Vice President of Communications (VPC)

The VPC will report to the Executive Vice President, President & Chief Operations Officer and the Chairman, CEO & Founder on an as needed basis serving as an integral member of the executive management team, the VPC will be responsible for the development of VDI's communication strategy and will contribute to the VDI's organizational strategic planning process.

The VPC will develop a world-class communications plan/platform for the VDI, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation. The VPC will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. The VPC will oversee the DPMR and provide the necessary management as to seek optimum success with the VDI's mission and vision.

The VPC will be a provisional position assessed and evaluated for clear, concise, written and oral communication that collaborates effectively with executive and senior staff members as well as subordinates. Must create and establish rapports with various media, community and clergy leadership throughout the country and abroad.

This individual will be an ambassador for the organization and will need to build relationships with the media. The goal is to advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support for the organization.

The VPC will be responsible for VDI's varied and integrated communications products and services including: newsletters and other print publications; web, e-news and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing. Must be able to exercise great judgment in crisis situation where feedback is a crucial element to the public-at-large.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication Strategy, Vision and Leadership:

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communication plan to advance VDI's brand identity.
• Broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
• Create marketing/relations strategy that will allow the VDI leadership to cultivate and enhance key relationships, with targeted high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Works with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Serve as a communications counselor to the VDI's leadership.

Communications Operations:

• Oversee development of all VDI's print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications the VDI's website and new media; manage relationships with associate vendors.
• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization.
• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentation and other supporting material as needed.
• Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure proper coverage of the VDI's nonprofit programs, special events, public announcements and other projects.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning and staff development.

Team Development/Management:

• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.

Requirements:

Minimum BA/BS degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required, an advanced degree is preferred. A minimum of 7 to 10 years experience in a senior management role either in-house or with an agency. Demonstrated skill comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high impact placements.

Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communication media, demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals.

Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized, a minimum of five years experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories.

Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output, experience in building, mentoring and coaching a team of communication specialist; excellent judgment and creating problem solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Superior management skills; ability to engage direct and indirect reports, peers, stature, gravitas, and confidence to the credibility and respect of high-performing Board of Directors; self reliant, good problem solver, results oriented. Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs; excellent and persuasive communicator; passion for the VDI's mission; ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as a strategic thinker.

Please e-mail your resume to Dr. Works with the word "Resume" on the subject line and the position you are applying for. All positions are for current and former military veterans only.