AVP, Communications

Associate Vice President, CommunicationsReporting to the Vice President, Marketing and Communications (VP), the Associate Vice President, Communications (AVP) plays a pivotal role in advancing United Way of New York City's mission to unite community power with citywide possibility. This leader drives the organization's communications strategy to amplify the voice, reputation, and visibility of UWNYC's Community Impact work across New York City, ensuring our stories reflect the strength, resilience, and partnership at the heart of our efforts.Serving as senior speechwriter to the President & CEO and members of the Executive Leadership Team, the AVP shapes compelling executive messaging that inspires stakeholders, deepens engagement, and advances equity and opportunity for New Yorkers.In close partnership with Marketing and Experiential Marketing leadership, this role leads efforts to develop integrated communications strategies that position UWNYC as trusted brand stewards and thought leaders across the organization, with partners, agencies and consultants.Primary Responsibilities: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 and Brand ManagementAs 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 and Organizational AlignmentContinue 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 and CulturePromote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.Foster a positive team culture by promoting open communication and collaboration to foster accountability and growth.Set clear performance goals for team members and provide regular feedback.Encourage professional development by identifying development training opportunities to support professional growth.Monitor project progress and ensure adherence to timelines and budgets.Facilitate open dialogue to resolve issues promptly and maintain team morale.Lead by example in embracing change and adapting to new processes or systems.Communicate the benefits of change to encourage team buy-in and minimize resistance.Conduct scheduled performance evaluations to assess team effectiveness and individual contributions.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 writerwrites clearly and turns complex information into simple value propositions.Experienced communicatorcan 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 CommunicatorBrand Stewardship and Reputation ManagementStrategic Messaging and Narrative DevelopmentCollaborative Team Player and LeaderStrategic Planning and ExecutionSystems and Organizational AcumenEmbraces and Manages ChangeEntrepreneurial and Innovative DriveEquity and Inclusive StorytellingAdditional Requirements:Successful completion of background check.UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.United Way of New York City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer