Vice President of Communications

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press•Washington, DC

2d•$167,900 - $185,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Communications leads strategy for external communications to advance the Reporters Committee mission to provide free legal services for journalists. The VP of Communications elevates the visibility and impact of work across the organization by creating opportunities through owned content and digital channels, executive positioning, media engagement, strategic events, and stakeholder relationships that increase awareness of the importance of legal support for journalism and amplify the organization’s policy and advocacy priorities. The Vice President of Communications reports to the President and is a member of the Executive Team. They lead and mentor a high-performing team that supports organizational communications priorities. The Vice President for Communications is a(n): Architect of the organization’s communication strategy that advances the mission to provide free legal services to journalists and newsrooms. Strategic counselor with input on overall organizational strategy and decision making as a member of the Executive Team. Skilled leader who leverages budget and talent to manage the external messaging and brand positioning with key audiences across channels.

Requirements

20+ years of experience in strategic communications, Legal Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or other related area
At least 10 years experience managing people and teams, preferably in a nonprofit environment, although corporate, association, and government communications experience is also applicable
Ability to understand the needs of each audience and channel the organization’s voice in creating highly effective communications to reach those audiences
Demonstrated expertise in message development, audience segmentation and engagement, editorial and content planning, operational delivery, developing and executing campaigns that shape policy or opinion; measurement of results; and managing the work of communications’ colleagues.
Demonstrated skill in building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors, in successfully positioning content with the media and online to achieve high-impact results
Direct knowledge of, or experience in advocacy around democracy, journalism, human rights, and/or related issues preferred.
Ability to think strategically while simultaneously overseeing tactical implementation
Creativity about utilization of social, email, and online communications
Creativity to effectively leverage a variety of media technologies
Exceptional written and editing skills with a relentless commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
Strong analytic capacity, ability to master new subject matter quickly and articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively.
Proven track record for new, innovative approaches and smart risk taking.
Brings judgment, creative problem-solving, and responsiveness.
Excellent organizational and management skills with a focus on achieving measurable and ambitious goals, including willingness to assume accountability for all areas of responsibility.
Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines, developing and moving projects forward with a high degree of independence and autonomy.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across organizational boundaries. Strong and diplomatic interpersonal skills, demonstrating both a collaborative spirit and the ability to make decisions.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and highly professional environment that emphasizes excellence, collegiality and teamwork.
Ability to work effectively with multiple business partners, including cross-group teams, virtual and global teams, vendors and agency partners.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Refine and implement a strategic communications plan, including a robust digital strategy, that is aligned with and integrated into Reporters Committee’s organization-wide strategic and programmatic goals
Educate and collaborate with colleagues across the organization to ensure that all members of the organization are communicating consistently and effectively
Recognize trends, stay on top of developments and strategy, and advise on communication opportunities (both planned and impromptu).
Ensure consistent and effective messaging across Reporters Committee’s social media, web presence, external communications, and public speaking
Develop messaging around emerging and new areas of engagement for the organization to ensure that Reporters Committee is an influential thought leader shaping the conversation
Develop and oversee internal processes to enable Reporters Committee’s external communications, particularly in response to fast breaking news related to the organization’s mission and work
Oversee the development and delivery of internal and external communications for senior executive levels, including briefing materials, scripting/messaging for briefing materials, scripting/messaging for internal keynotes, presentations, media engagements, social media, and events.
Collaborate with internal staff and external partners and manage vendors to develop and implement communications products across a variety of media channels
Collaborate with development team to ensure that messaging and distribution advances development strategy
Develop partnership with outside organizations, media companies, board and major donors to further Reporters Committee’s reach and mission
Oversee marketing budgets and conference speaking proposals to leverage Reporters Committee’s expertise with key journalism audiences and maximize opportunities to educate people about our resources and services
Oversee Content, Digital, and Media teams responsible for the core pillars of Communications deliverables
Recruit, manage, and mentor team members, ensuring contributions support exceptional quality communications, aligned with the strategic goals
Promote a culture of high performance, collaboration, effective, respectful and inclusive teamwork
Contribute to Executive Team thinking and decision making related to overall management and leadership of the organization
Develop policies and trainings for staff on media relations, social media use, public speaking and other core communications functions
Identify challenges facing Reporters Committee and work with Executive Team colleagues and staff to identify communications opportunities and solutions, and execute strategies in response