Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Leader

unitedwaymassbay; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS PPO health plan

Dental

401k with company match

Discretionary employer base

PTO with summer hours & Thanksgiving 3

Hybrid work schedule (2 fixed days in‑

Job summary

United Way of Massachusetts Bay seeks a visionary Vice President of Strategic Communications to shape our external voice across media, digital, and campaigns. Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, you will lead an integrated function and translate goals into compelling narratives that advance policy impact and donor engagement.

You will manage a high‑performing team, drive analysis, oversee budgets, and align communications with program priorities, ensuring timely, high‑quality messaging

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related field.
• 5+ years managing direct reports with staff leadership experience.
• College BS/BA education level required; Graduate degree a plus.
• Strong experience at the intersection of communications and policy/advocacy.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, including executive communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive UWMB's integrated strategic communications and marketing strategy.
• Oversee narrative strategy and ensure consistency across external communications.
• Lead editorial planning and proactive media engagement to meet priorities.
• Shape executive communications (op-eds, speeches, thought leadership) and elevate leadership visibility.
• Guide and execute integrated campaigns tied to priorities, fundraising, and donor relations.
• Collaborate with policy, development, and external affairs teams to align priorities and outcomes.
• Lead and mentor a high-impact team and manage the function's budget.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive communications

Leadership

Storytelling

Policy & advocacy

Analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Graduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

United Way of Massachusetts Bay seeks a visionary Vice President of Strategic Communications to shape our external voice across media, digital, and campaigns. Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, you will lead an integrated function and translate goals into compelling narratives that advance policy impact and donor engagement.

You will manage a high‑performing team, drive analysis, oversee budgets, and align communications with program priorities, ensuring timely, high‑quality messaging