Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief of External Affairs to create UWMB's strategic communications and marketing strategy and lead its implementation;
• Work in close partnership with the Chief of External Affairs to set and drive narrative strategy, including but not limited to defining and/or evolving the organization's overarching narrative and positioning, translating complex work (policy, research, programs) into clear, compelling stories, and ensuring consistency across all external and partner/donor-facing communications
• Oversee the integration of external affairs communications with proactive communications planning and yearly development of an editorial content calendar to ensure all channels are aligned to shared priorities and outcomes.
• Elevate the executive and organizational voice by shaping and managing CEO/executive communications (op-eds, speeches, thought leadership), positioning UWMB's leadership team as credible, visible voices on key issues, and ensuring readiness for high-profile moments and external engagement.
• In partnership with the Community Impact and Development teams, shape and execute integrated campaigns tied to organizational priorities, ensuring communications support major initiatives, fundraising efforts and donor stewardship, research releases and events.
• Work collaboratively with VP of Policy and Government Relations and members of the External Affairs team to communicate UWMB's policy priorities and outcomes to the public, donors, volunteers and other key constituencies, translate policy priorities into public-facing narratives and campaigns and support advocacy efforts through strategic communications.
• Lead and develop a high-impact team, establishing clear roles, accountability and performance expectations, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning and improvement.
• Budgetary responsibility - Work in collaboration with Division Chief and Finance to develop and manage functional budget.
• Partner with Development on high-visibility fundraising events to help drive awareness and revenue.
• In partnership with the Chief of External Affairs, drive proactive media engagement and relationship-building, identify and secure high-impact opportunities for visibility and help lead crisis communications and rapid response.

Requirements

• 10–15 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related field
• Proven ability to lead integrated communications strategies across media, digital, and content
• 5+ years managing direct reports. Ability to clearly demonstrate experience of supervising staff, as well as building, leading, motivating and mentoring teams of all skill and experience levels, both internal and external.
• College BS/BA education level required. Graduate degree, a plus.
• Strong experience working at the intersection of communications and policy or advocacy
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, including executive communications
• Demonstrated success in securing and shaping media coverage
• Experience advising senior leaders and managing high-stakes communications
• Ability to build consensus, collaborate with, convene and mobilize multiple partners and diverse stakeholders in efforts to produce specific deliverables
• Content knowledge and/or experience in one or more of UMWB's impact areas of economic inclusion and mobility, safe and stable housing, early education and out-of-school time, and pathways for youth and young adults and/or public health

Benefits

• We offer excellent benefits including a BCBS PPO plan, dental, 401k retirement savings with company match and a discretionary employer base contribution. Our PTO policy offers summer hours and a three-day closure for Thanksgiving. We also offer a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 2 fixed days in office per week. Additional in person work will be required based on the needs of the position and the organization.