Vice President of Communications

Easter Seals Bay Area operates multiple therapy sites throughout Northern California. Visit our website to learn more about our services for children.

Reporting to the CEO/President, and serving as an integral member of the Senior Management Team, the VP of Communications will be responsible for the development of ESBA’s Nonprofit communication strategy and will contribute to the organizational strategic planning process. The VP of

Communications will develop an extensive branded internal communications plan for ESBA, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization's brand reputation. They will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of internal relations and communication activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. The VP of Communications is responsible for ensuring various audiences understand our work, will promulgate our mission and purpose for all internal/external customers, coach team members on how to communicate the mission and purpose and focus on capacity building of members to share their stories and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create an organization wide branded communications strategy and align it with the current goals and initiatives of the organization.

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance ESBA’s brand identity aligning it with ES National; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key audiences which includes all internal and external customers.

• Partner with executive team members to assist in the creation of a marketing/public relations strategy that will allow leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.

• Will be responsible for ESBA's varied and integrated communications products and services including: newsletters and other print publications; Web, E-news, recruitment resources and other online communications.

• Oversee development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials, event materials, and electronic communications including websites and new media; manage relationships with associated vendors.

• Serve as communications counselor to leadership and staff across the organization.

• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or positively impact the organization.

• Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, event related functions, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.

Management & Collaboration:

• In collaboration and under the guidance of the Executive and Senior Management Team Members, will look at ways to maximize current and future impact while gaining an in-depth understanding of the organization’s programs and operations and supporting ongoing growth.

• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.

• Work closely with the People & Performance department to recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative Six Boxes Performance Thinking approach on a consistent basis.

• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set expectations and clear criteria, establish priorities, conduct performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments.

• Collaborate and partner with various leadership throughout the organization to refine and implement strategic plans while ensuring that the budget, staff and priorities are aligned with ESBA’s core mission.

• Develops process certification standards and assists in process certification, specifically with CARF.

• Provide effective leadership support, training and guidance to all staff.

• Works on various projects directed by Manager.

Minimum Education & Experience Equivalent to:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required, an advanced degree is preferred.

• Minimum ten (10) years’ experience in a management role either in-house or with an agency.

• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier executives.

• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media. Creative designing skills.

• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals.

• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized.

• A minimum of five (5) years experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories.

• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and outputs.

• Experience in building, mentoring and coaching a team of communications specialists.

• Prior non-profit experience is ideal.

• Healthcare experience preferred.