CHIEF Communications Officer

Department: Marketing Location: United Way of Forsyth County Reports to: President & CEO FLSA Status: Exempt POSITION OVERVIEW The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO) leads and executes all marketing, communications, and brand engagement efforts for United Way of Forsyth County. This is a department-of-one role responsible for both setting strategy and ensuring execution, including directing work through external agency partners who support design, production, and media relations. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CMCO shapes how United Way engages the community, strengthens its brand, and communicates its impact to drive measurable results, including philanthropic support, event participation, and community partnerships. The CMCO personally leads key initiatives, develops messaging, and ensures all marketing and communications efforts are executed with consistency and impact. This is a highly hands‑on-role requiring a self‑directed leader who can move seamlessly between strategic planning and tactical execution. Event strategy and execution remain a significant and highly visible responsibility of this role. The CMCO works onsite, collaborates across all departments, manages external vendors and partners, and may supervise interns or project‑based support as needed. Evening and weekend work is regularly required, particularly around events. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities. Ensure clear, consistent messaging that positions United Way as a trusted community leader and catalyst for change. Serve as primary media contact and organizational spokesperson, as needed. Uphold brand integrity across all platforms and communications. Marketing, Communications & Agency Management Lead integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, social media, and public relations channels. Develop core messaging and personally produce high‑impact content, including donor communications, speeches, press materials and campaign assets. Direct and manage external PR and creative partners to ensure high‑quality, on‑brand execution. Oversee organizational communications channels, including website, email marketing, and social media. Build and maintain media relationships to enhance visibility and coverage. Lead development of the annual report and key marketing materials. Execute crisis communications in partnership with executive leadership. Signature Events & Engagement (Core Function) Lead end‑to‑end strategy, planning, and execution of major organizational events, including: Live United Luncheon Sneaker Ball Annual Meeting Develop event strategies that drive attendance, revenue, and community impact. Secure speakers, sponsors, and in‑kind partners to enhance event success. Manage all event logistics, communications, vendor coordination, and on‑site execution. Maintain an annual calendar of events and engagement opportunities. Ensure events align with organizational goals and deliver measurable results. Organizational Collaboration & Operations Serve as the primary marketing and communications resource across the organization. Partner with internal teams to support fundraising, leadership engagement and organizational initiatives. Manage relationships with external vendors and consultants. Develop and oversee the marketing and communications budget. Collaborate with United Way network partners to leverage shared resources and best practices. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Core Competencies Proven ability to operate as both a strategic leader and hands‑on executor in a lean environment. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Exceptional story telling and communication skills that inspire action and engagement. Demonstrated success leading and executing high‑impact events. Ability to engage with diverse audiences, including donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. Resourceful, adaptable, and comfortable operating with limited internal staffing. Technical Proficiency Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator). Experience with email marketing platforms and social media management tools. Familiarity with website content management systems (WordPress preferred). Working knowledge of marketing analytics and performance tracking. Education & Experience Master's degree required in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. 10‑15 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization. Demonstrated success in managing marketing functions and executing strategy in a highly independent role. Significant experience leading events from concept through execution. Physical Requirements The position requires occasional movement throughout the office and event environments, including lifting materials weighing up to 20 lbs. Benefits We offer a full health benefit package, including 12 paid holidays Wellness days Paid time off (PTO) 401K match and defined contribution plan Work Requirements Onsite Monday-Thursday Remote: Friday Valid NC driver's license and auto insurance required Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr