Read the full position profile here.

Ballinger | Leafblad is honored to partner with Heart of America on the search for its first Vice President of Communications and Marketing.

Since 1997, Heart of America has transformed libraries, STEAM labs, wellness spaces, and college and career centers in schools and communities that have too often gone without. In 2025 alone, it completed 188 space transformations serving 112,589 students. Reporting to the President & CEO, this leader will build a proactive communications function and turn Heart of America's impact into national influence.

This is a hybrid role based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, or the Washington, D.C. metro area, with occasional travel. Exceptional candidates based elsewhere will be considered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in communications, public relations, marketing and/or related fields
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, marketing, public affairs or a related field, including at least five years of people leadership and experience developing organization-wide communications strategies
• Strong background in public relations and media relations, including established relationships with national and regional media and a track record of earning visibility for an organization or its leaders
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications, digital and social, thought leadership and event plans, and aligning cross-functional leaders around a unified communications strategy
• Experience advising and preparing senior executives for their roles in communications, PR and media relations strategies
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with operational excellence, including resource planning, prioritization, budget management and performance reporting

Experience with policy, public affairs or coalition communications, and familiarity with education or infrastructure, are a plus.

Compensation: $160,000–$180,000, commensurate with experience. More details in the position profile.

Applications due by Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Review of materials begins immediately. We encourage early application.

Read the full position profile here.

Questions may be directed to Jen Hanlon Ash at jen@ballingerleafblad.com.