Vice President - Government GSA Business & Public Relations - Vanguard Communications

About Vanguard

Vanguard Communications is a small, Hispanic woman-owned public relations firm that leverages the power of public relations and communications to educate the public about important issues of our time. We are a diverse team of communicators who apply our range of skills, subject area expertise and different ways of thinking to opportunities our clients face. We focus on causes that align with diversity, equity and inclusion; health and wellness; youth and families; social justice; and education and environment, to name a few.

We work in a team-based, mostly remote work environment where motivated, creative and collaborative individuals thrive. We encourage continuous learning and mentoring, and create opportunities for team members to stretch, learn and grow. If this mission and culture inspire you, please read on!

Job Profile

We are seeking a full-time Vice President (VP) with a deep and successful background in federal government contracting; client relationship management; project management; strategic planning; new business development,including preparation of technical and business/price proposals; financial management, including budgeting, planning and forecasting; and GSA compliance and schedule management.

The VP willbe responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive business development strategy toidentify, pursue and win opportunities with federal,state and local government agencies.The role includes primary responsibility for management of the full lifecycle of government proposal development, from initial opportunity identification tosubmission,and development ofstrategic partnerships for bidding opportunities.The VP will also have the responsibility of day-to-day project management, including team management, budgeting, contract compliance, monthly activity reports, client relations, quality control and more. The VP will develop well-written thought leadership content and represent and promote Vanguard at marketing opportunities (conferences, industry days and other forums). In addition, the VP will lead the development of integrated communications strategies, supporting materials and presentations to the client, with a focus on audience engagement, cultural responsiveness and clear calls to action. This is a supervisory position, and this person will be a member of Vanguard’s Senior Leadership Team, reporting directly to the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO).

ThisVP position has the option of being remote or hybrid with in-person workspace available at Vanguard’s Washington, DC, office.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy to identify, pursue and win new contract opportunities with federal, stateand local government agencies
• Lead the capture planning process, including opportunity identification, pipeline development, competitive analysis, teaming strategies and win theme development.
• Cultivate relationships with key government stakeholders, decision-makersand influencers to understand client needs, requirements and procurement processes.
• Manage the full lifecycle of government proposal developmentactivities,including proposal strategy, management, preparing technical and business/price proposals, and serving as lead manager for responses to qualified government opportunities.

• Serve as senior executive overseeing the company’s government contracts, providing financial management and contract compliance, and supporting leadership development of Vanguard’s project managers.
• Manage company’s GSA schedule and other government contracting vehicles, as well as company’s strategy for maintaining a competitive advantage in the government marketplace.
• Provide a high level of expertise in project management, marketing, public relations and specific issue areas covered by the firm’s client accounts.
• Lead strategic communications planning, audience research, content development and evaluation of campaigns and other public education programs for government and nonprofit clients.
• Serve as a supervisor and manage internal teams, assigning appropriate tasks based on career level, expertise and interest.
• Offer expertise and mentor employees on public relations, government contract protocols and general communications solutions.
• Apply innovative approaches for engaging diverse identity communities for various client communications and marketing projects.
• Contribute thought leadership and support clients and corporate initiatives as requested and/or needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in public relations, journalism,communications or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience, including in a PR agency/consulting firm.
• Deep track record in creatingachievable business development strategies, including pipeline development and associated marketing and winning proposals.
• Strong understanding of government procurement processes, regulationsand compliance requirements, including FAR, GSA and other relevant regulations.
• Experience with project and financial management of complex, multi-task, multi-year government contracts.
• Experience monitoring contract milestones, deliverables and performance, ensuring compliance with obligations and internal controls.
• Ability to analyze, condense and present data to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience establishing and growing client relationships.
• Advanced understanding of strategic communications planning or social marketing.
• Experience developing and implementing campaigns for diverse identity communities.
• Strong supervisory experience.
• Additional language skills are a plus.

Attributes for Success

Vanguard wants its employees to succeed, and we look for candidates who demonstrate the following values:

• People-First. To everyone with whom our work intersects, we are inclusive, respectful and accountable.
• Motivated. We make it our job to be informed, yet constantly seek ways to learn more and work smarter.
• Impactful. Because progress can be achieved by both large- and small-scale changes, we integrate both in our work.
• Truthful. Integrity and transparency define our reputation and are the backbone of client relationships.
• Friendly + Fun. We value each other’s time, talents, personalities and contributions to our culture of inclusion.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary range is$155,000–$185,000per year,commensurate with experience.
• A Vanguard-issued laptop will be provided.
• Excellent benefits, including remote working, 401(k)/profit sharing, professional membership and professional development opportunities, paid family leave and employee assistance program.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume through the “Work with Us” page on the Vanguard Communications website: www.vancomm.com/work-with-us/as-an-employee.

Vanguard Communications is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.