Position Summary

Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) has partnered with Pillar Search & HR Consulting in their search for their new Vice President of Communications and Marketing. This is an exciting role for an experienced visionary, creative, and strategic leader with expertise in nonprofit/foundation communications and marketing.

The Vice President of Communications and Marketing is a member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that enhance the Foundation’s visibility, brand, and impact among target audiences (including donors, prospects, and community/opinion leaders across sectors).

Who We Are

MaineCF’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a better Maine. We hold assets of over $700 million and work statewide with donors and other partners to provide grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships for Maine students. Our 52 employees work from our main office in Ellsworth, the second office in Portland, and remote locations throughout the state.  We have a commitment to equity and expect all staff will use equity to inform their work with us. Please learn more about us by visiting our website: www.mainecf.org.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Foundation Leadership
  • As an active member of the Management Team, participates in strategic planning, general organizational leadership and meetings of MaineCF’s board of directors
  • Represents the Foundation and/or CEO in functions or meetings, as requested
  • Monitors and draws from national trends in philanthropy-related communications broadly and community foundations specifically
  • Participates in national communications networks or community foundation learning opportunities
  • Ensures that all staff and board understand and can deliver core messaging
• Department Leadership
  • Provides strategic leadership to the communications department, fostering a productive work environment and the professional development of staff
  • Develops and monitors communications and marketing budgets
• Communications and Marketing Strategy
  • Develops and oversees the implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy for the Foundation that advances the organizational mission and strategic goals
  • Develops and oversees tailored, impact-oriented communications plans for the foundation’s new initiatives
  • Sets measures of the effectiveness of marketing and communications strategies and activities
• Public and Media Relations
  • Serves as a spokesperson for the organization
  • Develops a media relations strategy for the Foundation
  • Serves as main point of contact for media, building positive organizational relationships with editors and reporters
  • In collaboration with the CEO and relevant senior leadership, leads the planning and execution of significant events
  • Ensures the strategic placement of advertising and sponsorships to reach key audiences with targeted messaging
• Crisis Communications
  • Serve as our 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.
  • In partnership with the CEO, manage internal staff communications to provide reassurance and minimize business disruptions
• Online Media and Print Publications
  • Provides leadership and oversight of Foundation’s brand on the website, in email, social media, and in print
  • Monitors and makes use of online analytics
  • Drives the messaging, content development, design and production of print materials, delivering materials on time and within budget
• Message development for CEO
  • Drafts high-level, high-impact written materials, as needed
  • In partnership with CEO, develops messaging for CEO remarks/speeches relevant for specific audiences

Qualifications

• Twelve to fifteen years’ experience leading a strategic communications and marketing department or creative agency with five to seven years management experience
• Background with a strong storytelling, impact-oriented approach to message development with a preference for a gifted writer with a history of crafting and telling stories
• Knowledge of communications challenges and opportunities of community foundations/philanthropy
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth environment
• Proven track record of serving as the most senior communications person working directly with CEO, senior leadership, and board
• Experience advancing equity issues desired
• Comfort working with a wide range of personal backgrounds of various foundation constituents
• Strong working knowledge of core communications tools and digital media tools
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly within Maine and some travel nationally to attend meetings and events outside regular work hours, including some evenings and weekends
• Degree strongly preferred or demonstrated equivalent work experience
• Preference for individuals with a strong knowledge of Maine, Maine media, and current issues in Maine

Schedule and Location

• This is a full-time, exempt position
• This is a hybrid position (2 days in office, 3 days remote), based out of our Ellsworth or Portland office
• Candidates must live in Maine or establish Maine residency within 3 months of hire

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range of $135,000-$150,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 100% employer-paid premium for individual coverage
• Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and term life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 6-9% company contribution vested immediately
• 21 paid days off per year (increases with tenure)
• 13 paid holidays per year
• Parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness benefit
• Free parking

Our Hiring Process and Timeline

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to Cindy Joyce, Executive Search Consultant and Founder, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

The deadline for submitting your candidate materials is May 24, 2024.

For questions, please contact cindy@pillarsearch.com.