Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communications in at Upwardly Global

Title: Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Department: Communications
Reports to: President
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Interim / Contract (6 months) w/ Benefits
Target Start Date: ASAP (June 2026 preferred)
Compensation: Competitive; structured based on experience and engagement type

About This Role: This is a 6-month interim leadership role designed to ensure continuity and strong strategic oversight of marketing and communications during a leadership coverage period.

About the Organization:
Over the years, Upwardly Global has supported thousands of foreign-born, skilled job seekers in transitioning from poverty or exclusion to quality, thriving-wage careers through its customized program to integrate skilled immigrants into the US job market. Upwardly Global is a data-driven, innovative organization with a bold vision and a fearless spirit operating out of four major US markets and providing remote services to several parts of the country. It is unwavering in its commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture where every voice matters.

Position Overview:

Upwardly Global is seeking an experienced and strategic communications leader to serve as Interim Vice President of Marketing & Communications during a parental leave period. This is a unique opportunity to lead communications for a nationally recognized nonprofit at the intersection of immigration, workforce development, economic mobility, and the future of work.
Reporting to the President, the Interim VP will oversee external communications, media relations, executive visibility, brand stewardship, content strategy, and cross-functional marketing initiatives. The ideal candidate is both a strong strategist and an excellent operator: someone who can guide and maintain high-level narrative positioning while managing day-to-day communications execution.
This role will help sustain organizational momentum during a pivotal period of growth and visibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Brand Leadership

• Support execution of Upwardly Global’s existing integrated communications and marketing strategy
• Ensure timely delivery of content and ensure consistency across organizational messaging, voice, and brand positioning
• Review and edit all content
• Implement existing strategy around thought leadership and narrative development in terms of immigrant workforce inclusion, economic mobility, workforce development, and the future of work
• Advise senior leadership on communications strategy, positioning, and reputational considerations
• Collaborate with development team and executive leadership to plan, promote, and execute Upwardly Global’s four-city “CEO Tour.”
• Lead oversight and deliverables for all projects overseen by the Marketing & Communications team, including collateral for events, written communications, and hiring external vendors such as photographers

Executive Communications & Media Relations

• Support executive visibility efforts for the CEO and senior leadership team
• Manage relationships with external PR and executive communications partners
• Ensure execution of media relations strategy
• Review and edit PR materials, including talking points, op-eds, speeches, media statements, and external messaging
• Ensure timely responses to interview opportunities and media requests; help identify and tap staff and alumni for interviews as needed

Content & Digital Strategy

• Work with the Director of Digital Marketing on content strategy across web, email, social media, blog, and marketing collateral
• Ensure communications efforts are audience-centered, data-informed, and aligned with organizational priorities
• Partner with internal teams to elevate programmatic impact, research insights, partnerships, and alumni stories

Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Manage and support members of the Marketing & Communications team, including external consultants and vendors as needed
  • Act as the lead point of contact for PR partners
  • Support the Director of Digital Marketing in managing relationships with paid ads/digital content partners
  • Support the Project Manager in managing the relationship with the web partner
• Ensure reasonable delegation of tasks across the team and perform daily check-ins on progress
• Use Notion, Asana, and Slack to manage content calendar, projects, and team communication
• Help team planning of content calendar, including playing a leadership role in weekly brainstorms and monthly planning calls
• Lead weekly Marketing & Communications team meetings
• Manage four direct reports on the Marketing & Communications team
• Collaborate closely with Development, Programs, Partnerships, Product, and Executive teams
• Maintain communications workflows, approvals, and editorial planning processes
• Help ensure continuity, alignment, and operational clarity during the leave period

Requirements:

• 8–12 years of experience in marketing and communications, including leadership roles at the Director or Senior Director level; VP-level experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience operating within an established communications function, with a focus on continuity, execution, and supporting existing strategy
• Demonstrated ability to step into an existing strategy and ensure continuity of execution in a fast-paced environment
• Strong experience partnering with senior leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and positioning
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with experience reviewing and shaping executive communications (op-eds, speeches, and media materials)
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
• Experience managing and supporting teams, including direct reports, consultants, and external vendors
• Familiarity with digital marketing channels (web, email, social) and data-informed communications strategies
• Ability to step into an interim leadership role with minimal onboarding and quickly build trust across teams
• Experience working cross-functionally across departments such as development, programs, and executive leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit, social impact, or mission-driven organizations
• Background in workforce development, economic mobility, or immigration
• Prior experience in interim, consulting, or fractional leadership roles
• Experience supporting high-profile events, campaigns, or executive initiatives

Compensation: $180,000 – $187,000 (annualized; may be prorated or structured as a contract rate depending on engagement type)

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Upwardly Global is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.