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New Search: Vice President of Marketing with Sandy Hook Promise

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Pillar Search is honored to partner with Sandy Hook Promise on their search for the new Vice President, Marketing. This is a remote role. Qualified candidates are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to Cindy Joyce, Pillar’s Founder/Executive Search Consultant at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence. As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Creators of the lifesaving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help. SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships.

SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflect the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply.

Position Summary

This is the role you’ve been waiting for – an opportunity to leverage your extensive background in brand building and marketing fundamentals on a fast-growing brand that is making a difference and saving the lives of young people. You are joining a high-performing team that has won two Emmy awards for “Outstanding Commercial” and countless Cannes Lions, Effies, Webby Awards, and other recognitions. Not only will you be driving the brand but will also drive growth on grassroots fundraising that makes up 60% of the organization’s operating budget.

As the Vice President of Marketing (VP), you will be leading a highly skilled department that is responsible for development, planning and execution of all SHP brand marketing, internal and external communications, media and public relations, web content and digital marketing management, collateral, and graphic design. Additionally, as the VP you will ensure consistency in messaging and strengthening SHP awareness across all touchpoints, internally and externally.  You will be refining the marketing and brand vision collaboratively across departments internally as well as with partners and agencies externally.  You will be managing relationships with world-class CMOs, agencies, and media leaders to evolve our brand vision and create compelling messaging and creative that drives brand equity and fundraising results. With your work, we will advance SHP’s thought leadership, program impact, and policy objectives.  This role will support the work of both the Foundation (c3) and the Action Fund (c4).

In this role, you will lead and manage a large and highly talented team with 3 direct reports who manage an additional 3 communications professionals and 5 digital marketing professionals. The VP will also work closely with the marketing team and the COO to manage external agency partners across disciplines, including ad creative, digital marketing/fundraising, media, public relations, and others as needed.

This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Job Responsibilities

Marketing/Branding

  • Responsible for (and gate keeper of) the overall SHP Brand / SHP Programs marketing, brand treatment, and promotional execution – including directing key messages, brand identity/guidelines, advertising, and delivery channels – this role collaborates and aligns on overall strategy and execution with the C-suite.
  • Lead holistic vision and strategy for all marketing and branding across all touchpoints, including all elements of Comms/PR, Digital, and all other messaging/advertising; delivering on objectives for both C3 and C4 SHP organizations.
  • Lead media strategy and work with SHP’s Media Advisory Board, ensuring strong continued media donations and continuous innovation on how to change the narrative on gun violence.
  • Ensures marketing and communications support of activities surrounding all SHP PSA campaigns, evergreen messaging, fundraising messaging, events, conferences, speaking engagements, and other such functions by developing and producing related collateral.
  • Responsible for all grassroots fundraising (~65% of total organization’s revenue) driving winning strategies across traditional and advanced technology mediums, including email, SMS, SEO/SEM, and digital/social 47ad fundraising.
  • Leads colleagues and stakeholders to understand and support the branding, marketing and communications strategies.
  • Ensures the highest standard of editorial quality of print and electronic media communications, assuring timely access to information by members.

General

  • Supports and guides both Communications and Digital teams to deliver all goals for the teams, ensuring strong fundamentals, continuous innovation, and growth of team members.
  • Identifies the need for, develops guidelines for, and directs the activities of external resources as it pertains to branding and marketing, such as outside consultants, including advertising agencies, public relations agencies, graphic designers, website designers, marketing professionals, and speech and freelance writers.
  • Identifies and develops relationships/partnerships with third parties such as community leaders, academics, companies, thought leaders, associations, etc. that could be influential on behalf of the organization and continue to support our thought leadership in gun violence prevention (GVP) and school safety
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of progressive experience in senior marketing/brand management/communications positions within a corporation or nonprofit, including significant diversified management experience.
  • Passion for brand building and marketing with proven ability to get the best creativity out of teams to develop the next evolution of SHP communications.
  • Ability to lead strategies and campaigns for both brand-building and performance marketing, with a history of continually innovating and testing new ideas.
  • Proven track record of developing successful marketing strategies, leveraging multiple marketing disciplines, that contributed to the achievement of set goals and mission of the organization.
  • Strong experience/understanding of communications, digital marketing, and media.
  • Exceptional written and oral communicator who displays a strong sense of vision, sophistication and a collaborative, creative, and strategic approach to communication.
  • Experience hiring, coaching, and managing a highly talented and diverse team.
  • In-depth experience managing and coaching for top-quality outputs from internal teams and external consultants/agencies (e.g. public relations agencies, creative ad agencies, media agencies, etc.)
  • Proven ability to create, communicate strategies and well-organized plans and deliver them with excellence by necessary deadlines.
  • Ability to re-prioritize and react when necessary to urgent rapid response moments.
  • Experience handling sensitive and confidential issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and foster relationships internally and externally.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to solve problems, work independently, and excel in a high-performance culture.
  • Takes an ambitious, innovative, and creative approach to communications/marketing strategies.
  • Adept in Microsoft Office Applications, proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook; ability to quickly learn new systems and processes.
  • Willingness to travel as necessary (Approx 5-10%)

Benefits and Salary Range

The starting salary for this position is $140,000-160,000. SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • 401k match
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance

This is a fully remote position.  SHP operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly WIFI reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

To Apply

Sandy Hook Promise has partnered with Cindy Joyce of Pillar Search & HR Consulting for the Vice President of Marketing search. Please submit your materials (cover letter and resume) to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. Pillar’s Founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

executive search nonprofit boston, executive search nonprofit new england board

New Search! Head of Public Relations for the B.A.A.!

