Leadership role
Chief Marketing / Communications Officer
Directs an organization's marketing and communications, including its brand, public messaging and media relations.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the Executive Director / CEO. Authority covers external and internal communications across the organization.
Core responsibilities
- Sets the brand and messaging strategy
- Leads media relations and serves as or prepares spokespeople
- Oversees the website, social media and publications
- Supports fundraising with donor communications and campaign materials
- Manages crisis communications with the CEO and board
- Oversees audience or member marketing and related research
How it differs
The VP of Communications and VP of Marketing lead one side at a lower level; the Director of Communications and Director of Marketing run programs within the function. The Chief Development Officer owns fundraising results, even though communications staff support them.
By organization size
In smaller organizations one director covers all communications. In large national groups the chief leads separate teams for brand, digital, media and marketing.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Chief Marketing Officer; Chief Communications Officer; Chief Communications Offic; Chief Communication Officer; SVP/Chief Marketing Officer; SVP & Chief Marketing Officer