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 the website at [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 and collaborates with internal partners to support strategies that 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.

# 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; collaboration 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, supporters, executives, partner organizations, and other stakeholders as defined by CBCF priorities.

# 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 with top-tier media and 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, developing rapid-response communication solutions.
– Presidential Advisory: Provide high-level communication counsel to the President and CEO, ensuring all executive messaging aligns 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 collateral. Oversee the digital ecosystem and manage vendor partnerships to ensure brand consistency.
– Chief Media Liaison: Serve as the primary strategist for journalist and influencer engagement, positioning CBCF as a thought leader.
– Executive Positioning & Messaging: Identify and prioritize media opportunities for leadership; develop talking points, speeches, and presentations.
– Strategy Leadership: Develop and oversee a unified “Editorial Playbook” integrating earned, owned, and paid digital strategies.
– Media Network Cultivation: Maintain a robust network of top-tier press relationships to ensure consistent, high-quality coverage of CBCF initiatives and events.
– Departmental Operations & Talent Development: Lead daily operations, budget oversight, long-term planning, and mentorship.
– Environmental Scanning & Issues Management: Monitor societal, political, and industry trends; provide rapid-response strategies.
– Data-Driven Performance Optimization: Define and implement KPIs to measure marketing and communications effectiveness.
– Creative Direction & Visual Identity: Oversee visual storytelling and design, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.

### Strategic Event Marketing & Promotion
– Oversee and define promotional and branding logistics for all CBCF events.
– Monitor and measure event marketing success against organizational goals.
– Create KPIs and benchmarking systems to assess and optimize event promotion.

### 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 through a supportive and collaborative approach.
– Establish and monitor performance goals, assign accountabilities, and conduct annual reviews.

# 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 with experience delivering high-quality projects on time.
– Superb oral and written communication skills across formats including briefings, reports, media, articles, and blogs.

# RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY/ACCOUNTABILITY
The VP must communicate with stakeholders at national and local levels 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.

# SPECIFICATIONS

### Knowledge
A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, English literature, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred. Candidates must have 10–12 years of communications and writing experience, including managing high-profile principals, high-performance teams, and major events. 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 abilities and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Experience managing high-performance teams and high-profile events is required.

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

CBCF is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salary and benefits 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