Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications

About Opportunity Finance Network

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is a nationally recognized investment intermediary and network of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) focused on creating strong communities and strong businesses by investing in opportunities that promote equitable, sustainable financial growth. With over $1 billion in total assets under management, OFN has a national membership network of over 410 mission-driven lenders. These include community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, community development banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds, among others. Dedicated to effecting positive change through investment, OFN partners with public, private, and philanthropic sectors to drive capital into low-income and historically disadvantaged communities across rural, urban, and Native American areas in the U.S. Beyond its financial endeavors, OFN leads industry-changing events like its annual conference and provides comprehensive resources and support to its member organizations and partners.

About this Role

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Strategic Communications is a pivotal leadership role within Opportunity Finance Network. This position is instrumental in co-creating and implementing strategic communications initiatives that reinforce OFN’s mission and enhance its impact within the community development finance sector. The SVP is responsible for aligning communication plans with organizational goals and maintaining consistent messaging across OFN’s platforms and activities. Central to this role is leading media relations, managing brand reputation, developing messaging, and overseeing content strategies. This role involves guiding a high-performing team to promote OFN’s external communications efforts and thought leadership. The SVP will serve as a key spokesperson, representing the organization at public events and media forums. Additionally, this position requires cultivating relationships with media outlets, managing crisis communications, and devising proactive outreach strategies to engage with external influencers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and execution of OFN’s editorial and content calendar to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and effective storytelling.
• Drive data-driven storytelling, applying a journalistic approach to find stories and ensure that impact data is woven into outgoing communication.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team, fostering an environment of creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for OFN, representing the organization at public events, media interviews, and key industry forums.
• Implement an internal communications strategy that fosters a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and open dialogue.
• Guide media relations strategies, identifying and cultivating relationships with key reporters and media outlets to amplify OFN’s messages and the broader impact of the CDFI industry.
• Manage crisis communications as needed, ensuring the organization’s messaging is responsive, transparent, and aligned with its values.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for external visibility, including media interviews, op-eds, and speaking engagements, to showcase OFN’s thought leadership.
• Craft and implement proactive outreach strategies to reach external opinion leader and influencer audiences.
• Utilize analytics and digital tools to assess the effectiveness of communications efforts and refine strategies for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or 10+ years of direct work experience in lieu of a degree.
• 10+ years professional experience in Public Relations or Communication required.
• 5+ years in a supervisory or managerial capacity desired.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in community/economic development, community organizing, social justice advocacy or public policy advocacy preferred.
• Experience working at CDFIs or consulting in the CDFI sector preferred.
• Must possess a strong passion for, understanding of, and commitment to OFN’s mission, vision, and values.
• A collaborative team player who possesses the interpersonal skills to work across all levels of the organization both internally and externally, humility, and a willingness to learn in all areas of our work.
• Possess a leadership style that emphasizes the value of collaboration, communication, service, transparency, teamwork, and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Must have strong creative judgment and able to act as a strong influencer of creative ideas while also collaborating with business partners to achieve desired results.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work constructively with diverse constituents is required.
• Light to moderate travel required (10%-20% of time).

Benefits

• Comprehensive dental, health, and vision care plans.
• Family-building benefits.
• Hybrid work arrangements to promote a better work-life balance.
• Lifestyle Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program.
• Mental health benefits.
• Financial education and auto-enrollment in the company’s 403(b) plan with employer contributions.
• Professional development dollars for each employee.
• Learning and development opportunities.

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