THE OPPORTUNITY The National League of Cities, a non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C., is comprised of elected leaders focused on improving the quality of life for their current and future constituents. With 100 years of dedication to local government's strength, health, and advancement, NLC has gained the trust and support of more than 2,000 cities, towns, and villages nationwide. Together, our mission is to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy, and drive innovative solutions. The Senior Executive and Director for the Center for Digital Engagement, Marketing, & Communications (DEMC) serves as the organization's chief communications and marketing strategist and is responsible for advancing NLC's mission, brand, and reputation as the leading voice on issues impacting cities, towns, and villages. This role drives broad awareness of NLC's advocacy and technical assistance and leads the development of a wide range of integrated communication and marketing activities. This is an ideal opportunity for a dynamic, creative, and innovative communications and marketing strategist with a solid track record of translating strategic thinking into action plans and output.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership - Develop and implement data-driven and creative communications, marketing, and brand strategies that engage members and key stakeholders while increasing the visibility of NLC's mission, reputation, and impact.
- As a member of the Senior Executive Team, provides expert advice, thought leadership, and counsel to executive leaders on communications and strategic messaging.
- Serve as the CEO/Executive Director's advisor for communications, marketing, and emergent issues and oversee the preparation of speeches, reports, talking points, white papers, and external engagement.
- Develop the Center's annual budget and operational plan supporting NLC's strategic direction.
- Serve as NLC's communications and marketing spokesperson and visible leader in meetings with board members, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.
- Leverage data analytics to track, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of NLC's communications and marketing strategies.
Communications & Marketing - Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy that engages and attracts members and increases the visibility of NLC's programs and priorities across various audiences.
- Lead the strategy and manage content for NLC's website, social media platforms, newsletters, email communications, blogs, websites, and other internal and external communication channels.
- Oversee the development of high-quality print, digital communications, publications, editorial, and event graphics and design.
- Identify emerging trends and issues, working closely with executive leadership, staff, and members to execute targeted communication strategies.
- Directs the planning, development, editorial content, production, and evaluation of event promotional campaigns
- Oversee external vendors, consultants, and other third-party marketing and communication relationships.
- Ensure successful delivery of grant-funded marketing and communication deliverables.
Media Relations - Serve as NLC's official media spokesperson and proactively execute comprehensive media relations strategies with key journalists, reporters, editors, and media outlets.
- Provide regular media analysis reports to executive leadership, offering insights into member and public perception and coverage effectiveness.
- Lead media relations efforts during crisis situations or issues that may affect NLC's brand and reputation.
- Oversee the planning and execution of press conferences and media briefings of NLC conferences and events.
- Identify and promote compelling messages and stories through earned media for a broad range of targeted and diverse audiences.
- Oversee the creation of press materials, including press releases, media kits, and fact sheets, ensuring alignment with NLC's brand, voice, and messaging.
- Coordinate the creation of editorial content and opinion pieces for media outlets, thought leadership opportunities, and spokesperson opportunities.
- Coordinate issue management with NLC SMEs and other stakeholders, including preparing statements, talking points, and Q&A.
Team Management - Recruit, develop, and mentor a team of professionals responsible for promoting greater awareness of NLC's brand locally and nationally.
- Support staff engagement and growth goals, including developing strategies to ensure cross-collaboration and coordination across the organization.
- Promote a continuous improvement culture that values learning and a commitment to quality.
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and establish priorities.
Minimum Qualifications - BA/Master's degree in communications or related discipline with 10-15 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role leading successful strategic communications, media relations, and marketing strategies or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
- Experience and direct connections to local government, preferably with a membership advocacy association, public policy organization, or similar work environment, are highly preferred.
- The ideal person for this role will possess a strong executive presence and the ability to communicate and advocate for the short and long-term goals of the organization and motivate others toward those objectives.
- Proven track record of successfully developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that align with organizational goals and drive measurable results.
- Experience managing marketing budgets and overseeing the allocation of resources to maximize ROI.
- Strong understanding of branding, public/media relations, digital marketing, content strategy, and social media.
- Strong analytical abilities and data-driven decision-making capabilities to track and improve performance.
- Knowledge of emerging marketing, communications, and digital media trends and the ability to adapt strategies to meet organizational priorities.
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with staff, executive leadership, board of directors, and members.
- Experience planning, writing, and editing press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining a focus on quality and results.
- Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive alignment across departments.
- Successful track record of building high-performing teams, including skills in hiring, evaluating, mentoring, and coaching staff.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION The National League of Cities is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and to prohibiting discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, status as a veteran, or any other protected status and/or conditions specified in federal and local civil rights law. We strive to cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects all employees' strengths, views, and experiences. Our differences enable us to be a better team that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers results. NLC will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment. Individuals requiring assistance can reach out to .
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS This position requires proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 before the first date of employment. If offered employment, this requirement must be met by your hire date unless a reasonable accommodation request is received and approved.
WORK LOCATION This hybrid position is based in Washington, DC, and requires three days on-site at our NLC headquarters.
OUR BENEFITS - Target Hiring Range (170k-200k)
- Competitive benefits, and retirement package
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Hybrid work environment
- Professional Development
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