SCOPE OF ROLE:

At S:US, we are committed to a better New York with housing for all. This position offers a chance to shape services for thousands of people with behavioral and mental challenges. The VP, Communications & Marketing will lead S:US’ strategic communications efforts to elevate the organization’s visibility and public support. This role is central to promoting S:US’ mission, achievements, and strategic priorities to external and internal audiences through media and communications channels. S/he will develop and implement strategies for dissemination of S:US’ messaging or information externally and oversee a team that creates messages that are clear, thorough, on-brand, and seek to preserve the organization's image. This role will be an ambassador for the organization and will build relationships with the media.

Reporting to the Chief Development & External Affairs Officer, the VP, Communications & Marketing ensures that messages and channels of communication reflect the information being communicated and the audience being targeted.  This role will oversee the work of communications, advertising, marketing, and public relations to promote our person-centered services.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing a world-class communications plan in the Non-Profit industry, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation. The goal of this role is to advance our organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support for the organization. The VP of Communications & Marketing will be responsible for overseeing S:US’ 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 efforts. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of bringing projects to fruition with measured success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications and Marketing Strategy, Vision and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance S:US’ brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences, including a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives.
• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow S:US leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including donors, the media and key influencers.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization.
• Work with the executive management team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Serve as communications counselor to S:US leadership.
• Oversee and hold accountable outside consultants including PR and marketing firms contracted.

Communications & Marketing Operations

• Oversee development of all S:US print and digital communications including marketing collateral materials and general external communications including S:US’ website and news media; manage relationships with associated 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, presentations and other supporting material as needed.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage. surrounding S:US’ programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects.
• Oversee development of infrastructure of digital marketing platform.
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.

Team Development/Management

• Recruit and manage a communications & marketing team to support the development and execution of the communications & marketing 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.

KEY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS/CORE COMPETENCIES

• Commitment: passionate about S:US mission generally and provision of housing, in particular.
• Communication: strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with team members, other S:US staff, outside development partners, government agencies and lenders. Ability to communicate regularly with supervisor about department issues.
• Responsiveness: able to work in a fast-paced environment, often under the pressure of strict deadlines. Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize
• Organized: ability to meet deadlines, multi-task while juggling competing priorities, high attention to detail.
• Teamwork: able to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment. Performs work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading or speaking with others.
• Self-Motivated: independent thinker with the ability to demonstrate initiative and endeavor to maintain a stable level of productivity.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

·         Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• Master’s degree in marketing, Business Administration, or a related field (e.g., MBA or MPH) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive marketing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, delivering results-driven integrated marketing campaigns.
• 5-8 years of experience leading and mentoring communications and marketing teams to achieve incremental performance improvements.
• Experience leading nonprofit fundraising campaigns, particularly with events.
• Demonstrated skill and 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 communications media.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing 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.
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of high-performing Board of Directors.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, SUS’s Board of Directors and staff.
• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media.
• Possess the ability to manage multiple projects with the ability to also manage crisis as they arise.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

·         Hybrid Work Model with at least 50% in person

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to travel to all five boroughs

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Corporate setting as well as field visits to S:US locations, media and other related events and venues.

SPAN OF CONTROL

Scope – Functional with Organization-wide Impact

Complexity Level – High and extensive