Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer
Upbring
Employment Type
Full-Time
Job Level
Supervisor
Pay range
$310,000
location
Austin, TX
Job Overview
Upbring is seeking a strategic, charismatic, and mission-driven leader to serve as the agency's next Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer (CBCEO). This role is a key member of the G-8, Upbring's Leadership Team, and the organization's key advisor ensuring that Upbring is achieving its short and long-term and operational goals through its stewardship of Upbring's brand identity. The successful placement will advance a cohesive, coordinated, and collaborative strategy in the areas of branding, marketing, public relations, advocacy, community engagement, church relations and development. Inspired by faith and driven by compassion, Upbring is a bold and innovative organization dedicated to defeating child abuse. With a budget approaching $150 million, Upbring employs 1,500 staff members across 85 locations across Texas and is the leading nonprofit child wellbeing organization in the state. Foster care, education, and resettlement are at the forefront of their work, joined by other vital mission-oriented programs under the same mission: to break the cycle of child abuse by empowering children, families, and communities. With their partners, Upbring delivers services that produce measurable progress toward five key markers of every child's well-being: safety, life skills, education, health, and vocation.
Job Responsibilities
As a direct report to the President/CEO, the CBCEO will spearhead the development of a comprehensive externally facing strategy that resonates with the organization's mission and goals, enhancing its brand and public image. The ideal candidate will significantly influence the agency's overall vision, direction, strategy and external position by bridging synergies between key areas such as marketing, branding, communications, advocacy, and fundraising. This executive will serve as the external voice and face of the organization, managing media engagements and ensuring consistent, positive media coverage. The officer will build relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, engaging in strategic partnerships across Texas to support Upbring's mission, enhance fundraising, boost brand awareness, and increase community participation. Ultimately, the Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer will ensure that Upbring is positioned to respond to new and evolving opportunities to serve children and communities in Texas.
Job Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be an experienced executive with a track record in building partnerships and advocating for social change, influenced by a strong background in government relations, community engagement, and organizational branding. This person should be capable of forming strategic community partnerships throughout Texas. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a proven track record in leadership roles within complex organizations are essential for this position. This executive will be a strategic partner capable of developing and maintaining a high-performing department. They must be highly collaborative, personable, and able to engage effectively within and outside the organization to achieve its goals. Strong oral and written communication and relationship-building skills are critical. A deep understanding of the organization's culture and mission and an unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable populations will be vital for success. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate the ability to navigate ambiguity, make informed decisions, and adapt external communication strategies to changing circumstances while maintaining a clear vision of Upbring's objectives. This role requires significant travel within Texas and offers a hybrid work arrangement.
▪ Bachelor's degree in business administration, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field is required. Masters degree in a related field is preferred.
▪ Certified Fundraising Executive certification preferred.
Additional Information
Responsibilities
▪ Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that formulates and executes strategies that align brand/marketing, fundraising, and partnership initiatives to drive revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and diversify funding streams. Implement creative fundraising events, campaigns, and activities leveraging marketing tactics and technology to maximize donor engagement and support.
▪ Serve as the primary spokesperson and face of Upbring, representing the organization at media engagements, and through multiple communication channels. Manage media inquiries, press releases, and public statements to ensure consistent and positive media coverage.
▪ Lead and oversee all fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with Upbring's mission and goals. Manage the advancement program, including corporate and foundation relations, individual principal and major gifts, and grants, to enhance fundraising capacity and results. Develop and implement innovative strategies to maximize donor engagement and revenue generation.
▪ Lead strategic planning processes from ideation to tactical execution, measurement, and improvement. Function as a strategic business partner to the CEO and leadership team, engaging in crucial discussions related to strategic initiatives and operational models.
▪ Oversee the creation of compelling marketing campaigns, events, branding initiatives, digital engagement strategies, and other communications that effectively convey Upbring’s mission, impact, and value proposition to various audiences.
▪ Ensure all responsibilities support Upbring's growth goals, objectives, and plans. Establish short and long-term goals, objectives, and priorities for teams and drive execution in pursuit of those objectives.
▪ Monitor key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and measure the impact of deliverables, including efforts to enhance Upbring’s reputation and awareness.
▪ Develop and execute crisis communication plans to manage and mitigate potential public relations issues effectively. Strengthen media relations to ensure positive coverage.
▪ Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, government officials, church leaders, community leaders, and the public, to garner support for Upbring's initiatives and programs.
▪ Partner with finance to understand the financial impact of strategic decisions. Develop and manage budgets to ensure operational costs and service delivery align with the agency's fiscal philosophy. Ensure program costs and expenditures are within budget allowances and funding guidelines.
▪ Provide mentorship and develop the brand and community engagement team, fostering professional growth and development. Encourage a collaborative environment, offer constructive feedback, and support team member development. Cultivate a high-performance team culture focused on leadership, accountability, continuous learning, collaboration, measurement, and goal achievement.
▪ Demonstrate the ability to navigate through ambiguity by making informed decisions and adapting strategies to changing environments while maintaining a clear vision for the organization's communication goals.
How to Apply
Search consultants Nelson Mann, Julie Rosen, and Stephanie Ikediobi from WittKieffer are partnering with Upbring on this important search. Please direct all nominations, inquiries, applications of interest, CVs, and resumes to Stephanie Ikediobi, preferably via the WittKieffer candidate portal, wittkieffer.com or directly via email to Stephanie Ikediobi at sikediobi@wittkieffer.com.