Director, Executive Communications

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director, Executive Communications provides strategic communications support for the President & CEO of United Way Worldwide and select others as assigned (i.e., Board Chair).   We are seeking a talented and experienced speech writer to join our team and support our CEO in delivering impactful and persuasive speeches. As a speech writer, you will work closely with the CEO to understand their vision, goals, and key messages, and translate them into compelling speeches that resonate with various audiences. Your exceptional writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to capture the CEO's voice and style will be crucial in this role. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in speechwriting, excellent research abilities, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

This in-person position is based at United Way Worldwide’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF POSITION

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below at a satisfactory level:

• Collaborate closely with the CEO to understand their objectives, key messages, and target audience for each speech.
• Craft speeches, talking points, presentations, and other communications, to specific audiences on specific topics, while taking into account the organization’s approved message platform and strategic direction.
• Work with meeting and event managers and content experts to gather specific information and details required to ensure the CEO is prepared to either present or participate in public and private conversations.  Coordinate and collaborate with the Executive Office staff on all matters requiring CEO engagement.
• Provide original thinking on how United Way vision, mission, and goals are connected to external events and the ever-changing environment.  Find opportunities to leverage such events to promote the messages of the CEO.
• Research and stay up-to-date on relevant and selected topics for use in preparing communications.
• Use research and writing assignments to keep strategic messages fresh and relevant, help shape thinking and inform ideas on critical issues and priorities.  
• Travel with the CEO when requested to provide general support, including advance work, meeting preparation, logistics coordination, communication with constituents and staff, as well as follow up to specific requests.
• Archive all presentations, speeches, and talking points for easy accessibility and future use and reference.
• Serve as general communications liaison between Executive Office and Marketing & Communications.
• Other duties as assigned.
   

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.
• At least six years of progressive experience in a similar role.
• At least three years of owning and initiating the work rather than being assigned the work is desirable.  
• At least one year of writing speeches for a CEO or Executive level leader
• Authorship of original work.
• The ideal candidate will more likely subscribe to The Economist than they would Entertainment Weekly.  
• This person will be able to keep up with and match the CEO’s extensive and flexible schedule knowing that the work occurs in all time zones across the globe.  
• Passion for the mission and excitement for the delivery of the work must be palpable in the person who holds this position.
• In addition to being an experienced writer, the position requires strategic thinking, excellent oral communication skills, comprehensive proficient computer skills, as well as exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills.  Must be available for periodic domestic and international travel.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position.  It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities and skills. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable disabled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

SALARY STATEMENT

The budgeted lifespan salary range for this position is currently $130,000 to $145,000 per year.  Salary is determined by several factors including applicant’s knowledge, ­­­skills, experience, position, equity, and market.

COMPETENCIES

An individual must be able to demonstrate the following competencies at a satisfactory level:

Accountability/Results Orientation - Is accountable for the work results and performance to budget of an assigned team. Participates in the articulation of and communicates work goals and objectives, as well as expected work results. Assists in identifying work quality standards and training team members and accepts responsibility for the team's achieved outcomes. Protects the United Way brand, promoting its relevance and statue to the extent possible. Behaves ethically and honestly in all activities done on behalf of UWW and the movement. Demonstrates a commitment to UWW’s values, including diversity and inclusiveness.

Decision-Making/Risk-Taking - Evaluates available information and recommends a course of action. Contributes own assessment of risks and implications of decisions in team decision-making efforts. Develops and proposes effective alternative solutions. Uses judgment appropriately in decision-making. Knows when to shift decision-making upwards.

Teamwork Collaboration - Shares pertinent information and keeps team members informed on a regular basis. Ensures that processes, systems and resources are available and direct them properly to enable the team to efficiently accomplish its goals and objectives. Able to adapt quickly to changing conditions or performance expectations. Able to focus on assignments during periods of change and/or uncertainty.

Relationship Management - Embodies and promotes UWW's values and guiding principles. Promotes a "win-win" philosophy in dealing with others. Serves as a role model in dealing with others to accomplish organization goals and objectives. Works effectively with United Way staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to achieve strategic direction. Able to manage and sustain key relationships to benefit the United Way movement and/or UWW. Formulates and communicates in an ethical and politically sensitive manner.

Communications - Expresses ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner. Is persuasive and influences others. Actively listens to others to understand their perspectives. Seeks input and feedback on individual, team and departmental performance and environment. Supports openness.

Innovation/Creativity - Shares a deep commitment to the UW vision. Develops a "connected" vision for the Group. Has a plan to meet Group vision and contribute to overall success. Promotes a climate that values and rewards innovation and creativity. Acknowledges and champions the efforts of others to "think outside the box.” Maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends that affect United Ways, UWW and/or the non-profit sector. Demonstrates ability to analyze information and translate into specific, effective action/solutions.

ABOUT UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE

United Way Worldwide seeks diverse, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in the world. If you are passionate about your work and desire to help others achieve enhanced education, income, and health, United Way Worldwide is the place for you.

United Way Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics, in accordance with applicable laws. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please e-mail pstbt@uww.unitedway.org and provide the nature of your request and your contact information.

We are a charter member of Employers of National Service and encourage AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni to apply.

United Way Worldwide is located in Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer competitive salary and excellent benefits including: health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance program, 403(b) plan, tuition assistance, paid time off, family sick leave, medical appointment leave, parental/adoption leave, dress for your day, free parking, onsite gym, monthly volunteering opportunities, and more.

UNITED WAY WORLDWIDE’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLE

We take the broadest possible view of diversity. 

We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are.

We welcome that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and progress our fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.

We believe that each United Way community member, donor, volunteer, advocate, and employee must have equal access to solving community problems.

We strive to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.

We commit to using these practices for our business and our communities.

Join us in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion for every person in every community.

LIVE UNITED.