VP, Communications

The VP, Communications leads the development and execution of an enterprise-wide communications strategy to strengthen brand reputation, support business growth, and advance strategic objectives across a national franchise network. This role oversees internal and external communications, including public relations, executive and franchise communications, and crisis management, while partnering with leadership and stakeholders to drive engagement, enhance visibility, and position the company as an industry leader.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

This position will be, but not limited to:

1. Strategic Communications Leadership (15-25%)

• Define, set, and establish a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization’s vision, growth objectives, and business priorities
• Define, evolve, and communicate the company’s brand narrative, messaging framework, and value proposition
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and franchise leadership
• Lead communications planning for major company initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and organizational changes
• Establish communication goals, performance metrics, and reporting processes to evaluate effectiveness and stakeholder engagement
• Participate as a member of executive leadership committees responsible for corporate strategy and business planning

2. Brand Management & Reputation Strategy (10-20%)

• Serve as the organization's brand champion, ensuring consistency of messaging, voice, tone, and visual identity across all channels
• Develop and maintain brand standards, governance processes, and communication guidelines for corporate and franchise stakeholders
• Monitor brand perception, media coverage, industry trends, and stakeholder sentiment
• Implement initiatives that strengthen brand equity, consumer trust, franchise engagement, and market differentiation
• Partner with Marketing to ensure integrated brand storytelling across advertising, digital, social media, content marketing, and events

3. Public Relations & Media Relations (10-15%)

• Lead proactive and reactive public relations strategies that enhance brand visibility and market presence
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, industry analysts, influencers, and key stakeholders
• Oversee press releases, media statements, executive interviews, awards submissions, and thought leadership opportunities
• Identify and secure speaking engagements, industry recognition, and media opportunities that elevate the organization's profile
• Serve as a primary communications leader during crisis situations and sensitive issues

4. Executive Communications & Thought Leadership (5-10%)

• Develop executive communication strategies that support organizational priorities and leadership visibility
• Own the preparation of executive speeches, presentations, talking points, internal messages, and external communications
• Position senior leaders as trusted voices within the real estate industry through thought leadership initiatives, content development, and speaking opportunities
• Ensure executive messaging aligns with organizational strategy and brand positioning

5. Internal & Franchise Communications (10-15%)

• Develop and lead internal communication programs that engage employees, franchise owners, affiliated agents, and business partners
• Create communication strategies that support organizational culture, employee engagement, change management, and business transformation initiatives
• Oversee company newsletters, leadership updates, intranet content, franchise communications, and corporate announcements
• Ensure franchisees receive timely, consistent, and actionable communications regarding company initiatives, programs, and resources
• Foster alignment across corporate and franchise networks through clear and effective communication channels
• Own the compliance review of all documentation shared internally and externally to align with the brand voice

6. Department & Vendor Management (5-10%)

• Leads a multi-layered team through effective leadership, coaching, talent development, and succession planning
• Manage public relations, media, initiatives and business objectives
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts to maximize value and effectiveness

7. Financial, Operations, & People Management (10-15%)

• Develop and manage budgets for communications, public relations, media relations, executive communications, and related initiatives
• Ensure effective allocation of resources and measurement of return on investment
• Identify opportunities to improve communication processes, technologies, and operational efficiencies
• Full supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing staff, providing guidance, and supporting performance management activities
• Support organizational initiatives, special projects, industry events, and franchise conferences

8. Crisis Communications & Issues Management (5-10%)

• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans, protocols, and response strategies
• Own communications during business disruptions, reputational issues, legal matters, and other high-profile events
• Provide guidance to executives and franchise leadership on sensitive communications and reputation management matters
• Ensure rapid, accurate, and consistent messaging during crisis situations

9. Perform other duties as requested or as needed to fulfill the purpose of the job. (0-5%)

Performance Expectations

• Meet all performance and behavior expectations outlined in the company performance appraisal form or communicated by management.
• Perform responsibilities as directed achieving desired results within expected time frames and with a high degree of quality and professionalism.
• Establish and maintain positive and productive work relationships with all staff, customers, and business partners.
• Demonstrate the behavioral and technical competencies necessary to effectively complete job responsibilities. Take personal initiative for technical and professional development.
• Follow the company HR Policy, the Code of Business Conduct and all subsidiary and department policies and procedures, including protecting confidential company information, attending work punctually and regularly, and following good safety practices in all activities.

Work Experience/Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field required, Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive communications, public relations, corporate affairs, or brand communications experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years in senior leadership roles with responsibility for corporate communications strategy.
• Experience within real estate, franchising, brokerage, financial services, or highly regulated industries preferred.
• Proven success managing media relations, executive communications, crisis communications, and large-scale stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading change communications and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Strong media relations and public affairs experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Expertise in brand strategy, reputation management, and executive communications.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Financial acumen with experience managing departmental budgets.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Other Requirements::

• Ability to travel domestically as business needs require.
• Ability to represent the organization at industry conferences, franchise events, media engagements, and leadership meetings.

Wage: $170,000 - $175,000 annually; actual wage is based upon education and experience. Potential for annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits: Full suite of benefits including Medical, Health Savings Account, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation (PTO), 401(k) with employer match, Flexible Spending Account, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Opportunity Employer