Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Axim Collaborative•Cambridge, MA

1d•$230,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Axim Collaborative is a nonprofit that transforms education to work pathways by facilitating collaboration and innovations to build an ecosystem of solutions to drive better outcomes for millions of learners. Axim uses catalytic funding to foster partnerships, convene leaders and scale innovations to strengthen pathways for learners. These pathways engage students in their course of study, enable them to persist through their programs and prepare them to excel in their careers. Axim Collaborative is a joint endeavor between Harvard and MIT that evolved from edX, the pioneering online learning platform that launched in 2012. ABOUT THE VP, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS ROLE Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Marketing and Communications is a member of Axim Collaborative’s Senior Leadership Team and responsible for developing and overseeing Axim’s marketing and communications efforts. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies that leverage our unique position in the field to elevate our partners’ work, advance thought leadership, and further Axim’s mission and impact. This role is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This is a hybrid role, and candidates must be willing to commute to the Cambridge office 2 days per week. This role will require approximately 20% travel.

Requirements

Deep commitment to education equity, and experience applying an equity lens in all strategies and work streams
At least 15 years of professional experience, with demonstrated success in marketing, communications, and field building in sectors such as social enterprise, philanthropy, and education to workforce sectors
Track record of developing innovative thought leadership and marketing strategies that build awareness, shape new ideas, and influence sector level change
Robust understanding of how education innovation can support students in broad access higher education settings
Exceptional writing and oral communications skills using clear, simple, and jargon free language.
Proven judgement to engage audiences and deliver excellent results on a consistent basis
Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect with and influence external decision-makers with a diverse range of priorities
Experience operating in a dynamic, fast paced, entrepreneurial environment as a creative thinker and problem solver
Exceptional project management, prioritization, and planning skills, with demonstrated success managing complex workstreams and producing high-quality deliverables on time and within budget

Responsibilities

Lead a unified marketing and communications strategy, building from foundational work, aligned with the organization’s strategic goals, mission, and positioning.
Develop and drive priorities to amplify our partners work, connect themes across our portfolio, and enhance Axim’s impact.
Develop innovative and compelling strategies to elevate awareness, engagement, and understanding about Axim’s mission in the context of the broader ecosystem.
Craft thought leadership strategies that reach our target audiences, further innovation, and create new partnership opportunities
Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, advising the CEO and board on communications, brand positioning, and audience engagement.
Partner with colleagues to ensure cohesive messaging and visibility for Axim’s programmatic activities.
Develop comprehensive marketing and communication management plans, ensuring consistency and clarity across all channels and materials.
Ensure data and analytics are used to refine strategies and measure impact across digital and offline channels.
Oversee digital presence, including website, social media, email marketing, and content strategy.
Oversee key strategic initiatives to elevate our mission, programs and impact, including the next website and impact report.
Develop opportunities for Axim’s work to be featured through owned and earned media, cultivating relationships with specific media and press outlets.
Oversee and support the development of executive communications, speeches, op-eds, and thought leadership opportunities for organizational leaders.
Work with team members and partners to craft compelling narratives and storytelling opportunities that highlight the impact of our partners and the impact on students.
Partner with the VP, Open edX Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth and Community Manager to support and collaborate on related initiatives
Build a sense of shared purpose and collective culture within and across departments; cultivate trust between the organization and its partners.
Model the values of inclusive excellence and foster environments that actively encourage a diversity of perspectives on teams
Participate in annual organizational goal setting and planning to align operations and budgets with the broader mission
Effectively prepare for and guide the organization through growth, change, and transition.
Manage Axim Staff and partners focused on marketing and communications, which currently includes the Communications Manager and external partners
Provide a variety of motivational styles, tailored to individual team members using a range of tools and tactics to help staff of varying abilities perform and grow
Invest in the ongoing professional development of staff by staying informed of opportunities and resources for growth within the organization and encouraging staff to explore them where appropriate.
Clearly communicate performance expectations and provide regular, fair, actionable, and timely performance feedback; recognize competent and exemplary performance, effectively address marginal and unsatisfactory performance.
Ensure all members of the organization understand the strategic mission of Axim and how they play a part in its outcomes