ROME GROUP
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Communications & Marketing serves as a strategic leader at UCP Heartland, overseeing all aspects of communications, marketing, branding, advocacy, and internal communications. This role is responsible for elevating the organization’s visibility, enhancing internal culture through effective staff communication, and advancing UCP Heartland’s mission through targeted legislative and public engagement. The Senior Director collaborates across departments—particularly with the CEO, COO/CFO, Human Resources, and Development—and supervises a team of two.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Develop and lead the execution of an integrated communications, marketing and advocacy strategy aligned with UCP Heartland’s mission and strategic priorities.
Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, advising on communications-related opportunities and risks.
Supervise and develop the communications and marketing team, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Internal Communications
Lead internal communication strategies that strengthen staff engagement and culture, including:Drafting internal announcements, leadership messages, and organizational updates.
Managing staff newsletter (“Heartland Round Up”) in collaboration with HR.
Supporting communications related to all-staff meetings, new initiatives, and organizational updates.
Partner with HR, COO/CFO and the CEO to ensure clarity and transparency around internal policies, recognition efforts, and culture-building activities.
External Communications & Brand Management
Maintain brand consistency across all digital and print platforms.
Oversee content strategy for the website, social media, press releases, email marketing, and promotional materials.
Develop storytelling assets that highlight impact, client experiences, and organizational values.
Stay abreast of emerging business news topics and trends, competitor news and developing media issues to ensure UCP Heartland initiatives are consistent with industry’s best practices.
Media Relations & Public Affairs
Develop and execute determined media relations and social media strategy, including social media platform maintenance, media contact management, news release distributions, pitching, etc. Respond to local media inquiries by coordinating interviews and providing UCP Heartland approved information, as appropriate. Review media support requests and execute an effective communications strategy to ensure a consistent UCP Heartland image and message to the public. Monitor and analyze public relations and social engagement data.
Serve as spokesperson or designate representatives for media inquiries and public forums. Train and prepare staff and volunteer spokespersons for interviews, hearings, meetings, etc.
Cultivate relationships with media, local influencers, and community partners and position UCP Heartland as the IDD resource.
Oversee crisis communication strategies and rapid-response communications.
Advocacy & Government Relations
Lead UCP Heartland’s advocacy strategy in coordination with national and state partners (Starling, ANCOR, UCP).
Develop and publish an annual Legislative Agenda and key messaging that reflects key policy priorities.
Coordinate Legislative Day in partnership with a cross-functional team.
Build and nurture relationships with key public officials; organize site visits and mission-immersion experiences for elected leaders.
Fundraising & Stakeholder Support
Support development campaigns and donor communications with compelling messaging. Collaborate on major events and stewardship strategies to enhance donor engagement. This includes script development and talent management.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degreein communications, Marketing, journalism, Public Relations, or related field required.
Experience: Minimum 6-8 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.Experience in communications and crisis management required. Legislative engagement and policy communication preferred.
Management Experience:
Five years of management experience. Skills & Abilities:
Outstanding oral and written communication skills required, with proven knowledge of AP Style. Ability to manage experienced professionals and fully proficient in work and industry. Strong organizational, multi-tasking skills with ability to meet deadlines. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with media monitoring software.Experience managing professional social media accounts. Strong teamwork and collaboration required. Willingness to serve as a media spokesperson required, experience as a spokesperson preferred. Ability to work on a team. Travel: approximately 10% required. A valid driver’s license is required. Key Competencies: Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi-channel communications that convey a clear understanding of the needs of different audiences, internally and externally. Strategic Mindset Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies for communications, brand, and advocacy. Manages Complexity Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems, especially during crises or advocacy shifts. Collaborates Builds partnerships and works collaboratively across departments (HR, Development, Leadership) to meet shared objectives. Drives Engagement Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best by fostering a strong internal culture and consistent messaging. Instills Trust Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity—crucial in being a public spokesperson. Plans and Aligns Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals, managing cross-functional campaigns, legislative outreach, and marketing calendars. Salary Range: $85,000-$90,000. To Apply:
Current Opportunities – UCP Heartland
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Five years of management experience. Skills & Abilities:
Outstanding oral and written communication skills required, with proven knowledge of AP Style. Ability to manage experienced professionals and fully proficient in work and industry. Strong organizational, multi-tasking skills with ability to meet deadlines. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with media monitoring software.Experience managing professional social media accounts. Strong teamwork and collaboration required. Willingness to serve as a media spokesperson required, experience as a spokesperson preferred. Ability to work on a team. Travel: approximately 10% required. A valid driver’s license is required. Key Competencies: Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi-channel communications that convey a clear understanding of the needs of different audiences, internally and externally. Strategic Mindset Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies for communications, brand, and advocacy. Manages Complexity Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems, especially during crises or advocacy shifts. Collaborates Builds partnerships and works collaboratively across departments (HR, Development, Leadership) to meet shared objectives. Drives Engagement Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best by fostering a strong internal culture and consistent messaging. Instills Trust Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity—crucial in being a public spokesperson. Plans and Aligns Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals, managing cross-functional campaigns, legislative outreach, and marketing calendars. Salary Range: $85,000-$90,000. To Apply:
Current Opportunities – UCP Heartland
#J-18808-Ljbffr