The Vice President for Communications is responsible for providing communications vision and leadership for the CDC Foundation. The key activities for this position focus on raising the profile and enhancing the reputation of both the CDC Foundation and CDC, the federal agency. The Vice President oversees operation of the communications department and will be responsible for the development and direction of long-term communications strategies that support the Foundation’s mission and objectives, with an emphasis on promoting the value of CDC to corporate leaders.
The Vice President leads a team of communications professionals, providing strategic direction for all aspects of corporate communications, including internal and external communications, public affairs, media relations, brand management, and creative services. The Vice President for Communications serves as an integral member of the CDC Foundation executive team, and collaborates closely with CDC communication leaders, CDC Foundation staff, and professional consultants to develop and implement communication strategy for the CDC Foundation. This position involves considerable interaction and collaboration with external partners, including CDC leaders, board members, philanthropic and corporate partners and CDC Foundation donors.
Qualifications and Skills Necessary:
- A minimum of 10-15 years senior level communication and public affairs experience with a significant track record of success in directing major communications initiatives. Public health experience is a plus
- Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Proven ability to form, maintain, and capitalize on relationships with representatives of key media outlets.
- Excellent and persuasive communicator, capable of gaining the confidence and respect of senior leadership, media, internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans for complex national/global programs. Experience or background in promoting alliances between public and private sector desired.
- Demonstrated ability to work strategically and collaboratively to implement strategies to advance the mission of the organization and enhance its visibility.
- Experienced and comfortable serving as an advisor to senior leadership on a wide range of communications issues.
- Experience managing all aspects of a full-scale communications operation, including media relations, new media/social media and Web-based communications to increase support and visibility of the CDC Foundation.
- Demonstrated ability to build, mentor and coach a team of communications professionals.
- Experience in reputation management and crisis communications planning and execution.
- Creative problem solving skills, ability to bring about consensus around strategic communications priorities among various internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent writing, editing and speaking skills.
- Ability and availability to travel nationally and internationally as needed.
Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements by December 31 to hr@cdcfoundation.org.
The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer.
