Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer
Upbring
Austin, TX - United States
Upbring is seeking a strategic, charismatic, and mission-driven leader to serve as the agency’s next Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer (CBCEO). This role is a key member of the G-8, Upbring’s Leadership Team, and the organization’s key advisor ensuring that Upbring is achieving its short and long-term and operational goals through its stewardship of Upbring’s brand identity. The successful placement will advance a cohesive, coordinated, and collaborative strategy in the areas of branding, marketing, public relations, advocacy, community engagement, church relations and development. Inspired by faith and driven by compassion, Upbring is a bold and innovative organization dedicated to defeating child abuse. With a budget approaching $150 million, Upbring employs 1,500 staff members across 85 locations across Texas and is the leading nonprofit child wellbeing organization in the state. Foster care, education, and resettlement are at the forefront of their work, joined by other vital mission-oriented programs under the same mission: to break the cycle of child abuse by empowering children, families, and communities. With their partners, Upbring delivers services that produce measurable progress toward five key markers of every child’s well-being: safety, life skills, education, health, and vocation.
As a direct report to the President/CEO, the CBCEO will spearhead the development of a comprehensive externally facing strategy that resonates with the organization’s mission and goals, enhancing its brand and public image. The ideal candidate will significantly influence the agency’s overall vision, direction, strategy and external position by bridging synergies between key areas such as marketing, branding, communications, advocacy, and fundraising. This executive will serve as the external voice and face of the organization, managing media engagements and ensuring consistent, positive media coverage. The officer will build relationships with policymakers, community leaders, and advocacy groups, engaging in strategic partnerships across Texas to support Upbring’s mission, enhance fundraising, boost brand awareness, and increase community participation. Ultimately, the Chief Brand and Community Engagement Officer will ensure that Upbring is positioned to respond to new and evolving opportunities to serve children and communities in Texas.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced executive with a track record in building partnerships and advocating for social change, influenced by a strong background in government relations, community engagement, and organizational branding. This person should be capable of forming strategic community partnerships throughout Texas. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a proven track record in leadership roles within complex organizations are essential for this position. This executive will be a strategic partner capable of developing and maintaining a high-performing department. They must be highly collaborative, personable, and able to engage effectively within and outside the organization to achieve its goals. Strong oral and written communication and relationship-building skills are critical. A deep understanding of the organization’s culture and mission and an unwavering commitment to serving vulnerable populations will be vital for success. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate the ability to navigate ambiguity, make informed decisions, and adapt external communication strategies to changing circumstances while maintaining a clear vision of Upbring’s objectives. This role requires significant travel within Texas and offers a hybrid work arrangement.
This is a unique opportunity to assume a leadership role at one of the most respected and innovative human service organizations in the Austin, Texas, area. Upbring provides a wide range of services and is involved in several exciting initiatives, tirelessly advocating for collaborative solutions to end child abuse with a vision of a permanent home and community for everyone.
Confidential inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest can be submitted to the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by using the buttons below. For additional questions, please contact the consultants supporting this search, Nelson Mann and Julie Rosen, through the office of Stephanie Ikediobi, via email at [email protected].