VP, Communications

Description

The Vice President, Communications is responsible for the development of all internal and external brand communications. This position is accountable for driving the Resource brand and reputation on the local, national and international level as well as developing and executing the internal communications plan to ensure our associates are in the know, up to date and engaged with the pulse of the agency.

As a member of the senior leadership team (SLT) the VP, Communications collaborates with other leaders in the business to ensure appropriate messaging that aligns to a clear and differentiated brand positioning and supports Resource’s vision of growth.  This role reports directly to the CEO.

Success measures for the VP, Communications role include the ability to establish and clarify an ongoing differentiated agency brand and to lead all reputation building activities that elevate and position Resource as an industry leader (including but not limited to; trade press, speaking engagements, events, newsletters and social media.)

Essential Job Functions

External Communications: Branding/Marketing

• Develop and lead the strategic storytelling of the Resource brand and positioning to a best in class position
• Lead name development initiatives for proprietary IP and related trademarking
• Develop external communications strategy to align with key influencers and partners for media coverage and reputation building
• Build, foster and drive trade press relationships to ensure Resource’s name is actively publicized/merchandised in the industry
• Plan, pitch and manage podium/speaking engagements (strategic marketing opportunities, industry boards and community events/activities) for executives and Resource subject matter experts
• Develop the communication strategy and plan for all Resource brand marketing assets including the design and content for:  white papers, website, email newsletters, podcasts and social media presence (Twitter, Facebook weThink blog).
• Oversee production of the monthly Limelight newsletter which includes partnering with the Growth team and Client teams for content development
• Lead and monitor ongoing competitive assessments that provides strategic direction for differentiation and brand excellence among competitors
• Lead submission strategy and process for all industry and workplace awards
• Identify and facilitate membership to appropriate professional organizations, award shows and industry events
• Partner with Chief Creative Officer/facilities management to establish and direct Resource brand message and client experience in office locations to communicate our brand in a consistent manner (Columbus, San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati)
• Develop and maintain regional and local public relations plans for all Resource offices
• Oversee the maintenance and publication of the public relations dashboard

External Communications: Thought leadership

• Partner with internal subject matter experts to understand and help position Thought Leadership content and assets that differentiate Resource in the market
• Identify relevant and timely press opportunities to promote Thought Leadership that solidifies a reputation as an industry leader
• Plan, manage and produce Resource Thought Leadership-focused events including the Open Brand Summit, academic events, etc.

Internal Communications

• Develop the Resource internal communication plan to identify the cadence and medium for announcements and updates across the business (associate newsletter, company intranet, internal videos)
• Ensure relevant marketing content and communications are easily accessible/sharable

• Lead the Communication team to merchandize new hires, new business wins, work to increase Resource recognition
• Develop, promote and oversee all associate events and meetings including the Resource annual company meeting and the mid-year staff meeting and summer event
• Provide assistance with speech writing and support including content and visuals for podium appearances
• Maintain consistency of branded graphics across all Resource offices

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in reputation/brand building and a deep competitive understanding of the industry 
• Leadership skills including team-building, verbal and written communications, planning, budgeting, the ability to effectively manage up, down, and across the organization
• Ability to lead and grow a team of associates from a variety of disciplines:  marketing, public relations, design, writing, events
• Expertise in understanding and applying the power of storytelling, design and breakthrough creative execution to convey compelling messages and experiences to associates, clients, partners, media and industry influencers
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in a communications leadership role within an agency environment
• Degree in communications or marketing

Travel Requirements

• This position may require up to 20% travel to and from current or potential client sites, conferences, seminars and/or training sessions.

Please Note: This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills and due to the changing nature of the job is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice.  This position is exempt based on the FLSA laws.