Position: VP of Communications

Who Should Apply?

This position oversees a large geographic region encompassing two states: eastern Washington and northern Idaho. In total, the council represents 30 counties, 67,000 square miles, 8000 plus girls, 2700 adult volunteers, 40 staff, a 23 person board and multiple volunteer committees. An applicant MUST have a minimum of 5 years regional communications experience, be willing to travel, and work virtually.

The corporate office for GSEWNI is located in Spokane, Washington. The location for VP of Communications is flexible based on candidate’s experience, but must be located within the council region. The organization has locations in Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, and Tri Cities.

Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer

Purpose: Serving as an integral member of the senior management team, the Vice President (VP) of Communications will be responsible for the development of GSEWNI’s communication strategy and will contribute to the organizational strategic planning process. The VP of Communications will develop a world-class communications plan for GSEWNI, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect the organization's brand reputation. The VP of Communications will be responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization and its leadership. This individual will be an ambassador for the organization and will need to build relationships with the media. The goal is to advance the organization's position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support for the organization. The VP of Communications will be responsible for coordinating GSEWNI varied and integrated communications products and services including: newsletters and other print publications; Web, E-news and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing.

Accountabilities:

1. Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance GSEWNI’s brand identity within the context of national branding; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences
2. Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers
3. Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the organization. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them
4. Serve as communications counselor to GSEWNI’s leadership

Communications Operations:

1. Oversee development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including the website and new media; manage relationships with associated vendors
2. Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization
3. Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed
4. Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding GSEWNI’s programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects
5. Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development

Team Development/Management:

• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• 5 years experience in a senior marketing/public relations/communications role with responsibility for regional markets.
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements
• Extensive successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance the mission and goals within a large geographic area, mostly rural.
• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized
• A minimum of five years experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications and directories
• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output
• Experience in building, mentoring and coaching a team of communications specialists
• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain the credibility and respect of high-performing Board of Directors
• Self reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
• Excellent and persuasive communicator
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, GSEWNI’s Board of Directors and staff
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
• Passion for the Girl Scout mission

GSEWNI is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be screened as they are received; the position will remain open until filled. Those who do not submit a formal cover letter and resume will not be considered. No phone calls. For consideration, please mail or EMAIL a cover letter, resume and application to:
Pam Lund
Chief Executive Officer
GSEWNI
1404 N. Ash Street
Spokane, WA. 99201

Position: Program and Membership Development Coordinator—Spokane

Reports to: Director, Membership Services

Purpose: To effectively provide for Girl Scout membership outreach, extension and volunteer coordination in assigned geographic areas.  Promote Girl Scouting in the community through presentations, networking and collaborative efforts.  Be a program resource for volunteers.

Accountabilities:

1. Plan and implement membership outreach projects focused on serving underserved population and girls at risk.
2. Provide ongoing communication with parents and staff at sites of community collaborations/partnerships.
3. Support GSEWNI’s efforts to develop and extend a pluralistic membership.
4. Identify businesses, community members, organizations, and other entities that GSEWNI could partner with.
5. Participate as an active member of the council’s membership team, support council’s fund raising efforts, goals, objectives and action steps as directed by supervisor.
6. Maintain accurate records for outreach projects, monitor collaboration budgets and submit reports to supervisor in a timely manner.
7. Demonstrate support for all of the Council’s work through collaboration with other departments.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.A. or equivalent experience.
• Experience in working with a non-profit organization, managing volunteers.
• Experience in working with community agencies.
• Available for travel, weekend and evening work.
• Successful experience in planning, organizing and evaluating projects.
• Ability to perform occasional lifting, not to exceed 40 pounds.
• Ability to maintain positive professional interaction with staff and volunteers of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to gather, analyze and interpret data; to analyze problems and implement solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transportation.
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to use good judgment.
• Basic computer skills in word processing.
• Support for the principals and philosophy of Girl Scouting and willingness to maintain GS membership.

GSEWNI is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be screened as they are received; the position will remain open until filled. Those who do not submit a formal cover letter and resume will not be considered. No phone calls. For consideration, please mail or EMAIL a cover letter, resume and application to:
Doug Duer
Director, Membership Services
GSEWNI
1404 N. Ash Street
Spokane, WA. 99201

Position: Membership Outreach Coordinator -- Yakima

Reports to: Director, Membership Services

Purpose: To effectively provide for Girl Scout membership outreach focused on developing community partners to serve at risk and underserved populations.To assist the overall work of the membership team in working towards council goals, objectives and action steps.

Accountabilities:

1. Plan and implement membership outreach projects focused on serving underserved population and girls at risk.
2. Provide ongoing communication with parents and staff at sites of community collaborations/partnerships.
3. Support GSEWNI’s efforts to develop and extend a pluralistic membership.
4. Participate as an active member of the council’s membership team, support council’s fund raising efforts, goals, objectives and action steps as directed by supervisor.
5. Maintain accurate records for outreach projects, monitor collaboration budgets and submit reports to supervisor in a timely manner.
6. Demonstrate support for all of the Council’s work through collaboration with other departments.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.A. in Early Childhood Development or three years equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience in working with children at various levels of social and behavioral abilities.
• Experience in working with community agencies.
• Skills in planning, organizing and evaluation, managing time effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy.
• Basic computer skills in Word and Excel.
• Ability to use good judgment.
• Available for travel, weekend and evening work.
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.
• Support for the principals and philosophy of Girl Scouting and willingness to maintain GS membership
• Ability to occasionally lift 30 lbs.

GSEWNI is an equal opportunity employer. Applications will be screened as they are received; the position will remain open until filled. Those who do not submit a formal cover letter and resume will not be considered. No phone calls. For consideration, please mail or EMAIL a cover letter, resume and application to:
Doug Duer
Director, Membership Services
GSEWNI
1404 N. Ash Street
Spokane, WA. 99201

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