Vice President, Communications

Description

Common Sense is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.3 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Vice President, Communications (VP, Comms), will develop and lead the execution of a world-class communications strategy that will aim to strengthen the organization's brand, broaden awareness of its mission, and enhance its impact. Reporting directly to the President, the VP of Comms will oversee communications efforts, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while promoting the organization's advocacy work and public presence. This senior-level leader will play a pivotal and hands-on role in shaping and positioning Common Sense Media's narrative, managing the organization's media relations, and driving initiatives that elevate its leadership and influence in the public discourse.

LOCATION: San Francisco, California (hybrid; minimum three days a week in person) with travel required

REPORTS TO: President

SALARY: $160,000–$190,000

TYPE: Full-time, exempt

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

• Lead Communications Vision: Spearhead the development of a comprehensive, integrated communications strategy that advances the values and positioning of Common Sense Media, elevates its profile with key stakeholders of media, government, and key partners, and aligns with the organization's advocacy objectives.
• Brand Stewardship: Ensure all communications—internal and external—are consistent with organizational values and contribute to the overarching business and impact goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership and specifically the Chief Marketing Officer to coordinate communications strategies into broader organizational initiatives, leveraging cross-functional opportunities to amplify key messages.
• Public Relations Excellence: Elevate the public profile of Common Sense Media, its CEO, and leadership team through media engagement, social media, events, and other high-visibility platforms.
• Media Relations: Cultivate and manage relationships with key media outlets, ensuring robust coverage of the organization's programs, advocacy efforts, and public announcements.
• Spokesperson Role: Serve as spokesperson for the organization, representing Common Sense Media's voice and values in public forums, while managing high-stakes media and partnership opportunities.
• Communications Content Development: Oversee the creation of organizational messaging and thought leadership messaging, as well as press releases, speeches, editorials, statements, annual reports, board-level communications, and other communications materials that resonate with stakeholder audiences and promote the organization's mission.
• Message Alignment: Prepare and support leadership with talking points, presentations, and key messages, ensuring consistency and inclusive language that reflects Common Sense Media's commitment to diversity and social impact.

Leadership & Team Development

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team, ensuring excellence in execution and fostering a culture of continual improvement, innovation, and collaboration.
• Performance Management: Set clear goals, monitor staff performance, and ensure professional development opportunities that nurture talent and drive high-impact results.
• Culture of Excellence: Promote a team environment that values creativity, accountability, and a shared commitment to quality and organizational success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of senior-level communications leadership experience, either in-house or with an agency, with demonstrated success in driving impactful communications campaigns.
• Strategic Expertise: Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans at the national or global level, with measurable results in advocacy and brand elevation.
• Media Relations Proficiency: Strong relationships with top-tier media, coupled with a track record of securing high-impact placements across diverse platforms and publications.
• Writing & Editing Excellence: Exceptional writing, editing, and content development skills across print, digital, and multimedia formats.
• New Media Savvy: Creative and innovative use of social media and emerging media technologies to reach key audiences.
• Leadership Skills: Experience building, mentoring, and managing a diverse, high-performing team of communications professionals.
• Judgment & Problem-Solving: Strong decision-making skills in dynamic environments, with the ability to anticipate and address future communications needs.
• Communication Mastery: Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

OUR BENEFITS:

• The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals.
• A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a matching 401(k).
• An organization that offers work/life balance.
• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!

Common Sense values the diversity of its employees and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on our values, please visit our statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Common Sense will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.