Senior Director, Executive Communications - ASPCA

Summary:

The Senior Director of Executive Communications at the ASPCA plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing communication strategies that elevate the voices of executives and subject matter experts. This individual will craft and convey the compelling story of ASPCA's impactful work to both internal and external stakeholders.

As part of a high-performing, fast-paced team, the Senior Director will collaborate closely with the VP of Internal Communications, the SVP of Communications, the Communications Leadership Team, and the Executive Leadership Team. Together, they will develop an executive communications strategy that aligns with ASPCA’s programmatic goals, operational priorities, and long-term objectives for animal welfare.

In this role within the Communications team, the Senior Director is expected to be flexible, driven, and detail-oriented. Building strong, collaborative relationships with executives, leaders, experts, and stakeholders is crucial to understanding the complexity of the ASPCA’s mission. The Senior Director will focus on producing communications that inform, inspire, and engage audiences to take action to support animals, fostering brand recognition and reinforcing the organization's culture and core values.

The Senior Director serves as the primary writer and editorial reviewer for communications from the ASPCA’s executive team and other high-profile experts. Responsibilities include managing communication platforms for multiple executives, conducting research on relevant topics, drafting, copy-editing and proofreading content, and devising creative methods to share stories and messages across various internal and external platforms. The ability to be nimble and responsive is essential, as is the capacity to navigate ambiguity with ease. 

Clear and adaptive writing is essential when developing and editing key messages, speeches, blog posts, video content, board and staff memos, social media posts, press releases, and official statements. The aim is to highlight the impact of ASPCA’s work and its dedicated staff in a consistent and compelling manner. Furthermore, the Senior Director will enhance overall communications output by leveraging best practices and refining content, including narratives, key messages, and speeches for crucial events and forums. This role also involves overseeing or supporting special editorial projects and select story productions.

This is a hybrid in-person/remote position based in New York City. This position is expected to be in office 1-3 days per week, with flexibility needed for additional time on-site as necessary.

Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Executive Communications: Written/editorial, speeches, media, and presentations (60%):

• Work closely with Communications leadership team to develop and implement internal and external executive communications strategy that strengthens the ASPCA’s voice and aligns with the overall organizational long-term strategy, integrated planning efforts, and brand narrative 
• Develop and maintain knowledge of ASPCA strategies, programs, and impact, in concert with that of the animal welfare field overall and media landscape and trends, to ensure solid understanding of our organizational positioning, strengths, and areas of opportunity to guide executive communications strategies and content 
• Conceptualize, draft, and edit external editorial materials including op/eds, letters-to-editor, blog posts, social media posts, email correspondence and letters, and video scripts for CEO and other senior executives
• Conceptualize, draft, and edit Board of Directors editorial materials on a monthly basis and as needed basis including reports, timely updates, correspondence, talking points, presentations, etc.
• Craft, edit and plan internal memos, Workplace posts, video scripts, and messaging for CEO and other senior executives that highlight organizational and staff accomplishments and contribute to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture
• Research internal and external communications trends and opportunities to identify and recommend strategies and tactics to foster employee engagement and strong workplace culture and amplify leadership’s voices with key external audiences
• Conceptualize, draft, and edit external and internal speeches and event remarks and talking points for CEO and other senior executives
• Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to identify the right presentation/speaking and other opportunities for ASPCA CEO and other senior executives to share compelling and impactful stories and insights from our work
• In collaboration with the social media team, strategize and oversee ASPCA executive online presence including internal and external social media pages, web content, and other online tools and spaces 
• Oversee or support special video presentations or messaging for executives and ASPCA leaders 
• Provide crisis and issues management communications support as needed

Strategic Editorial Development & Support (40%):

• Support development and writing of special projects including the Annual Report and 990 content, impact messaging, and other timely editorial needs
• Oversee, as appropriate, or edit external messaging and editorial products generated by the External Communications, Marketing Communications, Development, or programmatic teams, including but not limited to media quotes, impact content, narrative, and other critical content
• Work in close collaboration with Program, Communications, and Development teams to develop impactful messaging and content tied to ASPCA organizational strategy and priorities  
• Provide editorial support for the Communications team to ensure editorial accuracy and consistency, including reviewing weekly digital internal newsletter, blog content, happy tails, impact narratives, etc. 
• Serve on the internal Editorial Board to identify and address areas of opportunity to align on messaging across the organization 
• Listen, help identify connections, and provide feedback to support strong storytelling and impact narrative messaging consistency internally and externally 

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:

• Has Commitment to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and takes responsibility for outcomes
• Believes in Teamwork – that we are stronger when we work together
• Seeks to Elevate the outcome, the work of others, and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact – making significant and measurable change for animals

Additional Information:

A cover letter is required to complete your application.

Qualifications:

• Responsive, proactive, adaptive, and eager to learn the work and contribute immediately
• Exceptional and proven writing, editing, and proofreading skills, supported by foundational journalistic skills 
• Exceptional speechwriting skills
• Experience and comfort with producing high volumes of high-quality work in a fast-paced environment, including navigating complex topics and content
• Strong speech and presentation skills
• Strong listening skills, ability to effectively give and receive feedback, and a commitment to learning and professional development
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment and deliver accurate, quality work under pressure
• A detail-oriented, journalistic approach to writing ensuring accuracy first and foremost, with the ability to manage multiple, high-profile projects and deliverables
• A strong understanding of and interest in the ASPCA’s programs and ability to understand and effectively communicate complex topics in a timely and urgent manner
• Ability to perform the job in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality
• Strong interpersonal communications skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as projects require
• Must be able to travel (up to 10%), if necessary

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.   

• The target hiring range for this role is $137,000 - $145,000 annually

 For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website. 

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Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

  

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

Bachelors (Required)

  

8+ years of experience conceiving, drafting, writing, and editing communications, including executive content such as memos, reports, speeches, social posts, blogs, op/eds, press releases, and presentations for senior executives in a high-visibility organization, Experience leading projects involving multiple contributors/stakeholders and production deadlines, Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in English, communications, journalism, or a related field, News, agency, in-house public relations, communications, or corporate communications experience required, including direct work in media relations and/or a news-based environment, Published writing samples in accredited media outlets preferred, Video writing or production experience is a plus

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.