Vice President, External Affairs, Strategic Communications

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants anywhere in the world.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and external affairs strategy that aligns with organizational objectives, the theory of change, and the financial sustainability plan.

• Act as the primary advisor to the CEO and Executive Team regarding public positioning, message consistency, crisis management, and the timing of public statements.

• Provide guidance to the Executive Team and Board of Directors on reputational risks and narrative exposure.

• Manage Tides' brand architecture, persona, voice, and narrative framework across all external channels and audiences.

• Proactively shape Tides’ narrative within the broader social sector landscape.

• Monitor and analyze how mission-related issues are being framed, weaponized, or reshaped across media, political, and cultural domains.

• Exercise sound judgment in determining when to lead public discussions, amplify coalition partners, and when strategic restraint is more beneficial to the mission.

• Oversee a content strategy that includes earned media, owned channels, executive thought leadership, annual reports, and Tides publications.

• Lead an integrated marketing strategy encompassing brand, digital, email, social media, advertising, and campaign channels to foster awareness, engagement, and action among target audiences.

• Establish and oversee marketing and engagement growth objectives and KPIs, such as digital reach, audience growth, and supporter acquisition, that enhance Tides’ brand visibility and public presence, translating results into conversion metrics in collaboration with Business Development.

• Manage Tides’ website, digital assets, and marketing technology stack; ensure data-informed decision-making and suitable investment in analytics, CRM, and automation tools.

• Direct brand and creative development, including visual identity, design systems, and campaign creativity, collaborating with in-house staff and agency partners.

• Collaborate with Tides Foundation, Tides Center, and Business Development leadership to spearhead public-facing campaigns, mobilization efforts, and integrated marketing calendars.

• Partner with the Chief Programs Officer to align communications with fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, and major-gift engagement.

• Work with Tides Foundation, Tides Center, and Business Development to co-create donor-facing content that showcases impact, addresses current concerns, and reinforces the case for sustained and increased investment.

• Support Board communications, including preparation for board meetings, updates for board members, and ambassador materials.

• Collaborate with the Executive Team, the People Team, and Internal Communications staff to ensure that external positioning and internal messaging are synchronized, particularly prior to significant announcements, crises, and politically delicate external statements.

• Lead and maintain a unified messaging architecture to ensure consistency in talking points, positioning documents, and narrative frameworks across both staff-facing and public-facing channels.

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing marketing and external communications team; mentor direct reports and cultivate strengths within the function.

• Manage the marketing and external communications budget, including expenses for agencies, consultants, platforms, production, and paid media.

• Collaborate with the Chief People Officer to co-lead Tides’ internal communications team, integrating internal and external communication strategies and messaging as appropriate.

• Select, manage, and hold accountable external agency and vendor partners; cultivate a trusted "extended team" model that scales capacity without increasing permanent headcount.

• Establish KPIs and reporting cadence for marketing performance, external communications, reputation health, earned media impact, and audience growth.

• Implement a proactive national media strategy, building relationships with reporters, editors, and opinion leaders across mainstream, movement, and ideologically diverse outlets.

• Direct executive visibility strategy, including speaking opportunities, op-ed placements, broadcast appearances, and conference participation.

• Prepare the CEO and designated spokespersons for high-stakes interviews and public events.

• Build and maintain relationships with peer national organizations, regional affiliates, philanthropic intermediaries, and sector communications networks.

• Represent Tides in sector-wide narrative coordination, collaborative research initiatives, and joint responses on issues where a collective voice amplifies impact.

• Act as a public representative of Tides at selected conferences, gatherings, and sector events.

• Collaborate with the Chief Legal and Compliance Officer to manage the intersection of communications with regulatory, legal, financial, and investigative risks.

• Own the organizational crisis communications planning, maintaining the playbook and responding in real-time.

• Coordinate with the Executive Team and Senior Leaders during incidents, whether internal or external.

• Maintain a pre-approved response framework for potential attack vectors, enabling the organization to react swiftly when necessary.

⛳️ Requirements

• 15 years of relevant experience, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role.

• Proven experience as the principal marketing and communications advisor to a CEO, Executive Director, or equivalent senior leader.

• Established track record in crisis communications at a national level, including politically or ideologically sensitive incidents.

• Extensive national media relationships with proven success in placements across mainstream, political, and movement press.

• Demonstrated expertise in marketing and brand leadership, including brand strategy, digital marketing, audience development, and measurable campaign outcomes.

• Experience with mission-driven, advocacy-oriented, or politically active organizations (nonprofit, 501(c)(3)/(c)(4), political, or public-interest).

• Proven ability to build and implement narrative strategies, beyond mere message consistency.

• Experience managing lean teams and extensive vendor networks under resource constraints.

• Excellent judgment in dealing with sensitive legal, personnel, and political issues.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive speechwriting and op-ed writing.

• Ability to ground all work in a strong commitment to the Tides mission and JEDI values, applying an equity-centered lens to strategy, practice, and engagement.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation package

• Health insurance

• Retirement plans

• Paid time off

• Flexible work arrangements

• Professional development opportunities