Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Organization Overview:

ZERO Prostate Cancer is a leading national nonprofit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. ZERO is the primary destination for all impacted by the disease to convene, get support and education, and come together as one united voice to create a better future for the prostate cancer community. The organization has identified key impact areas it will be working towards in the next five years:

• Driving appropriate awareness for screening, leading to early detection and a decrease in the number of people diagnosed with advanced disease
• Improving quality and quantity of life for patients and survivors
• Decreasing mortality from the disease.

Under the leadership of a new President and CEO, ZERO is in an exciting time of evolution, with transformational growth planned internally and externally to better serve constituents and communities.

ZERO has recently been recognized again as one of the “Best Nonprofits to Work For” by The NonProfit Times (nine out of the last ten years). It makes supporting its team and community a top priority. The organization is taking strides internally to evolve to more reflect the community it’s serving today and in the future.

Position Location: Remote (with 10% travel throughout the year)
Reports To: Courtney Bugler, President & CEO
Direct Reports: Senior Director, Video Production & Social Media; Director, Web Development; Director, Marketing (vacant)

Peers To This Role: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Mission Officer, Chief Development Officer

Position Summary:

ZERO seeks a seasoned and transformative Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO) to join its Executive Leadership Team(ELT). Reporting directly to the CEO, the ideal candidate serves as principal adviser charged with executing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies to promote and amplify the ZERO brand on multiple platforms. The CMCO will lead all communications externally, oversee ZERO’s marketing operations, and ensure timely and consistent internal communication in an effort to create awareness of plans and initiatives across the organization. The CMCO will work collaboratively with ZERO leadership and other key stakeholders in setting the vision for and leading the Marketing and Communications team, including media and public relations, brand and creative, mission materials, digital, social, and web marketing, lead generation and acquisition, and strategic communications. This person will also collaborate closely with the CEO and other executive team members to develop, execute, and evaluate the organization's strategic vision. The CMCO's leadership will be crucial in building an agile and resilient organization that can effectively adapt to the evolving landscape of prostate cancer advocacy and support.

Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership and Strategy:

• Serve on ZERO's executive leadership team, help shape ZERO's overall organizational strategy and message, and incorporate communications and marketing into serving ZERO's strategic objectives
• Create a marketing/public relations strategy that will allow ZERO leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, media, partners, and stakeholders
• Structure, hire, lead, and develop the marketing communications team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Provide strategic counsel to leadership and the Board on public relations, crisis communications, and reputation management
• Serve as an ambassador of ZERO; representing the organization at the national and regional level

Internal Communications and Management:

• Build strong relationships with staff and volunteers across the organization to ensure cohesive messaging, clear branding, and consistent connections
• Working with other members of the ELT, create strategies and implement protocols for communicating information, updates, and plans to staff

Communications and Public Relations:

• Develop communications message maps, issue pillars, and communications positioning to drive issue and brand awareness
• Oversee consistent, high-quality messaging across all external communications vehicles
• Develop a thought leadership strategy, including op-eds and media placements, positioning ZERO as an industry expert.
• Work with agency partners as necessary

Brand and Reputation Management:

• Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing ZERO before media, industry groups, and public events
• Own ZERO's brand, organizational voice, and visual identity. Define org-wide messaging, develop tailored narratives for specific audiences, and provide guidance and oversight to ensure alignment and consistency with ZERO's core messaging across a range of outward-facing materials
• Craft and maintain a compelling narrative that effectively communicates ZERO's story and impact
• Develop and maintain a crisis communication plan to manage reputational risks effectively
• Drive market research as necessary, including brand and issue awareness and affinity tracking

Marketing and Direct Response / Integrated Campaign:

• Oversee segmented email campaigns, website, social media, and digital initiatives to educate and engage audiences
• In coordination with the Chief Development Officer, lead team and agency partners in comprehensive annual direct response campaign strategy and implementation
• Develop compelling content, SEO, and digital strategy to drive lead generation and attract new program participants, supporters, donors, and partners
• Manage a robust social media strategy to increase brand awareness, engagement, and conversions
• Conceptualize cause marketing campaigns and sponsorship activations that align with ZERO's mission and resonate with audiences

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of nonprofit marketing and communications leadership
• 5 years of executive leadership experience is highly preferred
• Experience in a healthcare or disease-based nonprofit is preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading marketing and communications efforts nationally at an enterprise level
• Ability to bridge communication between internal and external stakeholders in the advancement of the mission
• Demonstrated experience driving and scaling infrastructure through organizational growth and change
• Proof of effective communication skills, partnership and relationship building, and experience as a culturally competent leader in communications with a diverse community
• Experience creating, implementing, and evaluating a multi-channel, multi-issue, segmented communications strategy via earned and owned media
• Experience leading core narrative and message development for campaigns and organizations
• Proficiency in core public relations functions, including media outreach and content creation, and a foundational understanding of the current media landscape
• Experience running digital marketing campaigns and inbound/content marketing to generate leads and/or donations
• Documented success driving direct response/direct mail revenue
• Experience developing metrics for success in communications and marketing efforts, including benchmarking and key performance indicators.
• Committed to and skilled in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging both within their specific team and as a leader across teams in an organization.
• Experience driving agency and consultant relationships, including digital, PR, brand, and market research
• Fiscal accountability and budget management experience
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with and report to the Board of Directors, including impact and performance metrics
• Deep understanding of business intelligence and data analytics, with the ability to leverage insights to drive performance improvements
• Exceptional strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with the organization's mission and goals
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams across multiple functions
• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, advanced degree a plus
• High comfort level and proficiency with business intelligence and dashboard tools, project management models, marketing automation, and digital analytics

Personal Characteristics Desired:

• Change agent and status quo challenger
• Big, bold thinker and strategist with the skills and experience to then execute the plan
• Possesses a high level of personal accountability for achieving ambitious results
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills, visionary leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Courageous and determined with the ability to take charge in a complex environment
• Continuous quality improvement mindset
• Skilled in collaboration and consensus-building
• Innovative with a commitment to a mission-driven environment and culture
• Strong analytical skills, communication and interpersonal skills, problem identification and resolution skills, and decision-making ability
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and situations and build a cohesive consensus
• Is a motivational and accountable leader who also enjoys being part of a team and overcoming obstacles as a team

Physical Requirements:

• Constant use of a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as computer printer, calculator, and copier
• Prolonged periods of a stationary position at least 50% of the time
• The ability to recognize details at close range for extended periods of time
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation range for this executive-level position is competitive and commensurate with experience, typically ranging from $190,000 to $225,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Unlimited PTO
• 403(b) retirement plan matching
• Employer-paid benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability insurance, Life/AD&D insurance
• FSA/HSA

This position is based remotely, and candidates may live in any area within the United States. This role may require nationwide travel approximately 10% of the time.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. For more information, please contact Anne-Marie Forbes.