Job Details

Description

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the Tulsa Regional Chamber's communications, creative services, and events strategy. The SVP of Communications reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) while working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chamber's entire Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to provide counsel related to communications strategy and to serve as an organizational thought partner.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications:

• Develops and implements strategy around print and digital messaging to member companies, financial investors, and community stakeholders.
• Proactively seeks media coverage for Chamber initiatives, policy positions, programs, and events through production of press releases and press conferences.
• Encourages local media to rely on the Chamber as their go-source for economic development, regional tourism, government affairs, and community development stories through reliable and timely responses to all media inquiries.
• Supports internal communications to Chamber staff through monthly electronic e-newsletter and other means.
• Protects the public image of the Chamber through responsible and ethical public relations practices. Works directly with appropriate staff on all public relations and publicity programs, maintaining a marketing slant on gaining optimum membership support and public acceptance of the Chamber's programs.
• Reviews local, statewide, and national media to stay current on issues/activities, both internal and external, impacting Chamber and Tulsa regional goals, programs, projects, and personnel.
• Writes speeches and talking points for Chamber executives and volunteer leaders to use at Chamber events, special ceremonies, and leadership meetings.
• Maintains a cohesive social media strategy that leverages thought leadership opportunities in support of Chamber initiatives.
• Ensures the Chamber website provides a current and accurate reflection of the organization.

Creative Services:

• Oversees the design, layout, and publication of all Chamber print and digital publications, including quarterly issues of The Chamber Report magazine, weekly Monday Memo e-newsletter, weekly Legislative Update e-newsletter (during state session), monthly President's Report e-newsletter, Chamber Annual Report, and Tulsa's Future Annual Report.
• Oversees the design and production of all event visuals, including programs, centerpieces, and on-screen graphics.
• Ensures all Chamber branding is consistent and appropriate.
• Ensures all member vendor partnerships remain strong and collaborative.
• Utilizes media advertising trade to support Chamber programming and initiatives.

Events:

• Oversees production of a variety of in-market sponsored Chamber gatherings, ranging in size from 200 to 1300+ attendees, and spanning the topics of economic development, government affairs, and community development.
• Oversees planning and execution of annual out-of-market trips to Oklahoma City, Washington, D.C. (supporting the Chamber advocacy agenda), and to peer cities to hear best practices as part of the Intercity Visit series.
• Ensures all Chamber events continue to be innovative, mission-aligned and profitable, as reflected by attendance growth, positive post-even survey results, and on-target financials.

Team Leadership:

• Enhances the organization's ability to effectively achieve its mission by assisting the Director of Communications, Director of Creative Services, and Director of Events with achievement of their individual goals.
• Ensures the ongoing professional development for all communications, creatives services, and events personnel.
• Oversees strategy for effective process/project management workflow within the communications, creative services, and events functions and among the Chamber's divisions (internal clients) to ensure timely completion of projects and delivery of high-quality products.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations, or a related field; or requires a master's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration or mass communication.
• Requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience in a progressive public relations or strategic communications environment.
• Must be proficient in writing and knowledgeable on current trends in communications and journalism.
• Requires an ability to link communications plans and activities to business results.
• Must be able to interact and maintain relationships with local media and community leadership.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and to juggle multiple priorities, while flawlessly executing on projects in a fast-paced, often pressured environment.
• Must have high levels of tact and diplomacy.
• Must be capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must be detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, insight into group dynamics, and the ability to develop and foster positive relationships.
• Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Preferred: knowledge of digital media as a public relations tool.

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work environment: Normally a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, with occasional outdoor exposure to heat, cold, and environmental elements.
• Physical demands: Manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment. Able to read, write, and interpret written documents. Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.