VP, Marketing & Communications

Position

VP, Marketing & Communications

Cleveland, OH

Hybrid

214

1

Jump Start is a nonprofit venture development organization dedicated to driving economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. We envision Ohio as a premier destination for entrepreneurs—where businesses thrive, supported by an inclusive and high-impact network.

Our success is powered by a talented, mission-driven team that transforms entrepreneurial ideas into action and measurable outcomes. Jump Start is known for being a highly demanding—and genuinely fun—place to work.

Jump Start is seeking a strategic, creative, and mission-driven Vice President, Marketing & Communications to lead the organization’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy during an exciting period of growth and impact.

This senior leadership role is responsible for stewarding the Jump Start brand, shaping our voice in the market, and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that advance thought leadership, audience engagement, partnerships, client acquisition, and earned revenue. The VP will work closely with executive leadership and serve as a key spokesperson for the organization.

• Lead the development and execution of Jump Start’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational goals and mission.

• Serve as steward of the Jump Start brand, ensuring a consistent voice, message, and visual identity across all platforms and audiences.

• Set and guide long-term brand positioning, market presence, and thought leadership strategy.

• Partner with executive leadership to define and advance Jump Start’s thought-leadership agenda.

• Oversee marketing operations including planning, budgeting, forecasting, performance measurement, and resource allocation.

• Drive lead generation and campaign execution that supports client acquisition, partnerships, and earned revenue growth.

• Lead and grow Jump Start’s fee-for-service marketing offerings with a focus on quality, scalability, and financial performance.

• Provide strategic direction for all external communications, including media relations, press strategy, proactive storytelling, and crisis communications.

• Prepare and support executive leadership—especially the CEO—for high-visibility communications and speaking opportunities.

• Serve as a primary spokesperson alongside the CEO to strengthen Jump Start’s visibility, credibility, and reputation.

• Lead content strategy across digital platforms including website, email, social media, blogs, reports, podcasts, and presentations.

• Oversee digital marketing initiatives including SEO, analytics, marketing automation, and audience segmentation.

• Use data and market insights to optimize engagement, conversion, and audience growth.

• Lead internal communications to support organizational alignment, culture, and change management.

• Build a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the marketing and communications function.

• Partner with HR and senior leadership to support organizational initiatives and employee engagement.

• Willingness to live and work in Greater Cleveland.

• 10+ years of experience in marketing and communications within nonprofit, agency, or corporate environments.

• 5+ years of people management experience.

• Proven success leading integrated marketing strategies with measurable brand and revenue impact.

• Experience managing budgets and supporting revenue or sales objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical ability and comfort navigating ambiguity.

• High emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style.

At Jump Start, we live our values every day:

Jump Start Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. This posting does not list every responsibility and may evolve as organizational needs change.

• Accountability – We deliver on commitments and own results

• Entrepreneurial – We embrace opportunity, innovation, and change

• Equity – We are committed to inclusive economic outcomes

• Energy – We bring focus, grit, and enthusiasm to our work

• Collaboration – We work together to maximize impact

• Humility – We listen, learn, and lead with openness

$150,000 - $165,000 per year