Job Description

Vice President, Communications

About the Roosevelt Institute

The Roosevelt Institute takes on today’s greatest public policy challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government—and have successfully engaged with policymakers and the media to inform and shape public debate. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.

The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt into the 21st century.

Our Culture

At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, affirms in policy and practice to consider all applications in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Vice President (VP), Communications will be responsible for the development of Roosevelt’s communications strategy and for directly managing communications activities to help drive the change Roosevelt seeks to make in the world. The VP, Communications is also responsible for enhancing and protecting Roosevelt's brand and reputation by aligning the look, feel, and messaging of Roosevelt’s varied and integrated communications products and services including: print publications; digital communications; media and public relations. The VP oversees editorial, media relations, digital, and events staff.

This is a management, non-unionized role with supervision.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Create and execute on a communications strategy, including savvy approaches and tactics to advance Roosevelt’s mission to create a more inclusive economy in a fast moving media environment and enhance brand visibility and reputation among key audiences.
• Anticipate and proactively address emerging issues, offer strategic communications counsel to the leadership team to support organizational goals
• Contribute to strategy development and implementation of Roosevelt Forward, Roosevelt Institute’s sister organization, goals and mission
• Work across the organization to help set Roosevelt Institute’s strategic direction and organizational priorities, including the evaluation of new ideas and opportunities
• Track ongoing and developing media narratives and environment on all channels (traditional, distributed, etc.) and recommend ways for Roosevelt to enter and drive the conversation in dynamic ways
• Manage, recruit, and mentor staff to ensure integration and alignment across the Communications Department and promote a culture of high performance, innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability. Communications functions include:
  • Media relations, which develops relationships and seeks opportunities to promote Roosevelt’s agenda with traditional, new/distributed, owned and paid media
  • Digital, which deploys social channels in service of Roosevelt’s agenda and maintains website presence
  • Editorial, which works with think tank and network authors to edit and finalize all printed publications for the organization
  • Events, which plans and manages all in-person events (conferences, dinners, other gatherings)
• Work with other executives, especially those leading programming in the think tank, government relations, and The Roosevelt Society, to co-develop comprehensive strategies and plans for maximum impact around organizational priorities.
• Represent Roosevelt with media and partners
• Recruit and engage with outside vendors where necessary (e.g. web, design, branding, multimedia production).
• Provide ongoing analysis of Roosevelt’s communications impact, utilizing algorithmic and other measures and suggesting revisions to strategy as needed.

You’re an ideal candidate if you:

• Are an innovative, strategic thinker who knows how a good communications strategy can complement other organizational strategies to achieve real outcomes for people in the world.
• Understand how to think creatively about the impact of a communications strategy in the current policy environment
• Like a fast-paced environment.
• Value nimbleness and impact and are comfortable shifting priorities to capitalize on opportunities.
• Are excited to deploy a range of creative tactics to break through in an evolving media environment.
• Enjoy working across silos to develop integrated approaches to achieving outcomes.
• Share our commitment to advance new ideas to broaden prosperity for all Americans.

What You’ll Have:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 10+ years relevant communications and people management experience.
• Proven expertise in communications strategy, public relations, brand management, and media relations, with experience in organizational communications at a national or medium-large scale level.
• Proven leadership skills in fostering a creative work environment and working collaboratively across a complex organization to ensure effective integration and alignment of resources and programs.
• Demonstrated experience and success in pitching media; building relationships in media; strong familiarity/ relationships with NY, D.C., and national press a plus.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing creative approaches to media and digital engagement strategy.

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