Founded in Memphis, Tennessee in 1986, Youth Villages is a nationally-recognized not for profit organization that helps youth with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges and their families live successfully. With a high-performing and dedicated staff of more than 4,000, currently working in 26 states and the District of Columbia and an annual operating budget of $412.5 million, the organization serves more than 39,000 emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth annually through its comprehensive, evidence-based programs: Intercept, intensive in-home services, and LifeSet. Other programs include: residential and intensive residential treatment, foster care, adoption, group homes and specialized crisis services. In Youth Villages hometown, it launched Memphis Allies, an initiative to reduce gun violence by bringing together community groups and resources so children and families can thrive. Since 1994, when Youth Villages began an emphasis on intensive in-home services focused on building strong, permanent families to support children and youth who have mental, emotional or behavioral health issues both in and out of state custody, success rates have soared: in 2023, 82% percent of the youth served by Youth Villages have remained at home successfully a year after discharge. A remarkable 92% have had no trouble with the law, and 96% are either still in school, have graduated, or are getting their GED. Along with the high impact on children's lives, Youth Villages has seen a 71% increase in the number of children served daily over the last 10 years. The White House recognized Youth Villages as a nonprofit with "promising ideas that are transforming communities." Youth Villages Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Lawler, was named one of "America's Best Leaders" by U.S. News and World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
While Youth Villages helps children from birth to age 22, the majority of the children who receive services from the organization are between 12 and 17. Children are placed with the organization because of emotional and behavioral disorders, physical or sexual abuse, substance abuse or suicidal ideation or attempt. Eighty percent of Youth Villages' children have multiple problems, which may include developmental or learning disabilities.
Although admission requirements vary based on the individual program, generally speaking, Youth Villages treats: Hard-to-help, hard-to-place children; children who have failed at numerous other programs often find success here Children with emotional and behavioral problems plus co-occurring medical issues Children who have severe acting out behaviors Boys and girls, ages 7-18 Children with Verbal IQ 50 and above Children with problem sexual behaviors Emotionally disturbed children with developmental delays or disabilities; Children who are medically fragile Youth Villages is looking to hire an individual who can create and implement a cohesive communications strategy that supports organizational goals on both the national and local levels. This highly motivated individual will lead a team that creates and implements messaging, brand development, internal and external communications, along with marketing to referral sources, prospective employees and donors utilizing state of the art technology to ensure organizational success. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to think and act strategically, while also demonstrating the skills required to develop communication programs across a broad range of media. The ideal candidate will have a passion for developing strategic public relations initiatives and possess the leadership and communication skills to positively lead a team that creates compelling, market-driven programs that drive results.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Managing Director of Communications at Youth Villages will be responsible for building and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan to support national growth efforts. This position will oversee PR, digital and creative services teams.
Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Communications Department Work with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and Chief Development Officer to develop strategic communication goals, messaging/brand strategy & other critical marketplace data & direction Oversee the organization's public relations, media relations, and crisis communications strategies and objectives, and ensure that they are consistent with organization's overall long-term goals and priorities Ensure creative services delivers an exceptional product reflecting the brand identity and serves our internal clients with an organized, timely product Oversee and direct the planning, development & execution of the organization's marketing & communications initiatives, including collateral, direct marketing, events, website, trade shows, promotions, & marketing support materials Work closely with Development, Recruiting, Business Development, Managed Care, as well as other key Youth Villages teams to identify business needs, implement communication plans, track effectiveness and ROI, and guide growth strategies Follow issues in the news (national and local) and in the industry; identify how those issues might affect the organization, and develop strategies to address issues as needed Prepare and advise leadership and management on media crises (both real and potential) and public relations activities; serve as the person who directs the overall, coordinated response for any crises that may generate significant media attention Support and work directly with the CEO on special projects on an as needed basis A Bachelor's degree in business/marketing, communications, or other related field; a Master's degree is preferred 10+ years' professional communications experience with a progression of career growth and experience with national media Experience working in communications in health care delivery - ideally with not-for-profit health care systems At least 5 years of experience managing a team Crisis communication and media management Extensive experience in the creation of strategic communication plans; experience in managing online advertising, promotions, conversational media (blogging, social networks, user generated content, etc.), and partnerships. Demonstrated ability to direct multiple projects, set priorities, work independently, problem solve, work as a part of a team, and excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment High level of creativity, attention to detail, ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task, and is comfortable in a fast-changing environment. Is able to anticipate and react to changes quickly
Must be a positive leader that knows how to bring out the best in people and create an encouraging, creative, and accountable workplace with the ability to work closely with cross-functional groups. POSITION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Strategic Planning Leadership and Communication Creating Positive Team Environment Building Staff Competencies Crisis Management Innovative and Strategic Thinking Decision Quality Implementing Policies Managing Multiple Priorities Problem Solving Analytical Thinking Building Organizational Commitment Conflict Resolution Entrepreneurial Orientation External Awareness Customer Focus Budgeting and Cost Awareness Education and Self Development Benefits Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Growth & development through continuous training
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
