As UNCF celebrates their 80th anniversary, they are proud to have helped cultivate some of the country’s most brilliant minds for decades. UNCF has seen remarkable growth since its founding in 1944. By 1948, about 15,000 students had graduated from UNCF-member institutions. By 1972, that number was up to 120,000. It was in this year that UNCF coined its iconic “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” motto, which later became one of the most famous advertising slogans in history. In the 1970s and 1980s, UNCF made a crucial step by incorporating scholarships into its organizational mission. Prior to this, UNCF exclusively funded institutions. Today, as the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to students of color, UNCF awards more than $83M in scholarships to more than 10,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities each year. In 80 years, the UNCF has raised more than $5 billion to help more than half of a million students earn college degrees.

Diversity matters and fuels growth. As such, UNCF institutions and students are key components to national economic growth that enables better futures for all Americans. Throughout their dynamic history, the UNCF’s core mission and values have remained the same. The “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” slogan they coined in 1972 has persisted and evolved to include the 2013 addition “…but a wonderful thing to invest in.” This phrase succinctly sums up a practice UNCF has kept up over the years—a practice of investing time, money, and influence in HBCUs and the brilliant students who attend them. UNCF cannot do it alone, however. Despite its incredible progress, they can still only help one in 10 students applying for financial assistance.

UNCF envisions a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers, engaged citizenship and service to our nation. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates and to ensure that their network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.

UNCF’s North Star is to increase the total annual number of underrepresented college graduates by focusing on activities that ensure more students are college-ready, enroll in college, and persist to graduation. This is done through a three-pillar strategy: Positioning member institutions as a viable college option for students and investing in institutional capacity to improve student outcomes. Creating transformational support programs to ensure students are enrolling and persisting through college completion. Building awareness of educational attainment and cultivating college-going behaviors within the African American community.

Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications

Washington, DC

Reports to the Office of the President

United Negro College Fund Home Page - UNCF

UNCF, the nation’s largest leading advocate of minority education and community engagement, seeks an experienced and innovative Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications to join during a period of significant growth and forward momentum. As they celebrate their 80th anniversary and pay tribute to their founders, supporters, and beneficiaries, UNCF continues their unwavering mission of transforming the future of our nation through educational excellence. Serving as a key UNCF’s spokesperson and chief brand strategist, the Senior Vice President will be instrumental in developing and executing a multifaceted and fully integrated branding, marketing, and communications strategy and thought leadership aimed at proactively positioning UNCF as a model of excellence in education, community service, economic development, and social mobility. As UNCF embarks on an ambitious $1B capital campaign designed to secure vital resources that empower member institutions to continue providing scholarships, support services, and cutting-edge programs, they need a savvy MarComms leader who can increase the prominence of the organization by translating its mission and vision into compelling content that engages key stakeholder audiences, garners support, and promotes brand relevance. In doing so, the SVP will develop and implement an innovative branding, marketing and communications plans, collaborate with a broad constituent base, and advance a diverse and welcoming environment.

Reporting to the Office of the President, the Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications will be responsible for creating a modern and intergenerational branding, marketing, and communications function that leverages new platforms to engage a broad audience to increase UNCF’s overall visibility. As a trusted advisor to the President, senior leadership, and the Board, the Senior Vice President will provide strategic counsel and expert advice on all branding, marketing, and communications matters to ensure the organization’s image and brand reflect its stellar reputation. With strong leadership, momentous growth, and tremendous support, the Senior Vice President will have the opportunity to provide a fresh perspective and renewed vigor in showcasing this vital organization and the crucial role it plays in positioning member organizations, creating transformational support, and building awareness of educational attainment. With the support of dynamic and creative MarComms team, the Senior Vice President will develop and deploy a cohesive brand strategy which includes a wide range of impactful marketing and communication activities across various delivery platforms to publicize and promote UNCF’s excellence in education highlighting the overall success and impact they are having as they innovate, inspire, and invest in lighting a way to better futures.

The ideal candidate be a highly collaborative and visionary MarComms leader who is well versed in all facets of brand strategy and execution. The Senior Vice President must be an accomplished MarComms executive with strong subject matter expertise coupled with a proven track record of navigating a rapidly changing and highly competitive media landscape in order to reach targeted audiences beyond traditional outlets. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to develop and execute award-winning branding and MarComms strategies, effectively engage with a broad set of stakeholders, and garner support for the organization’s core values and missions for generations to come. Candidates must have outstanding communication skills, proactive leadership capabilities, and a strong commitment to UNCF’s mission and vision. The breadth and depth of responsibilities associated with this role requires an individual with strong strategic and conceptual skills coupled with a passion for overseeing and developing a highly diverse and talented team. This individual must stay abreast of trends in the field as well as in tune with the needs of the organization and their member institutions to be nimble in their approach.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience along with a comprehensive benefits package.

UNCF provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status or any characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. UNCF complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, and termination.