Vice President, Communications

A member of the Flinn Foundation's executive team, the Vice President, Communications leads the Foundation's internal and external communications strategies and activities: strategic marketing, community engagement, messaging, crisis communications, and media relations; development of digital and print platforms; customer relationship management database oversight; and internal, board, and grantee communications. Supervises communications staff, partners with Foundation program leaders to meet their goals, and contributes to organizational strategic planning.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit, along with their resume, a detailed cover letter expressing interest in the position, and a list of three references.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Collaborates with program teams to advance their goals and the Foundation’s mission via: development of marketing and public-awareness campaigns; participation in event planning, messaging, and presentation; design and compilation of reports, studies, and proposals; and cultivation of relationships with media, partner organizations, key leaders, grantees, and program participants.
• Manages a suite of communications platforms (email, web, social-media, video, audio, print) that employ best practices and data-driven assessment to drive external reach and engagement with diverse audiences, strengthen the Foundation’s brand and the voices of its programs, and support achievement of those programs’ objectives.
• Leads design, development, and deployment of digital and print collateral and serves as liaison to communications consultants, design teams, and vendors.
• With the executive team, oversees planning and preparation of materials and messaging for Foundation Board and committee meetings.
• Supports staff and Board members in developing talking points, presentations, and other external and internal communications.
• Advises and supports staff in identification, adoption and use of data and communications tools, including CRM, file-management, project-management, messaging, and design software.
• Prepares and monitors annual communications budgets.
• Supervises communications staff and supports their professional engagement and development.
• Maintains professional development (continuing education and relevant association membership) in areas of professional responsibility.
• Completes special projects and other tasks as assigned, and contributes to the cooperative and collegial shared responsibility for Foundation programs and activities.
• Fosters the mission and values of the Flinn Foundation, including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across internal practices, engagement with the community, and philanthropic activities.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with the Foundation’s program areas and capacity for deep, strategic understanding.
• Familiarity with the field of philanthropy and philanthropic best practices.
• Familiarity with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts and strategies and commitment to fostering an equitable organizational culture.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies, including staff, Board members, grantees, community partners, media representatives, and the public.
• Strong supervisory capacity, including commitment to professional development of staff.
• Exceptional skill in planning, organization, project management, and problem solving.
• Superior writing skills and fluency in legacy- and new-media strategies and processes.
• Proficiency in software for office collaboration (Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello); CRM (Salesforce); email marketing (Campaign Monitor); website CMS (WordPress); videoconferencing (Zoom); event marketing (Splash); and social media.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, English, or related field, or equivalent certification or training; graduate degree preferred.
• 10 years of relevant management experience required.

Physical and Other Requirements

• This position functions in the Flinn Foundation at least 20% of the time each week.
• Occasional travel during and outside of normal work hours, with occasional overnight stays.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods standing and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Current auto insurance on personal vehicles.

About the Flinn Foundation

The Flinn Foundation is a privately endowed, philanthropic grantmaking organization established in 1965 by Dr. Robert S. and Irene P. Flinn. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations.

To achieve this mission, the Foundation aims to: advance Arizona’s bioscience sector; enhance undergraduate education for high-achieving students at the state’s public universities; strengthen the fiscal and creative capacity of the state’s arts and culture organizations; and enhance civic life and state-level civic leadership in Arizona.

The Flinn Foundation’s Board of Directors comprises 12 of Arizona’s foremost leaders in medicine, health research, technology, business, and finance. The Foundation’s professional staff is led by President and CEO Tammy McLeod, Ph.D.

The Flinn Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. More information is available on our website about the Foundation’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other Details

Location

• Central Phoenix. This is a hybrid position, functioning in the Flinn Foundation office at least 20% of the time each week.

Schedule

Typically, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (occasional evenings and Saturdays required).

Salary and Benefits

The Flinn Foundation provides exceptionally competitive compensation, commensurate with skills and experience. The minimum salary for this position is $148,000.

The Foundation values work-life balance and the retention of its highly valued staff, as reflected in this position’s classification and benefits:

• The Foundation provides paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. Paid leave is also provided for bereavement and for maternity/paternity/adoption.
• Additional benefits include: medical and dental insurance; life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement plan; covered parking and electric-vehicle charging.
• Specific provisions of these benefits are uncommonly generous. Details will be provided to applicants who advance in the selection process for the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $148,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

• marketing and communications management: 10 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85004: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85004