Vice President, Communications & Development - DePaul

The Vice President, Communications & Development is an accomplished communications & development leader with big-picture vision and the ability to consistently produce results while building collaborative relationships across all DePaul divisions and departments.  The position will lead strategic planning and outreach that supports the achievement of long-term goals while increasing brand loyalty and visibility.  The position is responsible for successfully creating, leading and implementing an integrated resource development strategy and developing new relationships, while maintaining existing relationships to build the organization’s visibility, impact, and diversify its financial resources.  Experience in the non-profit arena is particularly appreciated.

Why work for DePaul?

• Make a positive difference in someone's life
• Supportive work environment
• We value diversity
• Opportunity for professional development and career advancement
• Excellent benefits (see below for details)
• Pay range for this position is $110,000-140,000/year based on education & experience

• Lead strategy and development for all internal and external marketing, communication, public relations, advertising, and advancement initiatives. Maintain leading-edge relevance with emerging resources in a changing marketing/communications landscape. 
• Ensure consistency with brand messaging and graphic presentation for internal and external audiences. Drive effective, integrated communications strategies that result in brand awareness and an impactful, differentiated story. 
• Oversee messaging to ensure its accuracy and appropriateness for the target audience. Provide counsel on messaging and relationship-building to ensure accurate delivery across pertinent platforms.
• Work with senior leadership to help set direction, problem-solve and champion the brand while helping advance the agency's business plan. 
• Strategize and develop executive communication with employees, the Board of Directors, clients, donors, funders, supporters, media outlets and the community. Provide consultation on community relations issues and crisis communication. 
• Oversee the development and creative direction of collateral and publications including elements of copywriting, editing, proofreading, and design.
• Oversee new media including social media, the DePaul Blog, Google Ads, Google My Business, Google Maps, website development and management of several websites. Includes search engine optimization (SEO) and maintaining relevance with industry trends.
• Direct all advancement initiatives including the annual appeal, grant proposals, memorials and honorariums, gifts-in-kind, stewardship and special events.
• Oversee solicitation and preparation of grant proposals to secure additional sources of funding and grow and enhance the mission and service offerings of DePaul.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of market/customer research information for development and marketing/prospecting initiatives. 
• Oversee the development and maintenance of comprehensive project schedules including tracking progress, editorial calendar, project pipeline planning and management, and ensuring adherence to project intake process, procedures and budget.
• Lead the employee team and leverage their capabilities to empower and support them in the successful delivery of their roles.
• Attends administrative meetings and serves on committees.
• Oversees relationships with pertinent consultants and vendors.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, advertising, or related field.
• Five plus years of experience collaborating with and leading a team of communications & development professionals with the ability to strategically align initiatives with business goals and budgets. 
• Experience working with a portfolio of service lines and service in the non-profit arena.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Superior written, verbal, interpersonal, presentation and active listening skills with the ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and collaboration. 
• Skilled in creating executive level strategic communication involving detailed subjects and persuasive content for stakeholders. 
• Significant experience in advancement program development including annual appeal, special events, grant research and writing, and stewardship. 
• Proven extensive experience with strategic oversight of public and media relations, marketing and advertising campaigns, collateral and publication development, social media, website management, SEO, market research, AV production, and with CRM platforms and fundraising tools (i.e., EveryAction). 
• Background in advancement, grant writing, stewardship and special events planning.  
• Demonstrated experience with creative direction including graphic design and typography. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Proven project and budget management skills. 
• Deep understanding of both traditional marketing/communications programs as well as modern, digital integrated campaigns.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented self-starter with the drive to lead, a desire to make an impact, and comfort with shaping the narrative of emerging and existing lines of service. 
• Flexibility to work both independently and in a dynamic, high energy, team-oriented atmosphere. 
• Strong ability to translate information into clear, impactful, and actionable messaging that supports established and emerging brands within the DePaul umbrella. 
• Ability to see and understand the big picture and add value by translating into strategic processes and ultimately tangible results. 

Includes periods of sitting/computer use as well as the need to lift and bend to move files materials.

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Generous PTO & Paid Holidays, 403B Employer Match, Employee Discount Programs, Free Parking and Staff Recognition Programs.

DePaul is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, military or veteran status, gender expression and/or identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.