United Way of New York City

AVP, Communications

New York, USA (Hybrid)

Position: Associate Vice President, Communications Reports to: Vice President, Marketing and Communications Organization Summary: United Way of New York City (UWNYC) works with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. Together, we meet today’s most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow — striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. Part of the United Way Worldwide system, one of the world’s most recognized charitable brands, we believe that New Yorkers deserve to thrive where they live and envision a future where all New Yorkers have the resources they need to live long, healthy lives in flourishing and resilient neighborhoods. We strive to model our values in all our relationships, both internal and external: Collaboration, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Superior Performance.   Position Overview:   Reporting to the Vice President (VP) of Marketing and Communications, and managing a strategic Communications Associate, the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Communications will be the senior speech writer to the President & CEO and responsible for the development of UWNYC’s communications strategy to strengthen organizational brand voice and reputation, and showcase our diverse Community Impact work across internal and external stakeholders.  This includes working with our PR agency, to develop, integrate, and implement a broad range of public relations activities based on research and analysis to support the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership.  Working across the Marketing and Communications team, the AVP of Communications will lead the creation of Integrated Communications strategies and partner with the Senior Directors of Marketing and Experiential Marketing for Integrated Marketing campaigns. This is integral to the Marketing and Communications department’s growth, strength and success as brand stewards and thought leaders across the organization, with partners, agencies and consultants.    Primary Responsibilities:   Executive Communications & Speechwriting * Primary writer for UWNYC’s external-facing materials, including senior speechwriter for the President & CEO. * Partners with the Chief of Staff to execute President & CEO’s media availabilities, events, and speaking engagements, which included drafting, editing, and finalizing remarks, statements, and speeches * Manage PR firm to support all external relations and strategic communications needs as appropriate, including thought leadership to raise Leadership’s profile in service of UWNYC, adding warmth, expertise and executive voice to the brand.   Strategic Communications & Brand Management * Be both a strategist and an operator, project manager and trafficker; manage multiple internal & external “campaigns” to build awareness and passion for the UWNYC brand, ensuring that all marketing collateral and communications reflect and embody our innovative, impactful work while enhancing the visibility and public perception and reputation of UWNYC. Train Communications Associate to partner to own and ultimately lead as well. * Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization – lead in protecting brand reputation and integrity, managing PR firm to support. * Partner with PR firm and VP, to develop UWNYC’s strategic communications plan. * Execute strategic communications plan with Communications Associate. * Establish an annual communications calendar and production schedule. * Review all UWNYC materials for brand fidelity and cohesive language across programmatic areas. Cross-Functional Partnership & Organizational Alignment * Continue to champion a rich understanding of UWNYC’s Community Impact programs, and policy issues surrounding them, in partnership with Strategic Initiatives and Government Relations. * Partner with the Marketing Team and VP, to ensure rich understanding of UWNYC’s value proposition in the media, and target audiences (personas) through agency research and routine review of campaign/press results with team. * Collaborate with Marketing colleagues on how press and communications should be highlighted on the website and newsletter. * Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions. Define and execute appropriate strategies to support them. Team Leadership & Culture * Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality. * Collaborate with and mentor team (as guided), in pursuit of an integrated team approach and ethos. Breaking down silos to create more holistic marketing communications solutions. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience: * Bachelor’s Degree required in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. * 7+ years of experience in Marketing and Communications in a consumer-facing organization. * Excellent writer—writes clearly and turns complex information into simple value propositions. * Experienced communicator—can confidently and eloquently inform the business value of our communication and marketing strategies. * Ability to work in a team environment with a variety of departments and competing priorities. * Combines a deep level of communications and marketing experience with technology and a passion for making New York City a place where every resident can thrive. * Excellent strategic and analytical thinking, problem solver, and project manager with strong presentation skills. * Disciplined, great attention to detail, and follow through. * Can work in a fast-paced environment, handle a large workflow, and be very organized and efficient with a strong ability to multi-task.   Key Competencies: * Effective and Engaging Communicator * Collaborative Team Player and Leader * Strategic Planning and Execution * Talent Management * Embraces and Manages Change * Planning and Project Management * Entrepreneurial and Innovative Drive * Business Acumen and Strategic Direction * Champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion * Service Oriented, Mission Aligned   Salary Range: * Job Title Salary Range * The final determination of salary, within this range, will depend on the candidate’s education, skills and experience required for the position.   Additional Requirements: * Successful completion of background check.   * UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.   United Way of NYC Core Competencies for All Staff * Mission Focused: Catalyze others’ commitment to the mission to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives their performance and professional motivations. * Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before processes and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal. * Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize resources (financial and human) through meaningful engagement. * Results Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good: creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact. * Brand Steward: Steward of the brand and understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.   United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer