POSITION TITLE: Vice President, Communications & Marketing

LOCATION: Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary

DIRECT REPORTS: Manager, Graphics & Production; Director, Web Design

ABOUT US

Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) is the trade association representing financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1.3 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. Our members provide the financing that businesses need to operate and grow. ELFA serves its member companies by:

• Promoting and advocating for the industry.
• Attracting and developing new, diverse talent.
• Offering professional development and training.
• Providing industry insights and research.

Governed by a 27-member board of directors, ELFA operates with an annual budget of $11 million and a staff of 20+ professionals, including senior leaders in finance, governance, government relations, membership, communications, and research.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Communications & Marketing provides strategic vision and leadership to elevate ELFA’s brand, engage its members, and position the association as a thought leader in the equipment finance industry. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & Corporate Secretary, this role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that enhance ELFA’s influence and impact.

This senior leadership position oversees brand strategy, editorial content, multi-channel marketing, and media relations while fostering collaboration across departments. The VP is also responsible for mentoring a high-performing team, managing key vendor relationships, and driving revenue growth through innovative campaigns and programs.

In addition to the qualifications for this position, candidates will identify with the following core values:

• Mission Driven: motivated by the greater purpose of serving our members and achieving the ELFA’s objectives.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: belief that goals can be achieved, and obstacles overcome through ownership of responsibilities in our individual portfolios.
• Intellectually Curious: seeks new experiences, searches for knowledge, and solicits candid feedback with an openness to learning and growing.
• Professionally Rigorous: pursues opportunities that strengthen current skill set and close skill set gaps that are necessary to advance career path.
• Willing Pioneer: Understands ELFA’s vision in order to bring clarity to ambiguity, solutions to challenges and willing to iterate until best practices are adopted.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Strategy:

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking communications and marketing strategy aligned with ELFA’s mission and organizational priorities.
• Champion the ELFA brand, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging and visuals across all platforms to strengthen the organization’s identity.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices to position ELFA as a leader in communications and marketing innovation.

Editorial Content Creation:

• Coordinate with stakeholders across the organization to create an editorial calendar for content created by each program.
• Oversee the development of high-quality, multi-channel content, delegating execution to the communications team while maintaining strategic oversight.
• Serve as editor-in-chief of the ELFA media platforms including website, magazine, newsletters, podcasts and social media channels.

Integrated Marketing:

• Provide strategic direction for marketing plans, collaborating with internal teams, Meetings Vendors, and committees to ensure alignment with organizational goals and enhance key association events.
• Leverage data-driven insights to continuously refine communications and marketing strategies for maximum effectiveness.
• Spearhead integrated marketing programs to drive non-dues revenue, increase event attendance, and strengthen member engagement.
• Develop thought leadership campaigns to position ELFA as the go-to resource for the equipment finance industry.

Media and External Relations:

• Develop and execute a public relations strategy that aligns with Association goals and program priorities and objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with media outlets, industry influencers, and cross-sector organizations to amplify ELFA’s initiatives.
• Create and oversee media partnerships and speaking opportunities that amplify our brand and content.
• Represent ELFA as a spokesperson in high-profile media engagements, public forums, and industry events.

Team Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team, providing insights and recommendations on messaging, branding, and member engagement.
• Serve as ELFA’s chief storyteller, crafting narratives that enhance the organization’s visibility and impact.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Serve as a strategic liaison to board committees and member councils, shaping initiatives that embody ELFA’s commitment to inclusivity, industry leadership, and member engagement.
• Oversee vendor relationships, leading RFP processes and managing budgets for web services, graphic design, digital marketing, and production needs to deliver high-impact outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of communications experience, including strategy development and brand management.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to delegate, coach, and manage projects in a small-staff environment.
• Track record of building strong relationships with industry journalists, stakeholders, and media.
• Experience in financial services is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse workplace in alignment with ELFA’s core values.
• Association experience is a plus but not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in financial services, with an understanding of industry trends and challenges.
• Experience managing design and graphic decisions across the organization, particularly website design and content management.
• Knowledge of industry trends and communications standards, including social media marketing.
• Proven ability to develop evidence-based crisis communications plans.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with a focus on driving results.

COMPENSATION

• Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience and skill set, with an anticipated base salary range of $175,000 - $225,000.
• This range does not include incentive-based compensation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS

• Hybrid work environment: in-office 2 days per week (Tuesdays and one additional day of choice).
• Comprehensive benefits: 100% employer-covered healthcare premium for employees, parental leave, professional development stipend, 401(k) matching, cell phone stipend, paid time off, and more.
• Position will involve occasional travel to member institutions and meetings.
• All ELFA staff must be legally eligible to work in the US.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please email your resume to Cameron Meade at cmeade@elfaonline.org.