Chief of Programs

Position Summary

We are a fast-paced, agile, collaborative, and strategic organization that thrives on being relevant and producing timely, high-quality content for our key audiences. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Programs who is innovative and will take our communications game to a new level. The Chief of Programs will lead and oversee the development and execution of our overall work. They will play a critical part in shaping the vision for our work, managing high-performing teams, and driving the growth and impact of our initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have a deep and broad understanding of impactful communications strategies, strong political acumen, and proven management skills. They thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing political environment and can prioritize effectively for maximum impact. Relationships with DC political press are desirable as this will enhance our visibility and influence.

The Chief of Program will supervise program leads and manage multiple consultants.

Buckets of Responsibilities:

Oversee the Implementation of AV’s Programmatic Strategy:

• In collaboration with the executive team, develop the strategy for our work with an eye to cohesion and maximum impact with key audiences.
• Lead the execution of our strategies aligned with organizational vision.
• Oversee our traditional media engagement, digital strategy, and research initiatives.
• Navigate the political landscape effectively by understanding public opinion, political power dynamics, key stakeholders, and external factors influencing our work.
• Collaborate with leadership to establish and maintain an innovative and impactful communications vision, addressing emerging challenges and opportunities through strategic problem-solving.
• Incorporate public opinion research and best practices into communications strategies to ensure informed, data-driven messaging.

Program Oversight and Team Leadership:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of communication programs, ensuring initiatives are executed efficiently and aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Oversee the execution of the organization’s communications across all media platforms and channels, ensuring consistency with brand and messaging.
• Lead and mentor a team of program directors, fostering high performance, collaboration, and accountability. This includes establishing performance goals, setting priorities, conducting annual appraisals, and administering salary adjustments.
• Provide consistent support for professional development and team growth.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners including Hill and advocacy groups, to support the success of communication programs.

Press and Media Relations:

• In collaboration with the leadership, staff, and consultants, cultivate strategic relationships with press and media outlets to increase visibility and secure positive coverage of our issue.
• Serve as a spokesperson, representing the organization in public forums and media appearances.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible work experience in issue advocacy and/or campaign planning and at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing high-performing teams and programs, with a track record of achieving results.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments.
• Proactive, forward-thinking, and results-driven.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Available to travel.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with state, local, or federal government, especially on Capitol Hill.
• Familiarity with the pro-immigrant narrative and immigration as an issue.
• Spanish-language fluency.
• Close proximity to Washington, DC