VP of Marketing & Communications

Job Description

About United Way of Buffalo & Erie County:

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening our community by showing up and doing what matters most and what’s most necessary for our community. Our hands-on approach to making a real difference is critical to ending the cycle of hardship.

Our mission: We bring people, organization, and resources together to create systemic community change.

Our vision: We envision an equitable, thriving, and united community achieved through collaborative leadership.

Our values: agility, equity, accountability, collaboration, integrity, service

Position Summary:

UWBEC seeks a dynamic and experienced VP of Marketing & Communications to lead our marketing and communications efforts. Reporting to the CEO, the VP of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that advance our mission, enhance our brand visibility, drive fundraising efforts, and engage key stakeholders including donors, volunteers, community partners, and the general public. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and a passionate advocate for the work of UWBEC.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Marketing & Communications Planning:

Develop and execute an integrated annual marketing and communications plan aligned with the organization's strategic goals and fundraising objectives.

Identify target audiences and develop tailored messaging and strategies to reach and engage them effectively.

Oversee the implementation of brand guidelines and ensure consistent brand messaging across all platforms and materials.

Conduct market research and analyze trends to inform marketing strategies and identify new opportunities.

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives and provide regular reports on progress.

Brand Management & Awareness:

Serve as the primary steward of the UWBEC brand, ensuring its integrity and consistent application in all communications.

Develop and implement strategies to increase brand awareness, recognition, and positive perception within the community.

Manage relationships with media outlets and serve as a point of contact for media inquiries.

Identify and cultivate opportunities for positive media coverage and public relations.

Fundraising & Resource Development Support:

Collaborate closely with the Resource Development team to develop compelling marketing materials and campaigns that support fundraising initiatives, including annual campaigns, special events, and planned giving.

Create engaging content that showcases the impact of United Way's work and inspires donor support.

Develop and manage digital fundraising campaigns and strategies.

Digital Marketing & Social Media:

Oversee the organization's website, ensuring content is current, engaging, and optimized for search engines (SEO).

Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy to build community, engage stakeholders, and promote UWBEC’s mission and activities across various platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).

Manage email marketing campaigns, including newsletters, appeals, and event invitations.

Utilize analytics to track the performance of digital marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions for optimization.

Content Creation & Management:

Develop and oversee the creation of compelling and informative content across various formats, including website copy, social media posts, blog articles, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, videos, and presentations.

Ensure all content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with brand messaging.

Manage relationships with external vendors, such as advertising agencies, photographers, and videographers.

Team Leadership & Budget Management:

Supervise and mentor marketing and communications staff.

Oversee and act as liaison between the UWBEC marketing committee and staff, implementing strategies as necessary.

Develop and manage the marketing and communications budget, ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or equivalent.

Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, preferably within a non-profit organization and/or advertising agency.

Proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing and communications strategies that achieve measurable results.

Strong understanding of branding principles and experience in brand management.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms.

Proficiency in digital marketing strategies and tactics, including SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and website management.

Experience with content management systems (CMS), CRM systems, and marketing analytics tools.

Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Passion for the mission and values of UWBEC and a commitment to community impact.

Travel is primarily within the eight counties of Western New York. Some domestic travel may be required for job training and professional development.

Full-time