OUR MISSION

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is the independent economic development agency serving the City
of St. Louis. Missouri. It is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop and transform St.
Louis through a vibrant, just and growing economy where all people can thrive.

OUR VISION
SLDC is a place-based, people-centric catalyst for growth in St. Louis. Our core values guide everything we do.
As implementors of a robust set of projects, programs and policies, SLDC responsibly deploys a myriad of
initiatives designed to reverse disproportionate disparities in disinvested areas, infuses capital into the
community and creatively collaborates with our neighbors, both commercial and residential.
SLDC is the only economic development organization trusted to serve the best interests of all St. Louisans.
The long-term initiatives implemented by SLDC will propel St. Louis forward for decades to come. As we
evolve, redefine and reimagine economic development for the next generation, SLDC expects to achieve
significant social and financial returns. The result is expanding the tax base, improving the economic, health
and educational outcomes for every existing resident of St. Louis and attracting new residents.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is a pivotal member of the Executive Team, reporting directly to the President and CEO. The primary objective of this role is to strategically manage SLDC's reputation by overseeing comprehensive communications strategies and targeted outreach efforts. In addition to the existing responsibilities as Director of Community Partnerships, the new VP role at SLDC, ensure alignment with organizational goals, messaging, and community engagement strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communication Planning and Alignment:

• Develop a vision for SLDC's outreach goals and set high-level objectives for the organization.
• Collaborate with SLDC's senior leaders to align messaging and ensure an integrated approach to outreach efforts.

Community Engagement and Advocacy:

• Collaborate with the Neighborhood Management Team to streamline communication processes.
• Provide coaching and guidance to team members to enhance their role as ambassadors for the organization.
• Assist in establishing and building community relationships alongside the Neighborhood Management Team.

Communications & Media:

• Develop and implement a media relations strategy to promote SLDC's initiatives and thought leadership.
• Function as the chief spokesperson for SLDC, providing media training to staff.
• Oversee SLDC's social media strategy and digital presence.

Branding & Marketing:

• Identify target audiences, influencers, and partners to drive brand awareness.
• Oversee the management of SLDC's brand and monitor the organization's reputation.

Executive and Internal Communications:

• Produce internal communications, including an all-staff newsletter.
• Assist President and CEO with Executive Communications and speeches.

Public Affairs:

• Develop and implement SLDC's public affairs strategy in support of organizational goals.
• Manage relationships with relevant stakeholders, including Congress and advocacy groups.
• Advise on who shall represent the organization in public spaces based on relevancy
• Serve as an additional face of the organization when CEO and SVPs are unavailable.

Support Services:

• Provide support for business development in graphics, websites, media, and public affairs.

People and Program Management:

• Oversee the Communications Department's staff, budgets, programs, and projects.
• Ensure the alignment of department staff efforts with overall organizational objectives.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; degree in economic development, urban planning, economics, marketing, communications, public affairs, business, or a related discipline preferred.
• Five years’ experience in economic development, job and investment attraction or substantial business, with a minimum of 7 years leading a major program in a supervisory capacity. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Proficient knowledge in business planning and promotion, market analysis, relevant municipal legislation, and financial management.
• To perform this job successfully, a candidate must have strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Suite, Adobe, etc.). They must have the ability to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This a full-time, exempt position with health benefits and paid-time-off. While our traditional work hours are
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, SLDC provides a flexible/hybrid work environment of both onsite and offsite work
and follows a customized work schedule of 40-hours per week for full-time employees. Evening and weekend
work is required as job duties demand.

SLDC is committed to building a team with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. SLDC strongly encourages applications from
people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates, and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity,
religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, or
any statuses protected by law.