Vice President, Communications

Organization Overview

Are you seeking a fulfilling career that creates a meaningful impact? For over 25 years, ZERO Prostate Cancer has been a driving force in the fight against prostate cancer, offering vital support to patients and families impacted by prostate cancer. As the premier national nonprofit, ZERO drives research, enhances the lives of those affected by the disease, and sparks advocacy. With consistent recognition as one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For by the NonProfit Times, our focus on supporting our team and community stands out. Our dedication to fostering a culture of growth, inclusivity, and camaraderie remains steadfast. At ZERO, our philosophy of high responsibility and high freedom empowers team members to excel in their careers and personal lives, all while making a significant impact in the fight against prostate cancer. Joining ZERO means becoming part of a remarkable community where individuals inspire each other daily, transcending the typical job experience.

Position Summary

ZERO, the nation’s leading prostate cancer foundation for advocacy, awareness, and patient support - recognized by the Nonprofit Times as one of the “50 Best Nonprofits to Work For” over the last seven years - seeks a dynamic Vice President of Communications to join our award-winning team. The ideal candidate will be a proven and selfless leader and team player with cause-driven passion and the business acumen to be part of a cross-functional management team taking the organization to new heights. This position will manage all aspects of creating, implementing, and executing ZERO’s internal and external communications strategy, including a comprehensive media relations plan to amplify brand awareness. The position reports directly to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.

The Vice President of Communications will work closely with both Mission and Development VPs to lead the successful execution of a Media Relations strategy that expands our reach and earned media around our national mission and development initiatives, including our annual Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C., signature patient support and health equity programs, key corporate partner and development activities, and a strategy for local media relations support of the regions with opportunities to elevate local storytelling to national interest/media placement.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing, building, and maintaining national and local media relationships and alliances across broadcast media, cable news, public media outlets, publications, and online media outlets and influencers. The candidate will serve as backup to the ZERO Executive Leadership Team in representing ZERO in the media and primary ZERO contact for all press releases and media outreach.

The responsibilities also include the development of media materials, correspondence, and executive preparation for meetings and public appearances. The VP will also manage a highly successful and powerful hired media relations firm to deliver on media pitching, placement, and tracking of results.
 
Further, the position will monitor reputational risk issues of concern in partnership with ZERO’s Operations and Legal department, creating a sound crisis management process and drafting communications as necessary to ensure brand reputation is upheld despite any unforeseen circumstances or threats that may arise and impact the organization.

ZERO’s Communications Objectives Include: 

1. Protect and increase awareness of ZERO’s brand legacy as the nation’s leader in prostate cancer advocacy with the distinction of having successfully advocated for the establishment of the Prostate Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense, which has unlocked billions of dollars in public funding of discovery of new treatments
2. Enhance awareness of ZERO’s leadership in prostate cancer awareness, education, and patient support - advancing early detection, access to care, and reducing the pain and suffering of prostate cancer patients (and their families) with a focus on health equity, amplifying the men’s health conversation, and addressing the needs of high-risk populations
3. Improve internal communications process and messaging to ensure executives and staff are informed and well-equipped to deliver brand and mission messaging to key stakeholders, supporters, partners, and constituents and increase executive presence by developing a robust thought-leadership strategy
4. 

   Position Type	Full-Time ∙ Exempt-Salaried
   Position Location	Remote (travel approximately 10% of the year)
   Reports to	Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
   Direct Reports	ZERO Leaders and Marketing and Communications team members
   Peers to this Role	Vice President, Patient Programs & Education Vice President, Government Relations & Advocacy Vice President, Field Revenue Vice President, Events & Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Vice President, Operations Vice President, Marketing

Duties/Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement organization-wide communication strategies aligned with business objectives
• Provide strategic counsel to C-suite executives and VP counterparts on communication matters

• Lead crisis communication efforts and reputation management

  Internal Communications:

  • Oversee internal communication initiatives to foster employee engagement and alignment
  • Develop and maintain effective communication channels within the organization
  • Ensure consistent messaging across all departments and levels

  External Communications:

  • Manage media relations and serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization
  • Oversee public relations efforts, including press releases, media events, and interviews
  • Develop and maintain relationships with media, key stakeholders, supporters, partners, and community leaders

  Brand Management:

  • Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all communication channels
  • Oversee the development and implementation of brand guidelines
  • Monitor and protect the organization's brand reputation

  Digital Communications:

  • Lead the development and execution of digital communication strategies, including social media, website content, and online marketing
  • Ensure effective use of digital platforms to engage with target audiences

  Agency Management:

  • Lead and advise an agency of media relations expert consultants and professionals
  • Manage the communications budget and resources
  • Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team

  Measurement and Reporting:

  • Develop and implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives
  • Provide regular reports on communication performance to senior leadership
• Travel as needed to in-state advocacy events, and conferences and run/walks

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field: Master’s Degree preferred
• Ten+ years of experience in senior communication roles with a proven track record of success in delivering high-value media placement and increased brand awareness
• Experience in health industry communications
• Experience with nonprofit and for-profit brands and working with influencers across entertainment and media preferred
• Exceptional at building relationships with established national and local media relationships to build upon 
• Media savvy and excellent verbal and written communication skills including poised public speaking and presentation acumen
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management
• Proficiency in digital communications tools and platforms
• Strong understanding of communication channels and best practices
• Outstanding humble team player who craves to make impact with a high capacity collaborate and cooperate with teammates across the organization.

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

This role will report directly to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer and will work closely with ZERO Leaders and Marketing and Communications team members to support ZERO’s mission to end prostate cancer. 

This position can be based remotely. This position will require nationwide travel approximately 10% of the time.

ZERO Prostate Cancer is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage BIPOC, Veterans, individuals with Disabilities, and those affected by prostate cancer to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at hr@zerocancer.org or by phone at 202-463-9455.