Chief Communications Officer

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Inc. (RMFF) was established in 1986 by Richard M. (“Dick”) Fairbanks, who was the founder and owner of Fairbanks Communications, Inc., a privately held company. Dick Fairbanks established the Foundation to strengthen the city of Indianapolis and perpetuate the Fairbanks legacy in the city where his family prospered for over a century. He was the President of the Foundation until his death in August 2000.

The Foundation strives to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities across three focus areas: Education, Health and the Vitality of Indianapolis. To advance its work, the Foundation implements a three-pronged approach: strategic grantmaking, evidence-based advocacy and cross-sector collaboration and convening.

The Foundation employs 14 employees with an annual operating budget of about $4 million.  The Foundation has assets totaling approximately $400 million and will award approximately $14 million in grants in 2022.

For over 35 years, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has provided important funding for critical issues affecting Indianapolis. Having experienced significant growth in the past five years, the Foundation seeks a Chief Communications Officer to raise awareness of the impact of its grantees and its evidence-based research initiatives.

This Chief Communications Officer (CCO) will have the opportunity to showcase their experience and their collaborative, strategic and creative spirit. Working closely with the President & CEO and Program staff, the CCO will develop and implement communications strategies to effectively articulate the Foundation’s mission and work to external audiences. The CCO reports to the President & CEO and has one direct report.

The Foundation seeks an experienced, collaborative and strategic communications professional who has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of practice by striving for excellence, fostering creativity, building organizational brand and contributing to staff/team efforts. A proven nonprofit background is highly preferred. Experience in communication strategy development and implementation is critical. Working closely with the President & CEO and Program staff, the CCO will develop and implement communications strategies to effectively articulate the Foundation’s mission and work to external audiences.

A high level of experience in leveraging earned media is required. Proven ability to research, recommend and implement communication initiatives through the use of social media and advancements in technology is essential.

The ideal candidate will show evidence of exceptional communication skills matched with a keen strategic mind. Past experience in crafting clear messaging in support of a strategic plan will help to define success. The ability to identify interesting opportunities that would further the Foundation’s mission is desired.

We seek a person who has a demonstrated ability in engaging strategic partners, an energetic style, sound managerial and organizational skills, and is comfortable in an environment of dynamic change, collaboration and continuous improvement. The ability to maintain consistency but at the same time enable growth will be key to success in this role.

A bachelor’s degree in Communications or a related field is required. Demonstrated communications experience for a minimum of eight years is desired.  Previous experience in the Foundation’s three focus areas of education, health or the vitality of Indianapolis will be highly advantageous.

The target salary for the position is $150,000. The Foundation has a very generous benefits program inclusive of competitive PTO, 13 paid holidays annually, a fully funded HSA account and an 8% 401k match.

The Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, or genetics, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.

To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/3E1heFT (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page).

For more information about the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, please visit https://www.rmff.org/.

To apply, please send a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://bit.ly/3E1heFT (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page).