The client is seeking a Vice President of Communications to advance its mission and support the work of its partner organizations. The role focuses on shaping and implementing media relations strategy, building and maintaining relationships with national, regional, and local media, and partnering with leadership to develop advocacy communications within the sector and in political domains. The Vice President will position the coalition as a go-to resource for timely information on issues affecting higher education, including academic freedom, sector autonomy, and fair opportunity.
Key responsibilities include regularly updating and collaborating on a comprehensive crisis communications plan, conducting scenario planning with leadership and external communications partners, and preparing spokespeople and coalition leaders for high-stakes media and stakeholder communications. The Vice President will serve as a strategic advisor during high-pressure moments, providing calm, direct counsel and rapid, thoughtful guidance. The role also includes developing and maintaining the organization’s website and creating content and an audience acquisition strategy for social media platforms, including initial execution such as content development and editorial planning.
The Vice President will liaise with subject matter experts to coordinate and advise on content creation, collaborate with communications colleagues across partner organizations, and help manage and expand the communications function by hiring and leading one to two team members. The role also includes overseeing consultant relationships as needed and supporting thought leadership strategy for the President and CEO. Candidates are expected to share the organization’s mission and commitment to higher education as a pillar of democracy, bring senior-level communications experience with a proven track record managing staff or contractors, and demonstrate strong strategic judgment, exceptional writing and editing ability, media relations expertise, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities under pressure.