Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position serves as the internal lead on all Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation (WALF) communications, marketing, audience engagement, partnerships/collaboration, foundation external events, and as a thought partner on WALF strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Operations and Strategy Officer of WALF, the position collaborates directly with the Directors of the LLCs in the WALF portfolio (including PetSpace and GenSpace) to help them develop communications strategy for their unique goals and guide the execution of their communications initiatives in keeping with the Foundation’s brand and goals. This position may also interface with some Board members such as the President of WALF Board to execute communications and marketing for certain initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design and implement comprehensive, proactive communication, marketing, and branding strategy that aligns with WALF goals, supports ongoing growth, and strengthens the Foundation and its LLCs position as national philanthropic leaders in their fields. 
• Directs and oversees the Foundation and its LLC’s  presence across social media channels, focusing on content creation and storytelling. Creatively leverages web-based and social media technologies in an innovative way to reach target audiences and strengthen ongoing relationships.
• Works collaboratively with senior leadership, including relevant consultants, and the Foundation’s LLC Directors to drive and integrate relevant marketing and communication strategies.
• At the direction of the Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, serve as the internal producer of assets for all board and committee meetings. 
• Guide the development and production of materials needed for video/social media/and infographic content for use on the website, social media, or at events and public speaking engagements, templates, and other graphic or written needs. 
• At the direction of the Chief Operations and Strategy Officer, works with LLC leaders on the coordination and implementation of Foundation special partnerships, initiatives, and events.
• Oversees WALF and its LLC’s press releases, talking points, blog posts, and other material. 
• Oversees and helps execute on all earned media activities including media strategies and written materials.
• In partnership with Human Resources helps to create and manage the Foundation’s internal communications strategy to ensure consistent, time-sensitive, and inclusive messaging to all employees.
• Makes recommendations and develops communications strategies on sensitive Foundation matters.
• Works in collaboration with executive leadership to direct crisis communications plans.
• Responsible for overall strategy and coordination of creative development of all print and digital materials. Ensures the design, content, and functionality of the WALF & its LLC websites and related digital platforms are on the cutting edge of the latest trends and ensures integration, and consistency of all Foundation materials.
• Develop and oversee media plans, targeting national press as well as specialty and constituency-based media, trade publications, and web-based media.
• In collaboration with the COSO and Director of HR organize the MarCom department to best serve the Foundation and its LLCs.
• Cultivate, coach, and grow staff working on communications throughout the Foundation by preparing and reviewing staff work assignments and production schedules to ensure prioritization and timely completion. 
• Stay current in communications best practices, analyze, and measure the performance of all Foundation communications activities.
• Other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Supervises (2) staff who currently support the work of one of the LLCs. 
• Supervises all consultants engaged to work on any/all marketing and communication matters for all of the Foundation and its LLCs. 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES,

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, written and oral.
• Ability to develop and implement communications strategies at the strategic and tactical levels. 
• Experience in the design and execution of effective PR strategies, leveraging tools and resources for maximum impact. 
• Knowledge of and experience in various aspects of media communication (e.g., writing for different audiences and delivery channels).
• Fluency in measurement, learning, and evaluation of the strategies and plans in motion. 
• Effective leadership, people and project management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity/innovation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, initiative-taking, and flexible with a positive personality and excellent follow-through. 
• Ability to manage external partnerships and relationships in collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship builder with a commitment to collaboration with all.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities in a constantly changing environment with ambitious deadlines.
• Highly self-motivated and dependable. Ability to lead or to follow depending upon the situation. 
• Experience and expertise in the digital landscape, including social media (especially communications programs and metrics/analytics).
• Ability to manage confidential information with complete discretion.
• Ability to effectively interact and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Highly collegial with a sense of humor and the ability to keep everything in perspective.
• Embraces new media technologies, applications, and processes, driven by intellectual curiosity.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, English, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• 7 – 10 years of experience in creating innovative communications and public relations initiatives. Social media experience is strongly desirable. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in successfully managing a team.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

ENVIRONMENTAL, FACTORS, AND CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work is performed primarily in a professional office setting utilizing telephone, computer, and office equipment. This position will be required to have an onsite presence and the different locations of the Foundation LLCs. Performing the duties of this position requires regular and repetitive hand/wrist/finger motion and visual focus (close vision and ability to adjust focus), including an extensive review of detailed reports, documentation, and other written materials. The employee is regularly required to stand and/or sit for long periods, talk and hear both in person and by telephone, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb, stoop or bend, and lift up to 15 pounds. This position may also spend time on-site visits, in public venues, and/or conferences, events, and meetings with partners. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to work on multiple concurrent tasks with constant interruptions, read and interpret documents and information, use oral communication skills, and interact with Foundation staff, the general public, and others encountered in the course of work, some of whom may be dissatisfied, demanding, and/or angry individuals.

This position description identifies only the major functions and responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position, or additional duties that may be assigned by the Chief Operations and Strategy Officer. Please note that there may be a requirement to help others complete special projects and other work for the company’s overall benefit.

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.  

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us at Recruiting@walf.org.