The NEA Foundation is a public charity founded by educators for educators to improve public education for all students. Since our beginning in 1969, the Foundation has served as a laboratory of learning, offering funding and other resources to public school educators, their schools, and districts to solve complex teaching and learning challenges. We believe that when educators unleash their own power, ideas, and voices, communities, schools, and students all benefit. In 2019, we are celebrating 50 years of keeping the promise of public education.
A dynamic public education system is more important than ever — students from all backgrounds rely on it to prepare themselves for college, career, and beyond. Everything the NEA Foundation does is in service to students, to provide them the excellent public education they deserve. We accomplish this through grants to improve classroom instruction, by supporting educators’ professional growth, and by collaborating with groups, including unions, who share our goals.
To achieve our mission, we invest in initiatives that support high-quality instruction and provide critical resources to boost student learning.
Position Overview
At the NEA Foundation, a leading national charity founded by educators for educators, we believe that when educators unleash their own power, ideas and voices, communities, schools and students all benefit. We seek an outstanding communications professional with 7 to 10 years of progressive experience and a passion for public education for the role of Vice President of Communications.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President of Communications sets and guides the organization’s communications strategy, positioning the Foundation as a leader and trusted source amongst education stakeholders. The ability to think and plan strategically, and to execute on those plans will be a key attribute for success in this role.
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Leading the development, execution, and evaluation of a strategic marketing and communications plan that aligns with and advances the Foundation’s strategic priorities.
2. Leading external communications and media relations efforts of the Foundation.
3. Ensuring an effective digital presence for the Foundation, including social media and web content. Uses analytics to evaluate and enhance performance
4. Managing internal communications aimed at ensuring that Board and staff are well informed about the Foundation’s work.
5. Ensuring the quality and consistency of Foundation materials, overseeing the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral.
6. Supervising and mentoring the work a communications manager. Recruiting and managing outside consultants.
A full job description follows.
Visit www.neafoundation.org for more information on the Foundation.
Salary is $105-$115K, depending on experience, and an excellent benefits package.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Vice President of Communications Direct Report to: Chief Operating Officer
Summary: The Vice President of Communications sets and guides the organization’s communications strategy, positioning the Foundation as a leader and trusted source amongst its stakeholders. The position requires the ability not only to think and plan strategically, but to execute on those plans and deliver communications that present the mission, objectives and programs of the NEA Foundation in compelling ways to a variety of audiences while deepening public understanding of the Foundation’s work. The Vice President of Communications is the brand architect, chief strategist for internal and external communications, including the Foundation’s digital presence. S/he serves as a key spokesperson and media contact for the Foundation and supports the CEO with key external communications activities.
Duties and responsibilities:
1. Leads development, execution, and evaluation of a strategic marketing communications plan that aligns with and advances the Foundation’s strategic priorities:
- Works with CEO and COO to ensure deep understanding of organizational strategic direction and top priorities and the related communications needs.
- Collaborates with programmatic leads to define high priority communications objectives (long-range and annual) and to identify programmatic learnings and successes that should be shared externally.
- Collaborates with development lead to connect communications and fundraising strategy to support short and long-term fundraising goals. Identifies ways to capitalize on programmatic achievements for fundraising success.
- Meets defined measures of success established in partnership with relevant program leads and the COO. Monitors and evaluates communications strategies.
2. Leads external communications and media relations efforts of the Foundation:
- Serves as a key spokesperson, primary media contact, and lead strategist.
- Cultivates relationships with media networks – print, TV, radio and digital.
- Oversees media research, outreach and interview requests. Prepares interviewees as needed for media contact.
- Supports the CEO’s participation in key external communications activities (speeches, presentations, etc.)
- Ensures an effective digital presence for the Foundation, including social media and web content. Uses analytics to evaluate and enhance performance
- Represents the Foundation at conferences, symposia, and meetings as needed.
3. Oversees internal communications program aimed at ensuring that Board and staff are well informed about the Foundation’s work.
- Institutes and maintains practices that ensure internal audiences understand the Foundation’s work and core messages.
- Ensures Board and staff are “first to know” about key communications.
- Guides key Board communications, including an electronic newsletter.
- Develops and ensures adherence to communication policies and protocols.
- Provides technical training/assistance on communications when necessary.
4. Ensures the quality and consistency of Foundation materials, overseeing the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral and the Foundation’s web site.
5. Supervises and mentors a communications manager. Recruits and manages outside consultants as needed.
6. Maintains and develops one’s own professional skills and knowledge.
Qualifications
1. Minimum of 7 to 10 years progressive experience in communications, public relations or public affairs, media, corporate communications, or advocacy communications.
2. Master’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field is highly desirable.
3. Strong leadership skills with ability to lead communications discussions at both a strategic and tactical level.
4. Demonstrated success creating and implementing a strategic communications plan. Experience with organizational branding.
5. A compelling storyteller with outstanding writing/editing skills. Articulate speaker with ability to serve as spokesperson for the Foundation.
6. Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and manage the delivery of effective messaging for multiple audiences.
7. Experienced media relations professional with demonstrated success placing stories. Proficient in web-based and social communications strategies.
8. Ability to develop and manage budgets
9. Commitment to and passion for public education as well as familiarity with the nonprofit sector and its role in social change.
10. Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively. Thrives on managing multiple initiatives concurrently.
How To Apply
For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to neafhr@nea.org and note VP of Communications in your subject line.