Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Non-exempt- full-time

Work Location: Association Office

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Marketing & Communications provides executive leadership for the YMCA of Central New York’s marketing, communications, public relations, brand management, digital engagement, and storytelling efforts. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, this leader develops and executes integrated strategies that strengthen the YMCA brand, support membership and program growth, advance philanthropy, elevate community impact, and align with the Association’s Strategic Plan. The Vice President serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and oversees a high-performing marketing and communications team.

Essential Functions:

Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Developing and maintains positive relationships and trust with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute an Association-wide marketing and communications strategy aligned with the Strategic Plan.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership.

• Position the YMCA as a leading community voice and mission-driven organization.

• Identify emerging trends and opportunities that support organizational growth.

Brand Management

• Serve as steward of the YMCA brand across all branches and departments.

• Ensure consistency in messaging, visual identity, and brand standards.

• Oversee creative assets, campaigns, publications, and promotional materials.

Communications & Public Relations

• Lead internal and external communications.

• Oversee media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, and reputation management.

• Develop speeches, presentations, talking points, annual reports, and board communications.

Marketing & Digital Strategy

• Lead integrated marketing campaigns supporting membership, programs, childcare, healthy communities, housing, philanthropy, advocacy, grants, and capital campaigns.

• Oversee website, social media, email marketing, digital advertising, SEO, and analytics.

Storytelling & Community Impact

• Lead collection and sharing of mission impact stories.

• Support fundraising, grant reporting, donor stewardship, and community engagement through compelling communications.

Project Management & Prioritization

• Establish annual marketing plans, campaign calendars, project management systems, and workflows.

• Prioritize organizational marketing initiatives based on strategic impact.

• Deliver projects on time, within budget, and with measurable outcomes.

Executive Communications

• Provide strategic communications counsel to the CEO, Chief Advancement Officer, and Executive Leadership Team.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, coach, mentor, and evaluate marketing staff.

• Foster collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Budget & Operations

• Develop and manage departmental budget and vendor relationships.

• Continuously improve departmental processes and resource allocation.

Community & Association Leadership

• Represent the YMCA with community organizations, partners, and media.

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related field; Master's preferred.
•  8–10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience leading integrated marketing and communications in a multi-site organization preferred.
• Strong expertise in branding, digital marketing, media relations, storytelling, analytics, and project management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission and values.