Vice President of Communications and Marketing

Ballinger | Leafblad is honored to partner with Heart of America on the search for its first Vice President of Communications and Marketing.

Heart of America has been transforming the places where children learn since 1997. A national nonprofit headquartered in Washington, D.C., it renovates and reimagines libraries, STEAM labs, wellness spaces, and college and career centers in schools and communities that have too often gone without. To date, it has completed 1,582 space transformations and served 2.6 million students.

Reporting to the President & CEO, this leader will unify Heart of America's digital presence, build a proactive media and thought leadership agenda, and position the organization as a national voice for the places where children learn.

This is a hybrid role based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, or the Washington, D.C. metro area, with occasional travel. Exceptional candidates based elsewhere will be considered.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or related fields

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, marketing, public affairs or a related field, including at least five years of people leadership and experience developing organization-wide communications strategies

• Strong background in public relations and media relations, including established relationships with national and regional media and a track record of earning visibility for an organization or its leaders

• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications, digital and social, thought leadership and event plans, and aligning cross-functional leaders around a unified communications strategy

• Experience advising and preparing senior executives for their roles in communications, PR and media relations strategies

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with operational excellence, including resource planning, prioritization, budget management and performance reporting

Experience with policy, public affairs or coalition communications, and familiarity with education or infrastructure, are a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $160,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience. Full benefits details are available in the position profile.

TO APPLY

Apply online here.

Applicants should submit a resume or CV and a cover letter. All inquiries are handled with strict confidentiality. Questions may be directed to Jen Hanlon Ash at jen@ballingerleafblad.com.

Applications will be accepted through November 11, 2026 or until the position is filled. Review of materials begins immediately. We encourage early application.

View the full position profile at https://www.ballingerleafblad.com/current-searches