Job Posting — Vice President of Public Affairs

The Urban Equity Institute

Washington, DC 20008

Job Posting Announcement: Vice President of Public Affairs 

Organization: Urban Equity Institute (UEI)

Location: Remote, based in New York, NY; Washington, DC; or St. Andrews, Scotland.

About The Urban Equity Institute: 

The Urban Equity Institute (UEI) is a public, social science research think tank and social impact firm dedicated to creating substantive solutions to urban issues in New York, the U.S., and worldwide. We mobilize critical humanities, policy research, social sciences, and urban studies to solve urgent public issues. Our work is 100% human-driven and human-centered. 

Position Overview:

UEI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Public Affairs to lead and enhance our communication strategies across various platforms. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing and growing social media presence for publications or impact-focused organizations, with a strong emphasis on graphic design and content creation.

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media Management:

1. Develop and execute comprehensive social media strategies to increase UEI's visibility and engagement on platforms including Instagram (through Facebook Business Suite), Twitter/X, Threads, and LinkedIn.
2. Create, curate, and manage high-quality, engaging content tailored to each platform's audience and UEI’s ongoing work.
3. Monitor social media trends and analytics to inform content strategy and optimize performance.

Content Creation and Graphic Design:

1. Utilize Canva and other graphic design tools to produce visually appealing materials that align with UEI's brand identity.
2. Collaborate with the Partners and Editorial team to design graphics for publications, reports, and promotional materials that speak to the work of UEI and its ongoing engagement across issue areas. 

Strategic Communications:

1. Develop and implement communication plans that effectively convey UEI's mission, research findings, and initiatives to diverse audiences.
2. Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, and other public relations materials.
3. Identifying public issues with which UEI should engage (including US Federal DEIJ policies, EOE updates, editorial training in linguistic justice, publishing practices, etc.) to enhance its work and audience engagement. 

Team Leadership:

1. Lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
2. Coordinate with Partners, the President, and other VP’s to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all platforms.

Qualifications:

• Current undergraduate pursuing a bachelor's degree in any discipline (Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field is preferred but not required); any field in the social sciences with an excellent academic record is sufficient and encouraged.
• Previous experience in communications, with a leadership role in communications and social media preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in managing social media platforms for publications or impact-focused organizations.
• Proficiency in Canva and other graphic design software.
• Strong understanding of social media analytics and tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio showcasing relevant work (3-5 pieces, posts, or examples; or one campaign that exhibits previous experience) to ibarrett@urbanequityinstitute.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No use of AI is permitted. 

Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Statement

At the Urban Equity Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. We value diversity in all its forms and actively promote equal opportunity in our workplace and publications. We welcome contributions from individuals of all backgrounds, recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich our interdisciplinary exploration of social sciences, politics, history, urban affairs, and the critical humanities.  We are steadfast in our commitment to creating a space where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic. Our mission is rooted in equity, and we actively work to ensure that our practices, partnerships, and workplace uphold these values, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.