Vice President, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs

Responsibilities

• Bring the Foundation’s communications strategy to life , translating established strategic direction into focused priorities, integrated campaigns, and measurable results across the organization and within specific programs.
• Strengthen brand positioning and national visibility through compelling storytelling, thought leadership, media engagement, and communications that build awareness and trust.
• Provide strategic oversight of public affairs and the Director of Government Relations , aligning advocacy, policy messaging, and communications with broader organizational priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team on communications, reputation, and external stakeholder engagement.
• Lead executive communications, media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management , ensuring the Foundation communicates with clarity, credibility, and sound judgment as a newsmaker and thought leader.
• Build strategic partnerships across healthcare, research, policy, advocacy, industry, and philanthropy that expand the Foundation’s reach and advance shared priorities.
• Strengthen and develop a lean communications function , creating greater clarity, collaboration, accountability, and effectiveness across staff, contractors, and external partners.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in communications, marketing, public health, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience across communications, brand, public relations, digital communications, executive communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Track record of building brand visibility and audience engagement at scale through national awareness campaigns, advocacy initiatives, public health campaigns, or other mission-driven efforts.
• Strong vision-to-execution capability , translating strategic direction into clear priorities, actionable plans, and measurable results.
• Nonprofit or mission-driven organization experience , with an understanding of how to operate effectively in a lean, collaborative environment.
• Strategic partnership experience , with the ability to build productive relationships across organizations, sectors, and stakeholder groups.
• Proven people leadership , including developing teams, establishing priorities, and creating clarity and accountability during periods of growth or change.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare, public health, patient advocacy, or a related sector.
• Familiarity with healthcare industry partners, including healthcare systems, life sciences, payors, digital health, or other healthcare organizations.
• Experience partnering with public affairs, advocacy, government relations, or policy functions.
• Ability to work in a hybrid capacity, with proximity to Melbourne, Florida preferred.

Benefits

• Base Salary: 120,000–135,000 annually
• Medical: Employer pays 50% of employee premium; eligibility begins the first of the month following 30 days of employment
• Dental & Vision: Employer pays 100% of employee premium; eligibility begins the first of the month following hire date
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Paid Holidays, Sick Time, and PTO