VP, Communications

National Restaurant Association; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading association is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to develop integrated communication plans and manage the media relations team. The role involves crafting messaging strategies, overseeing communications operations, and managing departmental staff to align with organizational objectives. Ideal candidates will have extensive PR experience, proven leadership in communications, and strong media relations skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Remote work options

Qualifications

• 15 years of PR / strategic communications experience preferred.
• 3-5 years in a managerial role, ideally in an Association.
• Expertise in public relations and editorial work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated strategic communication plans.
• Manage the media relations and communications department staff.
• Oversee the development of communication materials.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Strong verbal communication

Leadership

Education

BA or BS in Journalism, Communication, or Marketing

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Communication Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Develop and implement integrated strategic communication plans to support the Association's strategic priorities, broadening awareness of its programs, products, and initiatives.
• Create and coordinate key messaging and communication strategies to effectively reach and inform critical audiences.
• Lead industry image-promotion activities and maintain the Association’s image and identity through consistent and coordinated messaging.
• Identify executive speaking opportunities and develop thought leadership content for external and internal audiences.
• Implement crisis communication plans in collaboration with the legal team.
• Execute and deliver messaging and communications to critical audiences in alignment with the Association’s priorities.
• Develop and implement targeted communication strategies to support Public Affairs and ensure the Association’s policy positions are effectively communicated to all stakeholders.

Communications Operations

• Oversee the development of communication materials, including print and digital content, white papers, reports, and new media.
• Direct the activities of external agencies and consultants responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies on behalf of the Association.
• Provide coverage analysis and implement tools to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations programs and messaging campaigns.
• Develop and produce speeches, talking points, and presentations for executive leadership, ensuring consistent, impactful messaging that aligns with organizational goals and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Partner with the People + Culture department to develop and disseminate employee messages.
• Develop and produce internal and external written communications.
• Oversee day-to-day activities of the communications function, including budgeting, planning, and staff development.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required, contributing to the department’s success.

Team Development and Management

• Manage the media relations and communications department staff to achieve the Association’s communication goals, objectives, and strategic priorities.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Foster an environment where everyone works as one team, aligned with the Association’s mission, objectives, and strategic priorities.

Requirements :

• BA or BS in Journalism, Communication, or Marketing OR 15 years of PR / strategic communications experience, including 3-5 years in a managerial role, preferably in an Association.
• Significant expertise in journalism, public relations, editorial work, media relations, event management, campaigns, and writing.
• Proven success in media relations, crisis management, and social media strategy.
• Established relationships with media and analyst communities.
• Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills; confident presenting ideas and concepts to senior leadership.
• Proven success in managing teams.
• Excellent strategic planning, project, and budget management skills.
• Strong strategic vision in areas of business and communications best practices; ability to guide messaging with diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity across a diverse set of stakeholders and audiences.
• Highly adaptable; ability to work well under pressure, within fast-paced and fluid environment both in office and virtual.
• Strategic acumen in business and communications.
• Extensive functional experience in communications and working with executives.
• Leadership skills, including mentoring and coaching.
• Proficiency in team building and consensus-building.
• Analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Experience in building collaborative business and stakeholder relationships.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Thoughtful interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently; a self-initiator, versatile and assumes risk with responsibility.
• Responsiveness to change and leads as a change agent.
• Computer proficiency across MS Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Ability to learn other computer software program / database systems as needed.
• Occasional travel may be required, estimate 10%.