POSITION SUMMARY (Hybrid, 3 days in office - Alexandria, VA)
The Vice President, Executive Communications provides leadership, planning, and execution of strategic communications management for the President & CEO of United Way Worldwide and select others executive leaders as assigned (i.e., Board Chair).
Collaborating with the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President, Executive Communications is responsible for developing a strategy and executing on a broad range of communications and messaging activities that elevate Executive(s) leadership voice and global positioning, align with organization objectives, and engage key stakeholders. The Vice President, Executive Communications will work to help devise appropriate thought leadership platforms for Executive leadership and develop or oversee the creation of external and internal communications and messaging materials.
The Vice President is a seasoned professional with a demonstrated track record of navigating complex environments, demonstrates a high degree of judgement and discretion, is persistent and creative, and acts with a sense of urgency. This in-person position is based at United Way Worldwide’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION
The Vice President must be able to perform essential duties listed below:
- Oversight: Management of other Executive Office communications staff and oversee executive communications consultants.
- Speech Development: Research, write, and edit speeches for Chief Executive Officer. Contribute to the development of speeches, presentations, talking points, correspondence, social media posts, op-eds, blogs, thought-leadership papers on a variety of topics, as well as background material and research for events and meetings.
- Message Strategy: Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and content experts to define key messages and themes, ensuring consistency across all communications, including social media platforms, and seamless execution for Chief Executive Officer’s public and private engagements. Provide creative thinking on how United Way’s vision, mission, and goals are connected to external events and the ever-changing environment. Identify opportunities to leverage such events to promote the messages of the Chief Executive Officer.
- Presentation Support: Assist in developing engaging presentation materials, including slide decks and visual aids, which complement Chief Executive Officer’s speeches and public appearances. Archives all presentations, speeches, and talking points for easy accessibility and future use and reference.
- Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on relevant topics, trends, and audience interests to inform speech content and ensure accuracy.
- Feedback Incorporation: Revise speeches based on feedback from Executive leadership and other stakeholders to refine messaging and delivery.
- Crisis Communication: Collaborate with internal teams to assist in crafting statements and messages for sensitive or crisis situations, maintaining the organization’s voice and integrity.
- Collaboration: Serve as general communications liaison between Executive Office and Marketing & Communications team to ensure alignment in messaging and to leverage insights for speech development.
- Training and Preparation: Travel with the Chief Executive Officer when requested to provide strategic and operational support, including advance work, meeting preparation, logistics coordination, communication with constituents and staff, as well as follow up to specific requests. Provide support for Executive leadership during speech rehearsals, offering guidance on delivery and presentation techniques.
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive experience in similar roles.
- Five years of owning and initiating the work rather than being assigned the work is desirable.
- Demonstrated success in crafting substantive and cohesive messaging, which has been successfully communicated to key audiences and resulted in a measurable difference (i.e. elevated profile, broadened visibility, increased funding, etc.). Writing samples are required.
- Ability to quickly distill complex concepts into interesting and digestible pieces; ability to listen actively and thoughtfully and incorporate ideas to influence strategy and shape content.
- Experience serving in an operational capacity, staffing and supporting an executive.
- The ideal candidate will be up to date on relevant current events and policies in various sectors aligned with United Way priorities.
- This person will be expected to accommodate the Chief Executive Officer’s extensive domestic and international travel schedule, with an understanding that there may be a need to work across various time zones.
- They must be as flexible and responsive as is necessary.
- Passion for the mission and excitement for the delivery of the work must be palpable in the person who holds this position.
- In addition to being an experienced writer, the position requires strategic thinking, excellent oral communication skills, comprehensive proficient computer skills, as well as exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.
SALARY STATEMENT
The budgeted salary range for this position is currently $175,000 to $185,000 per year. Proffered salaries are determined by several factors, including the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and relevant experience; equity; and market factors.
COMPETENCIES
An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:
- Accountability/Results Orientation: Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned team. Participates in the articulation of and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Assists in identifying work quality standards and training team members and accepts responsibility for the team's achieved outcomes. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and status to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.
- Decision-Making/Risk-Taking: Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action. Contributes own assessment of risks and implications of decisions in team decision-making efforts. Develops and proposes effective alternative solutions. Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making. Knows when to shift decision-making upwards.
- Teamwork Collaboration: Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed on a regular basis. Ensures that processes, systems, and resources are available and direct them properly to enable the team to efficiently accomplish its goals and objectives. Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Able to focus on assignments during periods of change and/or uncertainty.
- Relationship Management: Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organization goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way movement and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.
- Communications: Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.
- Innovation/Creativity: Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the Group. Has a plan to meet Group vision and contribute to overall success. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate it into specific, effective action/solutions.
ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE
United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.
United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws.
We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.
United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.
UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE
We take the broadest possible view of diversity.
We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.
We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.
We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.
We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.
We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.
Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.
LIVE UNITED.
