Director / Vice President of Communications

Director / Vice President, Communications

Job Overview

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is seeking a Director or VP, Communications. The position reports to the SVP, Marketing and Communications. The Director/VP, Communications will be responsible for GPEC’s internal and external communications strategy and deployment – encompassing a variety of functions such as thought leadership, public relations, social media, blogs and internal communications.

The position is expected to shape and drive content aligned with annual objectives and will ensure strong engagement with GPEC stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and messaging on key initiatives to both internal and external stakeholders
• Implement a strategic media relations plan that elevates the region and GPEC’s profile internationally and nationally
• Respond to media requests and provide information for stories; facilitate interviews as necessary
• Develop, maintain and enhance relationships with targeted local media.
• Maintain current, in-depth knowledge of the business and political climate of Greater Phoenix
• Take the lead on submitting the organization for awards and evangelize achievements
• Draft messaging for various channels such as press releases, social media, executive thought leadership, blog, events and more
• Coordinate new locate announcements with partner organizations via news release or press conference

Key Results Expected

• Oversight of GPEC social media channels
• Development and deployment of a comprehensive communications/thought- leadership program that is innovative and dynamic
• Efficient and customer-service oriented management of media partners and MarComm counterparts at local businesses
• Regular assessment and idea creation around new ways to pitch our story
• Understanding of GPEC’s strategic initiatives and application of these objectives in body of work
• Effective engagement with GPEC investors and development of opportunities to include their story in media opportunities
• Strong relationships among partner organizations and stakeholders
• Effectiveness in working with all departments at GPEC to execute plans
• Frequency in communication of progress and results to MarComm team and senior staff

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area such as public relations, communications or journalism
• 7-10+ years of related work experience
• Possess a player-coach mentality as someone that can manage, motivate and jump in to get the job done
• Must have experience in the composition of concise, accurate and persuasive material
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top-tier technology and business reporters and editors
• Successful history of pitching the media to achieve high-impact placements
• Creative ability in identifying and presenting story opportunities that appeal to target audiences
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to interface effectively with media professionals, senior-level business executives and elected/public officials
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

• Goal driven, self-motivated, persistent, and professional
• Proficiency in AP style, copy writing and editing strongly preferred
• Familiarity and relationships with local media a plus
• Knowledge of Cision a plus
• Agency and/or nonprofit experience a plus

Application Information

Salary range is dependent on experience & offers a full range of benefits.

About the Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Established in 1989, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) actively works to attract and grow quality businesses and advocate for the competitiveness of Greater Phoenix. As the regional economic development organization, GPEC works with 22-member communities, Maricopa County and more than 170 private investors to accomplish its mission, and serve as a strategic partner to companies across the world as they expand or relocate. Consistently ranked as a top national economic development organization, GPEC’s approach to connectivity extends beyond the fabric of the community. Known as The Connected Place, Greater Phoenix is in a relentless pursuit of innovative and entrepreneurial technology-focused companies that are committed to changing the game. As a result, GPEC has fueled the regional economy by bringing more than 800 locates, by creating more than 144,000 jobs and has contributed a capital investment of $16.1 billion over the past 30 years. For more information about GPEC, visit http://www.gpec.org or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

GPEC Values

• We are an inclusive, diverse family
• We lead from the front
• We are change agents
• We promote intellectual curiosity
• We remain on the edge
• We are agile and adapt to change
• We are tenacious
• We are committed to selfless service

GPEC is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national, social or ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday