Vice President, Communications and Marketing, UnidosUS

UnidosUS

Vice President, Communications and Marketing

Compensation band: $180,000 to $215,000

Location: Hybrid role with offices in Washington, DC

ABOUT UNIDOSUS

UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

POSITION SUMMARY

UnidosUS seeks a Vice President of Communications and Marketing (VP) to develop and execute integrated communications and comprehensive media relations strategies to support UnidosUS’ institutional priorities and strategic program and policy initiatives. Working in a fast-paced environment, the VP will also lead UnidoUS’ efforts to innovate and optimize its communications and marketing work, build out teams, and design new practices of internal coordination and collaboration with other departments.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs (SVP), the VP will join the recently created External Affairs department, the umbrella for developing UnidosUS’ relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, and leading the organization’s communications, marketing, media relations, and events. The VP oversees a $3-4MM communications budget and will provide leadership and mentorship to a talented team of approximately 20 staff members. The VP’s direct reports will include a Deputy Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Senior Director, Creative & Editorial Studio, Director of Media Relations, Director of Digital Marketing, and a Senior Director of Communications Operations.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly sophisticated and seasoned communications leader who is deeply committed to advancing civil rights for Latinos in the U.S. and brings a deep understanding and familiarity with UnidosUS’ diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate has experience crafting and executing integrated communications strategies, leading narrative development, and demonstrated skill in “translating” UnidosUS’ priorities and core issues to broad audiences. They are a strong manager and mentor of individuals and teams and enjoy the balance of leading, directing, and doing the work. The VP thrives in an environment of growth and transformation and will contribute to the learning culture and ethos at UnidosUS.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications and Marketing

• In collaboration with the SVP, Executive Cabinet, and Deputy Vice President of Communications and Marketing (DVP), lead and manage integrated communications strategy development and execution, aligned with the organization’s newly identified institutional priorities, programmatic work, and policy positions.
• Develop and lead outreach strategies for reputation and brand management and elevate UnidosUS’ presence with the media, board, donors, the public, partners, and allies.
• Drive efforts to develop, define, and communicate team processes and structures to internal partners so the Communications and Marketing (Comms) team can effectively meet deliverables; help colleagues understand what Comms services and functions will be most effective in reaching goals for impact.
• Work with the Integrated Communications team to increase UnidosUS’ relevance and impact by tailoring and distilling complex concepts into easy-to-digest communications materials and serving as a “translator” of policy issues for our broader target audiences and stakeholders.
• Raise awareness of UnidosUS as a valuable information resource, a reliable and credible advocate for effective public policy, and a historically relevant American institution for Latino civil rights.
• Oversee and partner closely with the Senior Director, Creative and Editorial Studio, and the Director of Digital to ensure the management of all editorial, design, and digital work across UnidosUS.
• Manage the UnidosUS brand to ensure consistency in usage, application, and excellence across all communications.
• Support and collaborate with colleagues to bring funding to UnidosUS’ public education efforts.
• Collaborate with SVP on narrative development, institution-wide campaigns, initiatives, and events.
• In collaboration with the Deputy Vice President, oversee the creation of strategic materials, including press releases, talking points, briefing memos, policy campaigns, speeches, annual reports, digital copy, call-to-actions, photographs, analysis, and other reports.
• Represent UnidosUS at high-level external events and with key stakeholders, including but not limited to members of Congress, policymakers, corporate partners, coalition partners, and media contacts.
• Working with the Director of Media Relations, serve as a media spokesperson, communicating key messages to the press, and preparing UnidosUS spokespeople and executives for interviews and speaking opportunities.
• Serve as a leader and expert on the Hispanic community and the Hispanic market, particularly in practices, approaches, and strategies for effective communications with Latino audiences.
• Develop metrics to assess the effectiveness and impact of communications initiatives and tools.

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to a cross-functional Comms team and oversee the execution of all Comms activities, ensuring accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Build, develop, and coach a high-performing Comms Management team consisting of the Deputy Vice President and Directors working across the core communications and marketing functions and special initiatives—integrated communications, media relations, digital marketing and social media, design and editorial, and comms operations—fostering a culture of action, learning, and innovation.
• Strengthen team structure, processes, and skills to support the organization’s communications needs, ensuring the team has the tools and training needed.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability aligned with UnidosUS’ strategic priorities, mission, and audiences to meet growing demands.
• Develop and maintain a strong customer service culture for internal and external partners and collaborators.
• Participate in internal “tables” to help guide organizational strategy and partner with teams across the organization to support achieving UnidosUS’ overall mission.
• Leverage the relationship, assets, and resources of the External Affairs division to achieve Comms goals efficiently and effectively.
• Manage budget, demonstrate discipline and responsibility in fiscal management, proactively identifying revenue and expense opportunities and risks.
• Serve as point of contact for all Comms-related consultants, such as PR agencies, news agencies, or event organizers, to ensure project goals, timelines, and budget parameters are met.
• Serve as a leadership partner with HR to support and collaborate on internal communications, keeping staff informed and apprised of key work.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related field required; Master’s degree a plus.
• 15+ years of relevant nonprofit and government communications experience, with demonstrated success leading integrated marketing communications strategies and creative marketing campaigns in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Successful track record of leading and managing successful national, multi-platform, issue-based campaigns with multiple constituents and external and internal partners, including implementing shared goals with staff, external consultants, coalition members, and partner organizations.
• Strong experience executing media campaigns across various channels – print, broadcast, digital, and social – as well as the national and local general market and Hispanic media.
• Excellent people management skills, including proven experience leading and guiding teams through transformation and change and a demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and mentor a large team in a collaborative, inclusive, and transparent manner.
• Proven ability to work effectively with and gain the respect of multiple constituencies, including senior executives and decision-makers, team members at all levels, and staff across departments.
• Demonstrated experience steering an organizational brand and identity, ideally within a policy, advocacy, or campaign context.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and counsel the CEO and other members of a senior team to achieve results.
• Ability to adapt, be nimble and creative, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving organizational culture.
• Knowledge of the national political landscape and a clear understanding of policy implications for the Latino community.
• Ability to distill and translate complex policy issues into effective communications materials for diverse target audiences.
• Familiarity with the U.S. Hispanic community, Hispanic nonprofit organizations, and the Hispanic market and consumer.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends and travel as required by the role.

COMPENSATION

The compensation range for this position is $180,000-$215,000 and includes a generous benefits package.

Employment with UnidosUS is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screen.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.