Vice President for Commmunications and Events - Middle East Institute
Washington, DC 20036
About the Job
About Middle East Institute
Position Title: VP for Communications and Events
Company: Middle East Institute
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: On-Site | Washington, DC
Salary: $200,000 - $215,000
Position Overview:
Serving as a core member of MEI's leadership team, the Vice President for Communications and Events will report to MEI's Chief Operating Officer. They will work closely with MEI's executive, communications and events teams, as well as its scholars to ensure that MEI's brand, identity, programs, research and outputs are communicated effectively to key stakeholders and constituencies including the media, U.S. government officials, foreign policy experts, the diplomatic community and more. The position will manage a small team of under ten.
Essential Responsibilities:
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Execute the Communications department's strategic plan, supporting and advancing MEI's organizational goals in close coordination with MEI's executive team.
Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Institute's communications needs, including planning with MEI's editorial and communications teams & overseeing messaging, media outreach, digital media, marketing, crisis communications, website development, and more.
Oversee development of all of MEI's print and digital communications needs including the development of the annual report and program marketing materials, as well as provide oversight of MEI's electronic communications, such as its newsletters, social media, and website.
Lead on the development and redesign of MEI's website.
Supervise the events team responsible for putting on all public and private MEI programming; ensure that the events and event messaging & communication align with MEI's policy, marketing, and communications goals.
Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure strong media relations in close coordination with MEI staff responsible for day-to-day media engagement.
Lead on media initiatives like editorial news meetings, press roundtables, press conferences, and more, to ensure high-level press engagement with MEI.
Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media engagements that help promote and/or impact the organization.
Prepare leadership talking points, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
Enhance MEI's crisis communications strategy and procedures.
Introduce new cutting-edge communication models to enhance MEI's outreach and impact.
Coordinate with MEI's HR department to lead strong internal communications.
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
Manage and supervise the communications staff, ensuring the team infrastructure is aligned with the goals of the organization, leading on timeline and actions to meet communications and external impact goals.
Perform other duties as assigned or required
Qualifications:
Bachelor"s degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required, an advanced degree is preferred.
Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role in non-profit, government, or corporate environments.
Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization"s mission and goals.
Experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other publications.
Experienced and creative in the use of new media technologies to enhance the organization's brand and build audience.
Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements.
Strong writing and editing experience with a variety of print and online communications media.
Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
Experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of communications specialists.
Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented & team player.
Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive.
Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively. interface with senior management, Board of Governors and staff.
Passion for the Middle East Institute's mission
Familiarity with foreign policy and the Middle East preferred.
What we offer:
Comprehensive benefits include the option of 100% employer-paid coverage for self and family.
Retirement Savings Plan contribution of 7.5% of the first $25,000 annual salary and 6 % of annual salary after.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Leave plans including paid parental leave.
Employee Wellness Plans including EAP and partnerships with Noom and Unwinding Meditation Apps.
Access to The Oman Library, Middle East Journal, and select MEI events.
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