Washington, DC--Vice President of Communications--The Heritage Foundation

Job Title Vice President of Communications
Job Contact Email PersonnelJobs@heritage.org
Employer The Heritage Foundation
Posted 02/23/09
Job Description

The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Since its founding in 1973, Heritage has grown to employ more than 250 staff members and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President of Communications reports directly to the COO and is The Heritage Foundation’s top communications official. In this capacity, the VP of Communications is responsible for implementing Heritage’s marketing strategy across multiple communication channels including print, broadcast, and digital media by building and leveraging relationships with news executives and media opinion leaders. The Vice President is also responsible for protecting and enhancing Heritage’s reputation and public image, assuring that all communication efforts achieve the highest standards of excellence, are sensitive to our unique markets and strategy, and contribute measurably to Heritage’s vision, mission and success. Advises the President and Executive Vice President on Foundation-wide communication matters including internal and crisis communication.

JOB DUTIES:

Strategic Planning
# The Vice President of Communications plays a full role in the Foundation’s overall planning activities, developing goals that advance the Foundation’s mission and complement the goals of other departments.
# Establish department priorities, prepare and monitor the department budget, provide overall direction for staff activities. Public Policy/ Foundation Priorities
# Serve as primary spokesperson and counsel on institutional communications matters.
# Serve as Heritage Foundation communications ombudsman.
# Maintain strong professional relationships with news executives and media opinion leaders, and represent Heritage at appropriate journalism industry functions.
# Monitor industry developments to assure that Heritage products are available to the media as needed using the most compatible technology for each market segment and individual news organization.
# Implement foundation-wide marketing strategies for Heritage key issues and programs in coordination with the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Management
# Enhance the professional and career development of department managers and staff through effective training, mentoring, and performance evaluations. Reward and motivate managers and staff by using bonus and merit increase budgets effectively, and by developing promotion opportunities.
# Responsible for overseeing the functions, budgets, goals, and employees of all reporting departments including personnel management, compensation, and career development.
# Recommend department staffing levels, and oversee recruitment of high-quality staff to fill approved positions.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field. Experience: Minimum 10 years combined communications and media relations experience; five years management experience. Management: Strategic planning, goal setting, budgeting, staffing, performance counseling, mentoring, career planning. Communication: Superior writing, editing and public speaking skills a must. Computer Skills: Microsoft Office and Outlook; internet fluency.

Special skills/requirements:
# Extensive national media contacts, with heavy emphasis in D.C. and New York
# Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America

Submit resume and cover letter to: PersonnelJobs@heritage.org.