Vice President, Marketing and Communications

## ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing public policy, and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are Education, Public Health, Economic Empowerment, Civic Engagement, and other issues impacting the global Black community. Applicants may visit [www.cbcfinc.org](http://www.cbcfinc.org) to learn more about CBCF programs and initiatives.

## POSITION SUMMARY
The Vice President (VP) of Marketing and Communications is a high-impact member of the senior leadership team, serving as the chief architect of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) global identity. The VP acts as a strategic thought leader to the President, driving innovative branding and communication strategies that align with the organization’s mission and reputation while expanding its influence. This role is central to CBCF’s mission of eliminating disparities in the global Black community, translating organizational vision into measurable results and a world-class narrative of impact.

### Strategic Impact & Brand Stewardship
The VP is responsible for designing and overseeing execution of an integrated marketing and communications roadmap that elevates CBCF’s visibility across diverse platforms and ensures elevation of research, publications, and thought leadership. The VP will cultivate deep relationships with national and local media to drive organizational awareness and help increase donor support. From overseeing the production of flagship publications like the Annual Report to directing sophisticated digital and social networking strategies, the VP ensures a synchronized brand voice that resonates both inside and outside the D.C. Beltway.

### Event & Operational Leadership
A key pillar of this role is the strategic promotion and branding of CBCF’s premier events, including the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the Scholarship Classic, and the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project. The VP leads a multi-functional team, collaborates with internal partners, and supports strategies to scale attendance and engagement.

The VP also oversees and manages creative marketing and barter agreements. By managing the departmental operating budget with precision and collaborating to direct all internal and external communication policies, the VP ensures the highest standards of quality control and operational excellence.

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## WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
**Reports to:** Senior Vice President
**Directly Supervises:** Director, Marketing and Communications
**Indirectly Supervises:** Graphic Designers; Digital Manager
**Consultants:** Marketing consultants, vendors, and suppliers
**Type of Supervision Received:** Minimal

**Internal Relationships:**
Close coordination with the Office of the President and CEO to support public-facing leadership engagement, and with the Vice Presidents of Resource Development, Strategic Events, and the Center for Policy Analysis and Research to establish and direct marketing and communications needs.

**External Relationships:**
CBCF Board of Directors, donors and supporters, executives and key staff of partner organizations, and other stakeholders as defined by CBCF priorities.

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## SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

### A. Essential Functions

### Marketing and Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
– **Drive Brand Visibility:** Lead the creation and implementation of an integrated marketing plan that elevates the CBCF brand and ensures the Foundation’s research and programs are “first-of-mind” for key policy and community stakeholders.
– **Lead Digital Innovation:** Direct staff in creating and overseeing an innovative engagement strategy across all digital touchpoints—including the website, newsletters, and social platforms—utilizing data-driven insights to foster deep community connection and meaningful dialogue.
– **Cultivate Influence:** Build and oversee a strategic PR framework enabling leadership to engage meaningfully with top-tier media and key influencers in racial justice, health, economic sectors, and other priority areas.
– **Manage Organizational Reputation:** Serve as a strategic partner to the executive team in identifying and leveraging internal and external issues and opportunities. Develop rapid-response communication solutions that protect and promote the Foundation’s interests.
– **Presidential Advisory:** Provide high-level communication counsel to the President and CEO, ensuring all executive messaging and public engagement align with the Foundation’s long-term strategic vision.

### Communications Operations
– **Institutional Brand Stewardship:** Direct the production of flagship communications, including the Annual Report and high-impact marketing collateral. Oversee the digital ecosystem (website and social media) and manage high-value vendor partnerships to ensure brand consistency.
– **Chief Media Liaison:** Serve as the primary strategist for journalist and influencer engagement. Position CBCF as a thought leader to enhance institutional reputation.
– **Executive Positioning & Messaging:** Identify and prioritize media opportunities for leadership. Develop strategic talking points, keynote speeches, and executive presentations aligned with CBCF’s mission.
– **Strategy Leadership:** Develop and oversee a unified “Editorial Playbook” integrating earned, owned, and paid digital strategies. Establish a master editorial calendar for synchronized messaging across all channels.
– **Media Network Cultivation:** Build and maintain a robust network of top-tier press relationships to ensure consistent, high-quality coverage of CBCF’s research, policy initiatives, and signature events.
– **Departmental Operations & Talent Development:** Lead day-to-day operations, budget oversight, long-term planning, and mentorship to foster a high-performing team.
– **Environmental Scanning & Issues Management:** Implement monitoring systems to track societal, political, and industry trends. Provide rapid-response strategies for emerging issues impacting the Foundation or the global Black community.
– **Data-Driven Performance Optimization:** Define and implement KPIs to measure communications and marketing effectiveness. Use analytics to identify growth opportunities and refine positioning.
– **Creative Direction & Visual Identity:** Provide executive oversight for visual storytelling and design, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

### Strategic Event Marketing & Promotion
– Oversee and define promotional and branding logistics for all CBCF events.
– Collaborate with the PCEO and Management Team to ensure strong CBCF presence and flawless marketing execution.
– Monitor and measure event marketing success against organizational goals.
– Create KPIs and benchmarking systems to assess and optimize event promotion and reach.

### Team Development
– Manage one director responsible for implementing marketing and communication strategies.
– Promote a culture of high performance, quality, values, and professional development.
– Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach.
– Establish and monitor performance goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and conduct annual reviews.

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## REQUIRED SPECIAL SKILLS
– Effective communication of marketing and communications deliverables across various mediums.
– Ability to negotiate contracts and proposals with consultants and vendors.
– Proven project management skills and experience delivering high-quality projects on time.
– Superb oral and written communication skills across formats including briefings, reports, media, articles, and blogs.

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## RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY / ACCOUNTABILITY
The VP must communicate with stakeholders nationally and locally to positively influence CBCF’s effectiveness. They must adhere to federal, state, and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies. Failure to comply may result in penalties for both CBCF and the VP.

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## SPECIFICATIONS

### Knowledge
– Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, English literature, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
– Minimum 10–12 years of communications and writing experience, including managing high-profile principals, high-performance teams, and compelling events.
– Proven success in executive communications and media campaign management in corporate, agency, or nonprofit settings.
– Resourceful, flexible, highly responsive, and committed to CBCF’s mission.
– Capitol Hill or corporate communications experience is a plus.

### Computer and Technical Proficiencies
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
– Experience with marketing and project management tools such as Meltwater, Cision, Constant Contact, Luminate, Monday.com, and Smartsheet is a plus.

### Skills and Abilities
– Exceptional writing, editing, media relations, research, and interpersonal skills.
– Strong organizational skills and outstanding writing abilities.
– Ability to manage short- and long-term priorities simultaneously.
– Superb project and program management skills.
– Experience managing high-performance teams and high-profile events.

### Physical Requirements
– Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demanding deadlines, long hours, evenings, and weekends during peak times.
– Ability to respond to breaking news and engage in moderate travel.
– Must work well under pressure with tact and diplomacy.

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CBCF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation, and sick time. Qualified applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and three professional references via CBCF’s online employment portal. No phone calls accepted.

Apply here