VP of Communications & Public Affairs

Help Group, a leading nonprofit organization supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families across Los Angeles for 85 years, seeks a Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. The VP will provide strategic leadership for marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement, oversee brand management, media relations, community partnerships, and non-fundraising events, including the continued implementation of the recent rebrand, and lead the marketing, communications, and community engagement team. The position is based in Los Angeles and requires in-office work five days per week, with regular travel among Help Group campuses and community locations and occasional evening and weekend events.

Responsibilities

Assess Help Group's existing communications, marketing, and external affairs functions; Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and external affairs strategy; Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear goals, timelines, responsibilities, and performance measures; Serve as strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership; Establish effective systems and processes to improve coordination and accountability; Provide strategic oversight of marketing, digital communications, social media, website management, content development, and creative services; Lead the continued implementation of the organizational rebrand; Develop integrated marketing and communications campaigns; Lead public relations and reputation management efforts with the external PR firm; Establish standards for brand consistency, editorial quality, and accessibility; Use marketing analytics to evaluate effectiveness; Oversee staff responsible for government affairs and community partnerships; Supervise staff representing Help Group at community meetings and public events; Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and public engagement; Collaborate with Development while maintaining clear responsibility for fundraising and sponsorship activities; Provide strategic oversight of non-fundraising events, volunteer engagement, and community outreach; Establish goals, budgets, timelines, and measures of success for community events; Lead, mentor, and develop marketing, communications, and community engagement staff; Manage departmental budgets, external vendors, consultants, and agency relationships; Collaborate across departments to manage competing priorities

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, public affairs, nonprofit management, business, or a related field; At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, external affairs, or a related field, including at least five years of leadership experience; Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive communications, marketing, or external engagement strategies; Experience assessing existing teams, systems, and processes and implementing improvements that strengthen organizational performance; Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams while establishing clear priorities, expectations, and accountability; Strong project management and organizational skills, with demonstrated success managing complex initiatives, multiple stakeholders, and competing deadlines; Experience overseeing brand management, integrated marketing campaigns, digital communications, and public relations activities; Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail and sound judgment; Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on leadership and effective execution in a dynamic environment; Commitment to Help Group's mission and to respectful, inclusive engagement with neurodivergent individuals, people with disabilities, families, and community partners

Nice to have

Master's degree in communications, marketing, public affairs, nonprofit management, business, or a related field; Experience in nonprofit organizations, human services, behavioral health, special education, disability services, or related sectors; Familiarity with the Los Angeles civic, nonprofit, media, and community landscape; Experience overseeing organizational rebranding initiatives, including implementation across multiple facilities or locations; Experience collaborating with external public relations firms and managing media relations, executive positioning, or reputation management; Established relationships with Los Angeles-area community organizations, public agencies, civic leaders, or other strategic partners; Experience leading organizational change, strengthening team operations, and developing effective systems for project management and accountability

Benefits

Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience; Medical, dental, and vision coverage; Retirement plan; Paid time off; Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development