Vice President for Communications

Purpose
Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President for Communications serves as the chief communications officer responsible for advancing IFAW’s worldwide animal welfare programs and initiatives.  Responsible for external communications, that includes the coordination and implementation of strategic branding, positioning, and integrated campaign communication plans.  Advance IFAW through effective communication with various constituencies, informing, educating and garnering support on behalf of the organization.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities
• Develop and implement a comprehensive international communications plan that engages both external and internal audiences that convey IFAW’s mission and strategic initiatives.
• Manage communication activities of the organization and maintain media contacts to promote public awareness.  Work closely with program and country office staff when handling crisis communication. Proactively engage in active media relations.
• Work closely with the CEO and IFAW leadership to increase organizational visibility and impact.  Develop relevant talking points for the CEO and other leaders as needed.
• Develop an international branding strategy as well as a management and implementation plan (including electronic and printed materials) that translates our vision, mission and positions to a highly recognizable brand that increases public awareness of and attracts support to IFAW.  Work collaboratively with the offices of Philanthropy, Programs, and International Operations to ensure cohesive brand message communications.
• Manage External Affairs staff to ensure that their work supports and enhances fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of IFAW’s programmatic and priority campaigns to better promote the organization.  Work with appropriate programmatic and country office staff to promote adherence to appropriate institutional messaging of campaigns in the local and broader international community.
• Provide media training and counsel to leadership, communications staff and country offices to convey key messages to relevant audiences that support IFAW’s brand and message.
• Assure that all communications programs and related staffing levels and budgets are appropriate to accomplish stated goals and the long-term vision of IFAW and its leadership.
• Initiate pro-bono and discounted partnerships with media consultants, public relations and advertising agencies to develop cost effective marketing and branding materials.
• Design, implement and report on quantitative measures of the effectiveness of our strategic communication efforts.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Management Team; participate in the strategic and operational planning for the organization.
• Execute special projects as required.

Job Requirements
• Relevant degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or equivalent.  Advanced degree and international experience preferred.
• Ten years or more of senior level cross departmental marketing and communications experience within a non-profit institution is preferred.  Relevant agency or for-profit experience considered.  
• Expertise delivering brand messages to multi-cultural audiences.
• Demonstrated success managing media and journalistic relationships.
• Experience working with Senior Management on institutional strategic planning and organizational change.
• Leadership within a matrix-driven organization is preferred; ability to effectively collaborate across functions and geographies.