Vice President, Creative Services & Operations

Reports To: Senior Vice President

Department: Communications & Partnerships

Job Category: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Travel: Less than 20%

The Jane Goodall Institute is a global, community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 in the USA that advances the vision and work of our founder Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, and UN Messenger of Peace. By understanding, protecting, and improving the welfare of chimpanzees and other great apes, and while inspiring action to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, other animals, and the environment.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Jane Goodall Institute USA (JGI-USA) seeks an accomplished nonprofit communications and marketing professional to fill the role of Vice President, Operations & Creative Services. The Vice President will work under the direction of the Senior Vice President, Communications and Partnerships. The VP position plays a central role in the Communications & Partnerships team by managing operations, staff and budget as well as the delivery of high-quality creative services to other departments and affiliated organizations within the JGI global network.

JGI-USA’s Communications & Partnerships team is comprised of four groups working together, which are focused on the following areas: Corporate Communications & Branding; Productions & Storytelling; Partnerships & Special Projects, and Creative Services & Operations.

This position requires a dynamic individual with extensive experience in operations and service bureau management, leading teams, a keen understanding of cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to driving operational efficiency and effectiveness, especially as it relates to finance and personnel management, within a mission-driven context. The VP serves as a thought partner to the Senior VP and will assume additional duties as requested to support the objectives of the department.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Excellence: Lead the day-to-day functions of the service bureau, ensuring operational efficiency , and optimal workflows in pursuit of the team’s strategic plan. Work with the C&P Senior VP to report on the department’s activities, goals, and performance to JGI leadership and optimize organizational resources in support of brand and reputational advancement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate across departments to identify and document needs and manage the C&P department’s delivery of timely and effective solutions.
• Service Bureau Management: Under the direction of the C&P SVP, oversee team, ensuring high-quality support to internal and external stakeholders, including the JGI Global Network and Dr. Goodall's team.
• Financial Management: This position, in collaboration with the Sr. VP, leads the budget and financial management for the C&P team, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation with the team.
• Personnel Management: Manage personnel functions within the C&P team, including performance management, staff training and development and in collaboration with the C&P SVP and the JGI-USA HR Department work on recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes.
• Contract Management: Under the direction of the C&P SVP, this position is responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the use of external resources. They will have experience in procurement, vendor relationships, developing scopes of work, contracts and agreements while also ensuring compliance with organizational policies and legal standards.
• Collaboration Management: They will ensure collaboration within the C&P team and cross-departmentally providing adequate lead time for the development, review, approval, and delivery of projects while meeting deadlines and manage the C&P department’s delivery of assets. This position will embrace a highly respectful, collegial approach with colleagues and a willingness to seek feedback, adapt practices and continuously learn.

Who You Are

• Strategic Thinker - Possess a strategic mindset and a deep-rooted passion for conservation and creating positive social impact. You understand how branding and corporate communications can drive change and are committed to advancing the JGI mission.
• Strategic Operations Leader: Bring a strategic mindset to operational excellence, driven by a passion for maximizing efficiency and positive impact in managing a cross-functional service bureau environment.
• Effective Communicator: Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Your communication style is positive and inspires action, efficient coordination and streamlined processes.
• Operational Brand Advocate: Ensure consistency and authenticity in all aspects of service bureau operations, aligning with the mission of the Jane Goodall Institute and the C&P team’s service-oriented mindset.
• Budget and Financial Management Professional: Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budget and expenses oversight and resource allocation within a service bureau environment.
• Personnel Management: Demonstrated leadership in managing staff within a cross functional team in a communications/marketing environment.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or MS in Communications/Marketing/Business
• Minimum 15 years related work experience, including at least 4 years at a senior management level for nonprofit, corporate, and/or agency organization.
• Demonstrable excellence in developing strategic marketing and communications plans.
• Proven success in management in a communications marketing environment.
• Experience building, leading, and mentoring a marketing and communications team.

WHY JGI

We are a global network of scientists, conservationists, animal behavior and welfare experts, educators, and nonprofit professionals dedicated to building a better world for all. We focus on science-driven and compassionate solutions that have a far-reaching impact on people, other animals, and the environment. Our staff members are both personally and professionally committed to making the world a better place and work hard at doing so. In return, we offer competitive salaries and benefits, a warm and dynamic working environment, and the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are directly contributing to advancing the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at JGI

When we bring inclusive teams together, our collective work to solve complex problems is more creative, more just, and more effective. JGI welcomes and supports individuals with diverse experiences, identities, backgrounds, and levels of ability. We foster an organizational culture in which everyone feels valued, safe, heard, and fully engaged.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance and a 401K retirement plan as well as opportunities for professional development and growth within our organization.

Application Instructions

To apply for this role, please answer the following questions in 250 words or less.