Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Overview Special Olympics Ohio, Inc. Position Description January 2026 POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Marketing & Communications REPORTS TO: President and Chief Executive Officer JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt (Salaried) SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No LOCATION: Columbus HQ or Cleveland (hybrid) TRAVEL: Moderate – primarily within Ohio The Vice President, Marketing & Communications is a strategic, visionary leader responsible for developing, implementing, and advancing the full marketing and communications strategy for Special Olympics Ohio (SOOH) . Operating as an independent contributor with minimal supervision, this role oversees all aspects of brand management, marketing, communications, public relations, digital engagement, and storytelling to elevate the organization’s mission, athletes, programs, and events. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team , the VP works collaboratively across departments to ensure unified messaging, mission-aligned marketing strategy, and consistent organizational branding. This leader will develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that strengthen public awareness, drive engagement, and support revenue generation, program initiatives, and community impact, all while living and leading the mission and core values of the organization. Responsibilities Develops and leads SOOH’s comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to elevate brand awareness and drive mission visibility across Ohio. Serves as the primary steward of the SOOH brand, ensuring consistent and mission-aligned messaging across all platforms. Manages all internal and external communications, including media relations, crisis communication, executive communications, newsletters, website content, social media, storytelling, and digital marketing. Creates and executes strategic campaigns to support program participation, athlete stories, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement. Works collaboratively with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Special Olympics International and North America to align marketing and communications strategies with organizational goals, event milestones and the SOOH strategic plan. Provides marketing and communications trainings to staff, board members, athletes, volunteers and local community-based programs. Serves as SOOH’s primary media contact; builds and maintains strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and key partners. Leads the development of high-quality marketing materials, video content, digital assets, and collateral using brand standards. Develops and manages an annual marketing and communications plan, including content calendars, KPIs, performance dashboards, and reporting metrics. Provides strategic guidance and support to internal departments and community-based Local Programs, and Unified Champion Schools to ensure effective promotion of statewide initiatives, competitions, and fundraising events. Ensures effective utilization of technology solutions for digital engagement, analytics, email automation, and content management. In collaboration with the CFO, develops and manages the Marketing and Communications budget strategy and spend. Supports statewide crisis communication preparedness and manages real-time communication needs as they arise. Advises and supports the CEO in public messaging, speeches, board communications, and special announcements. Develop and manage media and communications support around value in-kind or low-bono with external agencies. Acts as the staff liaison to any relevant Board committee as assigned. Qualifications Master’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business administration, or related field. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong presentation capabilities. Proven ability to develop and execute multi-channel marketing strategies. Skilled storyteller with experience elevating mission-driven narratives. High degree of professionalism, resilience, and judgment. Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptive skills with digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems. Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholder groups. Required Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in marketing and/or communications. Demonstrated success leading marketing and communications initiatives independently. Experience working in nonprofit, mission-driven, sports, or advocacy organizations preferred. Miscellaneous Information Position is full-time, exempt. Core days/hours of work: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Some evening/weekend work required. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Special Olympics Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr