Vice President, Communications and External Affairs

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society.

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women.

Position Overview

The Vice President, Communications and External Affairs is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and reports directly to the Chief of Staff. The Vice President will develop, lead, and execute strategic initiatives to advance IWPR’s thought leadership and position the organization as a leading voice on the economy, health care, and the economic security and well-being of women and families.

They will have primary responsibility for ensuring widespread, strategic dissemination of all IWPR research, products, and resources—ensuring that IWPR’s data and evidence are widely available, informing public discourse, and reaching key audiences and stakeholders. They will also manage IWPR’s narrative change and culture work, guiding the strategy for all communications, website, and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate the mission, vision, and values of IWPR.

Additionally, they will build and manage relationships with the media and other key entities, work to maintain brand and messaging consistency, and drive broader awareness on issues related to women’s economic security and wellbeing, as well as donor support for the organization.

The Vice President will lead a talented team of communications and media professionals and be responsible for cultivating their leadership and skills, mentoring staff, and creating growth opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

Develop a strategic plan and vision for communications and external affairs at IWPR.

Formulate short and long-term communications and external affairs goals in support of IWPR’s mission and strategic plan.

Set communications goals and develop metrics to grow influence and impact.

Lead the communications team and oversee implementation of work plans, timelines, and goals.

Maintain and update IWPR’s crisis communications plan.

Cultivate IWPR’s rapid response work, connecting research to public conversations and events.

Integrate storytelling with data in IWPR’s research publications.

Provide strategic guidance as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Represent IWPR at high-level meetings and events.

Communications Operations

Oversee all print and online communications such as event programs, promotional materials, and annual reports.

Develop and manage the organization’s social media strategy across platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Pitch stories, op-eds, and research to media outlets.

Maintain brand consistency and visibility across all platforms.

Prioritize media opportunities and prepare supporting materials (press releases, speeches, etc.).

Engage and maintain relationships with media and key stakeholders.

Manage messaging, audience targeting, and content creation for various communications materials.

Manage content for email blasts, e-news articles, web content, invitations, and event recaps.

Train staff on communications best practices.

Supervise communications staff and consultants and serve as a senior management team member.

Perform other duties as assigned.

External Affairs

Enhance IWPR’s profile and increase engagement by defining the national brand and expanding visibility.

Collaborate with the Vice President of Advancement on institutional marketing and fundraising strategies.

Oversee collateral production, digital campaigns, and media relations.

Serve as IWPR spokesperson as needed.

Coordinate across departments to execute engagement initiatives and campaigns.

Increase organizational awareness through outreach and donor engagement strategies.

Oversee production of the annual report and donor materials.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Financial Management and Supervisory Duties

Manage the Communications department’s annual budget and coordinate with finance on revenue projections.

Participate in the annual financial audit as needed.

Mentor and provide strategic leadership to Communications staff.

Maintain a high-performing, diverse team environment.

Establish communications policies and ensure thorough record-keeping.

Salary

This role is a full-time, exempt position in a hybrid work environment. The salary range for the Vice President, Communications and External Affairs is $150,000–$184,025, commensurate with experience. IWPR offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccine Policy

IWPR prioritizes the health and safety of its staff and community. All IWPR employees, interns, and fellows are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive any CDC-recommended booster shots. Selected candidates will be required to submit proof of full vaccination and booster prior to receiving a job offer. Candidates with a qualifying medical condition may request a medical exemption form from People & Culture.