Vice President of Communications

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Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, the Vice President of Communications will develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for City Year across a segmented audience that includes private and public funders, national opinion leaders in education and national service policy, influencers on college campuses, and elected officials and their staff. In collaboration with the CSO/EVP and the Chief Marketing Officer, the VP will be responsible for developing a strategy that is responsive to and reflects the vision, goals, and brand of City Year and leverages communications channels including, but not limited to – media, e‑newsletters, event materials, event programming and videos– to shape public perception of City Year by disseminating a consistent organizational message and brand.

Outstanding writing ability, especially under pressure, and proven ability to develop strategic communications plans and to work with national media outlets is required. Experience working in the education space preferred.

• Develop and execute comprehensive public relations and media strategy across a segmented audience that includes private and public funders, national opinion leaders in education and national service policy, influencers on college campus, and elected officials and their staff.
• Manage a team of writers, media relations managers, and project managers, to provide critical expertise and service to City Year’s departments and sites to ensure consistent communications, messaging, and strategic media planning.
• Provide the communications team with the capacity and skills to execute effectively with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Lead a high performing communications team to meet annual goals and service operational needs, working with City Year’s Senior Leadership Team and internal departments to ensure alignment and strategic prioritization.
• Support the CMO’s marketing strategies to reinforce the appropriate targeting of City Year’s brand, working together to develop consistent media strategies for all audiences.
• Create, produce, and manage the public relations and national messaging calendar. Drive a consolidated approach to the press who are critical to advancing our mission and goals and further City Year’s efforts to establish itself as a leading voice in education reform.
• Partner with the marketing, recruitment, development, and program teams to deliver high-quality online and print publications, newsletters, messaging, and media strategies.
• Increase frequency and impact of stories in national media, business press, and industry publications including Education Week and Chronicle of Philanthropy.
• Work with Executive Directors and local boards across all sites to develop a highly‑coordinated and aligned set of local, regional, and national communications strategies and goals. Partner with City Year’s 24 sites to provide training at the local level to increase the frequency and impact of stories in the local press.
• Develop and place Op Eds and secure editorials.
• Ensure that City Year’s story and demonstrated impact is highlighted through great corps member stories and service partner endorsements.
• Collaborate with the Human Potential Department as an internal communications training partner to deepen City Year’s understanding of key messages.
• Ensure alignment of communications strategy with all internal key stakeholders on funder communications.
• Respond to and prepare for any required, unexpected…