Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance brand identity
• Create marketing/public relations strategy that will allow Highwire to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers 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
• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the organization
• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development
• As a member of the leadership team, be actively involved in diversity recruiting efforts and be involved in national diversity partnerships
• 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
• Manage, 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
• Attend networking events, seminars and conferences, including out-of-hours, as required to maintain personal professional development and to build networking and new business contacts

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required
• Minimum 10 years experience in a senior management role either in-house or with an agency
• 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
• Experience with social media influencer engagement, content campaigns, and media coverage amplification
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals
• Creative and thoughtful on how new media technologies can be utilized
• 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
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, results-oriented
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs
• Excellent and persuasive communicator
• Experience measuring the ROI of communications activities
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives

Highwire Perks:

• Competitive salary
• Merit-based bonuses and promotions
• Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
• Excellent vacation policy including an extended break for summer and winter holiday
• Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3 pm
• 401K Match
• Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
• Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefit
• Home office equipment stipend
• Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
• Technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit
• Donation Match
• Full-time writing Coach
• Mentorship
• Monthly recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• New business referral bonus
• Quarterly Highwire fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
• Dog-friendly work environment
• Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth