Leadership role
VP of Communications
Leads how a nonprofit presents itself to the public, the media, donors and its own staff.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the Executive Director / CEO or a Chief Marketing / Communications Officer. Authority covers the organization's public voice, including media, digital channels and internal communications.
Core responsibilities
- Sets the communications plan and key messages for the mission
- Manages media relations and serves as, or prepares, the spokesperson
- Oversees the website, social media and publications
- Protects the brand and handles crisis communications
- Produces materials for donors and campaigns with the development team
- Supports the CEO and board with speeches and stakeholder updates
How it differs
The Chief Marketing / Communications Officer is the C-level owner and usually covers marketing as well. VP of Marketing focuses on audience growth, enrollment or revenue. Director of Communications runs the function at a lower level or in a smaller organization.
By organization size
Below roughly $20M in revenue the top communications job is usually a director with a small team. In large nonprofits the VP leads separate media, digital and creative groups.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: VP of Communications; VP Communications; VP, Communications; Vice President of Communications; Vice President, Communications; VP for Communications