Vice President of Communications

Heartshare seeks a talented and experienced Vice President (VP) of Communications to direct and oversee marketing, communications, and branding strategy. The person in this role will design, implement and monitor effective marketing, communications, and branding strategies that align with the strategic goals of Heartshare’s family of services. 

The ideal candidate has a strong marketing background, non-profit communications experience, and a track record of managing a variety of promotional projects end-to-end, including paid advertising campaigns and digital marketing techniques. Our VP of Communications will report directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) and will oversee the communications team. They will manage a team of two full-time staff, one intern, and several external contractors. This role plays a critical part in advancing Heartshare’s strategic plan, as the department’s work is essential to the agency’s long-term success. 

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position 

Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership 

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

Communications Operations 

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing strategy that elevates Heartshare programs, supports fundraising goals, and strengthens public relations and brand visibility. 
• Oversee the development and maintenance of Heartshare’s communication and marketing materials including, the annual report, marketing collateral, website content, and emerging media platforms. Ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with brand standards while managing relationships with external vendors, designers, and production partners. 
• Implement and manage internal communications to reinforce Heartshare’s mission, values and priorities. Partner with executive leadership to communicate high level strategic organizational changes and updates.  
• 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 programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects. 

Brand Strategy and Management 

• Provide visionary leadership in defining, elevating, and protecting Heartshare’s brand identity across all touchpoints. 
• Develop and execute comprehensive brand strategies to increase visibility, reputation, and alignment with the agency’s mission among key stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, clients, and the broader public. 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and leadership to ensure brand consistency across marketing, communications, fundraising, and programmatic initiatives. 
• Partner with executive leadership within each division, Developmental Disability, Education Service, St. Vincent’s Services, to develop program specific marketing materials to bring awareness to our services and attract and engage potential clients. 
• Serve as the brand steward, ensuring all external messaging, visuals, and campaigns reflect Heartshare’s core values and strategic priorities. 

Fundraising Support 

• Partner with the Development Office to create compelling and cohesive marketing and communications materials that support fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and high-profile events including two major galas. 
• Lead the strategic development of promotional campaigns to drive philanthropic engagement and deepen donor relationships. 
• Leverage data and audience insights to optimize messaging, segmentation, and impact of outreach efforts. 

Team Development/Management 

• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy. 
• Promote a high-performance and continuous improvement culture that values learning and a commitment to quality. 
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and vendors to ensure operational efficiency and maximum return on investment. 
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans; conduct regular performance evaluations and provide strategic mentorship to foster growth, innovation, and accountability. 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration or related field required 
• At least 7 years’ progressive experience in marketing and/or communications in a non-profit setting 
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a leadership role managing marketing teams and delivering results 
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications for a non-profit, media relations, and marketing schemes 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 and output 
• Strong understanding of budget creation and execution. 
• Ability to prioritize and delegate multiple tasks and projects to ensure each is completed correctly and in a timely manner. 

Benefits 
What we offer once YOU join our growing family:
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick and personal) 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Team environment 
• Medical and dental benefits 
• Employer-paid life insurance 
• Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.) 
• 403(B) retirement plans 
• Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit) 
• Employee assistance program 

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org. 

About HeartShare
Who WE ARE:
For over one hundred years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives. To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

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