Senior Vice President of Communications

Job Overview:

The SVP of Communications will serve as a member of States United’s Executive Team and as a key partner to the CEO in developing communications strategy and helping to guide the organization’s work in states across the country. The SVP will not only spearhead States United’s communications operation but will also design strategies to support pro-democracy governors, attorneys general, and secretaries of state.

 

The SVP will oversee both earned and owned media for States United and will be responsible for leading the development of States United’s long-term and day-to-day communications strategy. This will include strengthening the visibility and impact of the organization and its state official clients as leading voices on democracy, the rule of law, and elections. The SVP will guide the design and execution of core communications programming-including digital assets, messaging, media and stakeholder engagement, training and best practices – to ensure alignment with the mission, vision, and values of States United.

 

The SVP manages the Communications Department and reports directly to the Chief Program Officer.

 

Responsibilities:

• Develop, oversee, and manage all of States United’s earned and digital communications strategy and implementation, including working with other departments, programs, and senior leadership to strengthen the visibility and impact of the organization and the state officials we support.
• Develop, oversee, and manage States United’s messaging, profile building, and brand to define and refine States United’s role in the democracy space to drive broader awareness on issues related to democracy, the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the critical role of state officials.
• Serve as spokesperson for States United and as an expert/advisor to organizational leaders, advisory board members, key stakeholders, and staff.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with state officials, the media, and other key stakeholders and partners.
• Develop, oversee and manage rapid response support for States United and key stakeholders, including crisis communications planning.
• Grow, cultivate, and manage States United’s communications and digital staff and consultants.
• Oversee budgeting, strategic planning, metrics, and reporting for the Communications Department.
• Set vision and priorities for the Communications Department, track and manage progress to goals, and provide coaching and support to ensure team members meet and exceed goals, remain engaged, and contribute meaningfully to our mission.
• Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with internal teams, consultants, media, organizational partners, clients, and other key stakeholders.
• In addition to leading the Communications Department, the person in this role is a core member of the Executive Team, and in this capacity, they are expected to:
  • Contribute to the collective stewardship of, and assist in, setting and supporting the organization’s mission, values, and long-term strategic vision.
  • Represent the organization in high-level settings, including board meetings, funder engagements, and strategic convenings, serving as a trusted and credible voice for the organization.
  • Invest in the development and success of the staff, fostering leadership capacity, and promoting a culture of excellence, innovation, and support.

 

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in communications, with a proven track record of executing high quality work in a fast-paced environment, including at least 10 years in a director or senior communications role.
• Significant management experience, including managing a large and diverse team of communications professionals.
• Experience and proven success managing large communications programs and campaigns, including overseeing and managing digital campaigns and associated metrics.
• Experience working with state and/or federal government, non-profit (including c3s and c4s), and/or electoral campaigns.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy ideas or legal issues in a way that helps audiences understand and relate to them.
• Experienced project manager who has overseen a team juggling multiple tasks, allocating and optimizing resources, and managing timelines and deliverables.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• A self-starter skilled in problem-solving, prioritization, and time management, including holding others accountable to deadlines and desired outcomes and juggling multiple responsibilities and relationships.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently for meetings and events; ability to work non-traditional hours.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with statewide officials or other elected officials.
• Experience working in state, local or federal government.
• Experience working on elections, democracy, or rule of law issues.
• Adept at change management.

 

We encourage individuals to submit their Application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary for this position is $250,000 commensurate to experience.
• Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.

 

We have offices located in Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, and Washington, DC. This position may also be remote within the United States, with travel to attend organizational and team meetings and conferences, and other travel as needed.

 

States United Democracy Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.