February 18, 2011

JOB OF THE WEEK: Partnership for a Healthier America, Head of Communications and Marketing

PHA logo The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) seeks a Head of Communications and Marketing based in Washington, DC.  PHA is a nonprofit, independent organization that serves as a partner to First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Initiative by linking and mobilizing the private sector, foundations, thought leaders, media, and local communities to action and further the goals of curbing childhood obesity within a generation.   The First Lady announced the establishment of PHA during a 2010 White House event and serves as the organization’s Honorary Chair.  Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Newark Mayor Cory Booker serve as Honorary Vice Chairs.

Reporting to the CEO, and serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Head of Communications and Marketing will be responsible for the development of PHA’s communication and marketing strategy. This individual will develop a communications plan for PHA, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization’s brand reputation. This individual will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. 

A key goal is to advance the organization’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and interest in the organization and the cause of solving the childhood obesity problem within a generation. This individual will be responsible for PHA’s varied and integrated communications products and services including: all print publications; web, e-news, social networking and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing. 

 

Responsibilities:
·      Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance PHA’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences; and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers

Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by a new and growing organization

·      Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them

·      Oversee development of all PHA’s print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including PHA’s website and new media; manage relationships with associated vendors

·      Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization

·      Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed

·      Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding PHA’s programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects

·      Recruit and manage a communications team and outside consultants to support the development and execution of the communications strategy

·      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

·      Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments

Qualifications:
·      Bachelor’s degree is required, an advanced degree is preferred

Minimum 10 years strategic communications experience in a senior management role, either in-house or with an agency

·      Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors and successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements

·      Demonstrated ability to develop a brand for a new organization

·      Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals

·      Extensive writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media

·      Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized

·      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

·      Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect within and outside the organization

·      Self reliant, good problem solver, results oriented

·      Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs

·      Excellent and persuasive communicator

·      Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, PHA’s Board of Directors and staff

·      Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker

·      Passion for PHA’s mission of solving the childhood obesity crisis in a generation

How To Apply: To apply for this position, please send a resume, cover letter and five-year salary history to [email protected] with “Head of Communications and Marketing” in the title.  We regret we can only contact selected applicants.  PHA offers competitive compensation and benefits.  Equal Opportunity Employer.   (PF tipster)

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