Vice President, Internal Communications

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

The Vice President, Internal Communications is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and operating model for internal communications across the organization. This role defines how communication drives organizational alignment, leadership effectiveness, and enterprise-wide execution. The VP is accountable for building the system—establishing governance, prioritization, and standards that enable the internal communications team to deliver high-impact communications at scale. This leader serves as a senior advisor to executive leadership, shaping not only how the organization communicates, but how decisions are framed, aligned, and activated across the enterprise. In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC’s mission and values by supporting a high-quality, person-centered service environment.Hiring Range: $190k - $240k

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Vice President, Internal Communications & Leadership Enablement is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and operating model for internal communications across the organization. This role defines how communication drives organizational alignment, leadership effectiveness, and enterprise-wide execution. The VP is accountable for building the system—establishing governance, prioritization, and standards that enable the internal communications team to deliver high-impact communications at scale. This leader serves as a senior advisor to executive leadership, shaping not only how the organization communicates, but how decisions are framed, aligned, and activated across the enterprise. In all responsibilities, the position demonstrates a strong commitment to ESSC’s mission and values by supporting a high-quality, person-centered service environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Defines the enterprise internal communications strategy aligned to organizational priorities.
• Establishes the operating model, governance, and decision rights for internal communications.
• Sets clear priorities and tradeoffs to ensure focus on the highest-impact work.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to the leadership team on communication and alignment.
• Shapes how priorities, changes, and decisions are communicated across the organization.
• Influences leadership behavior to improve clarity, consistency, and transparency.
• Owns the design of the enterprise communication cascade and alignment model.
• Ensures leaders are aligned before communications are deployed.
• Drives consistency of messaging across functions and service lines.
• Defines the strategy for building leadership communication capability across the organization.
• Ensures leaders are equipped to communicate effectively without overreliance on internal communications.
• Leads a team of 3–4 direct reports (Director + Comms Partners structure + Coordinator).
• Sets performance standards and ensures clarity of roles and responsibilities.
• Builds a high-performing, business-aligned internal communications function.
• Defines success metrics tied to alignment, adoption, and leadership effectiveness.
• Uses insights to continuously refine the strategy and operating model.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• 15+ years of experience in internal or corporate communications leadership.
• Experience advising senior executives and influencing organizational decisions.
• Proven ability to design and lead communication strategies in complex organizations.
• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or mission-driven environments is preferred.

EXPECTED NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Strategic thinking and operating model design.
• Executive influence and advisory.
• Organizational systems thinking.
• Leadership capability building.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; Smartsheet experience preferred.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain compliance with privacy requirements.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Highly proactive and autonomous, with experience meeting deadlines and balancing competing priorities, developing and managing strategic plans and administering budgets.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation, per ESSC and/or program requirements.
• Work is performed in a hybrid environment, both remotely and on-site as needed. Associate must maintain a professional, safe, and secure workspace with reliable internet access to support virtual meetings and daily work.
• Must pass all required drug testing by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

• Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional/ Up to 30 lbs.

• Standing:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Sitting:

Frequent / Up to 8 hours per day.

• Walking:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Travel:

Travel to Easterseals So Cal locations and events, as needed.

• Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Frequent keyboarding and writing.

• Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitors or handheld electronic devices and read printed materials.

• Environmental Exposure:

Work is performed in a hybrid environment, on-site and in a virtual setting as needed.