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 Prostate Cancer is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Vice President, Communications to lead and 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 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. 

The Vice President, Communications will collaborate closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align marketing efforts with organizational goals. This position manages the creation and execution of integrated marketing campaigns supporting key initiatives, including the Advocacy Summit, patient support and health equity programs, corporate partnerships, and local storytelling that elevates regional impact to national audiences. The role also oversees ZERO's brand identity, manages vendor relationships, and leads a high-performing marketing team while fostering innovation and data-driven decision-making.

The Vice President, Communications will collaborate with Mission and Development VPs to lead a Media Relations strategy that amplifies our national mission and development initiatives. Key areas include the annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., health equity programs, corporate partnerships, and regional storytelling with potential for national media coverage.

This role involves building and maintaining relationships with national and local media outlets, serving as the primary contact for press releases and media outreach, and acting as backup spokesperson for ZERO’s Executive Leadership Team. Responsibilities include developing media materials, preparing executives for public appearances, and managing a high-performing media relations firm to ensure impactful media pitching, placements, and results tracking.

Additionally, the VP will partner with Operations and Legal teams to address reputational risks, create a crisis management process, and draft communications to uphold the organization’s brand during unforeseen challenges.

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

   

   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/Walk events 

Desired Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• 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 an impact with a high capacity to collaborate and cooperate with teammates across the organization
• Ability to adapt to changing situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field
• 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
• Proven track record of executing integrated marketing strategies with measurable results.
• Experience managing and coaching high-performing teams.
• Expertise in digital marketing, direct response advertising, and CRM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Advanced expertise in digital marketing, including analytics-driven strategy, direct response advertising, and leveraging CRM platforms for audience engagement.
• Established relationships with national and regional media outlets, as well as familiarity with influencer marketing and social media trends.
• Experience in managing external agencies or media firms to achieve strategic objectives.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.

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.