. This position is based in Washington, D.C. All staff currently work a hybrid schedule.

Requirements

5-7 years of experience in strategic communications, with demonstrated experience in media, public affairs, and delivery/operations management.
Proven track record in rapid response, media relations, and executive communications.
Experience managing complex workflows and teams; familiarity with project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.).
Strong leadership presence with the ability to advise senior executives.
Excellent writing and editing skills across press materials, speeches, op-eds, and digital content.
Mission-Driven: Passion for OFN’s mission and advancing equity through community finance.
Strategic Thinker: Brings a forward-looking perspective to problem-solving.
Proactive & Independent: Comfortable taking initiative with minimal direction.
Adaptable: Thrives in dynamic environments and can deftly navigate shifting priorities.
Collaborative: Values teamwork and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
Standard physical requirements for an office position, with occasional travel (15%).

Nice To Haves

Background in nonprofit, policy, finance, or economic development communications preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership Partner with SVP to co-lead OFN’s strategic communications agenda, aligning with organizational priorities.
Shape media and public affairs strategy, serving as an advisor on reputation, crisis, and policy-related communications.
Drive proactive earned media and thought leadership placements, securing coverage in national and policy outlets.
Delivery Management & Operational Excellence Serve as chief operator of the comms function: oversee editorial calendar, workflow management in Asana, and QA of deliverables across pods.
Ensure service-level agreements (SLAs) are met.
Translate strategic priorities into workplans and hold team accountable for execution.
Executive Visibility & Public Affairs Oversee preparation of OFN’s CEO and executives for speeches, media interviews, and stakeholder engagements.
Lead integration of comms with Policy team to support advocacy and mobilization efforts, translating impact data into compelling narratives.
Serve as a senior spokesperson and background resource for select media inquiries.
Team Leadership & Partner Management Act as deputy lead of the department; step in for the SVP as needed in internal/external forums.
Mentor and manage junior staff, ensuring clarity of roles and development.
Oversee external agency/consultant relationships, setting clear scopes and evaluating performance.