Vice President, Communications

The Beer Institute (BI) is a national trade association representing U.S. brewers and beer importers. The organization traces its roots back to the early 1860s and is one of the oldest trade associations in Washington, DC. The BI represents the industry and its members before Congress, federal agencies, and other public forums nationwide. Beer in America is a more than $409 billion industry that includes 9,000 breweries and supports more than 2.4 million American jobs.

Position: Vice President, Communications

The Vice President, Communications is a thoughtful, collaborative, results-oriented leader responsible for working across departments to develop and execute the Beer Institute’s integrated strategic public affairs and communications campaigns that help drive the industry’s core messages to internal and external stakeholders. The Vice President of Communications will promote the many unique aspects of the more than $409 billion beer industry and the more than 2.4 million Americans who work in it by collaborating with member companies and consultants on comprehensive campaigns that support BI policy objectives. This person is directly responsible for the BI’s communications strategy, developing highly visible and compelling external-facing content, which results in enhanced awareness and recognition for the industry and its members. Successfully performing duties requires an inquisitive, forward thinker with proactive initiative, a willingness to work collaboratively, a keen understanding of traditional and nontraditional news media, and extensive relevant experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop, manage, and implement proactive, sophisticated public affairs and communications strategies that support our policy objectives.
• Oversee and implement public relations and advertising plans and projects, including earned, paid, and digital media strategies for the Beer Institute.
• Ensure accurate and persuasive messaging on key policy issues important to the beer industry.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with national and trade journalists covering the beer industry and consumer packaged goods (CPG) segment.
• Oversee digital marketing and branding for BI platforms and digital channels.
• Track, analyze, and improve metrics across all platforms to ensure public affairs activities and advertising are effective.
• Enhance member value proposition and engagement through communications and public affairs campaigns.
• Actively monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and market dynamics to help identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.
• Leverage market insights and data to refine communications strategy to ensure potency.
• Serve as a mentor to the incumbent public affairs/communications team members.
• Along with the President & CEO, serve as spokesperson to the media.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Journalism, Communications, or Public Affairs.
• MBA or Masters welcomed.
• 10 - 15 years of professional experience, including at a senior leadership level.
• Experience with a trade association, multiclient public relations, or corporate public affairs preferable.
• Hands-on experience managing highly proactive and successful public affairs/communications campaigns, with a proven track record for integrity, transparency, and follow-through.
• Organizational leadership and management experience and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects or roles in a rapidly evolving environment.
• The ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs to external stakeholders.
• Expertise in external and internal communications, public affairs, crisis communications, and social media.
• Exceptional verbal, written, public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build coalitions and work effectively with related trade associations, business groups, coalitions, or other organizations with mutual interests.

This full-time position offers a salary of $175-$200k (DOE) plus merit-based incentive pay. There is also a generous benefits package, including employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement contribution, paid life and disability insurance, and generous paid time off, with a flexible work environment. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to the Beer Institute at info@beerinstitute.org with ‘Vice President, Communications’ in the subject line. No phone calls, no resume drop-offs and no recruiters.