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OVERVIEW

Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to partner with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) on the search for their new Head of Public Relations. This role will advance the B.A.A.’s mission and vision through strong, innovative, and dynamic leadership. This is a hybrid role; the B.A.A.’s offices are in Boston, MA and Hopkinton, MA.

ABOUT THE B.A.A.

The B.A.A. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision in a variety of ways, such as organizing mass-participatory running events like the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about this wonderful organization, please click here.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The founding Head of Public Relations will play a vital role in the development and implementation of an innovative public relations strategy and program to advance the effectiveness and vision of the B.A.A. They seek a hands-on and high-level leader to ensure they capably and consistently communicate their purpose, events, and philosophy to their audience and communities.

You will partner and collaborate closely with media, external stakeholders and each of their internal teams to achieve success. The Head of Public Relations will report directly to the B.A.A.’s Chief Executive Officer and be part of the organization’s senior leadership team. The position will have the opportunity to build a best-in-class Public Relations strategy and function for global impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PR Strategy Management

  • Create and manage the B.A.A.’s PR strategy, program, and story – proactively creating a productive image for the B.A.A., its work and its vision.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., media and industry contacts, local, state, and federal government and public officials/public affairs, community partners, B.A.A Marketing and Communications), collaborating appropriately to advance our strategy and promote the B.A.A.
  • Promote the B.A.A. within their industry.
  • Develop and lead campaigns (such as how the B.A.A. is leading in terms of industry innovation, in the diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging space, etc.), external efforts, and outreach. Measure and report on success of efforts, recommending changes to approach based on data insights.
  • Work closely with CEO to develop and deliver the organization’s external messages.
  • Work closely with our Marketing and Communications team members to coordinate and deliver content effectively across multiple channels. Provide guidance to collaborators.
  • Prepare content for various channels and events, such as key talking points, Board materials.
  • Serve as PR lead and spokesperson during B.A.A. races and industry events, press forums, and as needed.

Community Liaison

  • Serve as a “bridge” to their various communities and audiences. Enhance the B.A.A. presence and brand in the local market.
  • Leverage local and regional contacts to ensure B.A.A. work is highlighted throughout the year, and in alignment with their strategy. Continuously build and strengthen these relationships, managing their public affairs and media relations.
  • Collaborate with local cities and towns, and their respective agencies, organization, and contacts. Consistently provide outward communications and engagement with these groups to support B.A.A.’s strategy and position on running throughout the year.

 Crisis Communications

  • Serve as crisis communications leader and point person.
  • Proactively plan for possible scenarios and ensure all involved understand what to do when predicted scenarios do occur.
  • Anticipate and be available (seven days a week, if required) for critical PR needs.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. Pillar Search and the B.A.A. knows people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when they review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

  • Minimum of five (5) years demonstrated leadership in a public relations/media (or comparable) role.
  • Effective interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills; proven track record for working well across teams and with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Experience directing the media/media-related activities to elevate an organization’s profile, including both traditional and social media. The ideal candidate will have an established network within Boston’s media industry.
  • Experience in crisis communications situations.
  • Proven ability to serve as an effective organizational spokesperson, produce excellent forms of written communication, and manage media relations.
  • Knowledge of the organization.
  • A commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT B.A.A

The B.A.A. is a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about their work and service to the community. The Head of Public Relations role is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. This role will have an MA-based hybrid work arrangement. Beginning February 1, 2023, the B.A.A. will have a seasonal hybrid work model in which different months of the year require 2-3 days/week in the office while other months require 0-3 days/week. The B.A.A. has two office spaces–one in downtown Boston and one in Hopkinton, MA. The Head of Public Relations will be expected to travel to the Hopkinton office on an occasional basis, though they will primarily be based in the Boston office.

COVID-19 Guidelines

B.A.A. continues to adapt to safety protocols related to COVID-19 as they understand them. All candidates must comply with B.A.A.’s current COVID-19 Guidelines, including B.A.A.’s vaccination requirement. All employees must receive at least the first dose of the vaccination no later than one week after their start date, and must be fully vaccinated no later than 4 weeks later.  For the purpose of this policy, individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson/Janssen).

The B.A.A. requires all employees to receive the COVID vaccine. For the safety of the community, B.A.A. employees are expected to obtain COVID tests if they have symptoms or have traveled by plane. Quarantining may be required after air travel.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:

  • Competitive health & dental insurance plans with employer contributions of at least 80%
  • Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
  • 401K matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
  • Paid vacation based on years of service
  • 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating
  • A private option for Paid Family & Medical Leave with up to 26 weeks of paid leave per year for qualifying leave events

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Hiring Team and submit your materials to Cindy Joyce, Founder & Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

The B.A.A. is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.