Senior Director, Brand Strategy

SUMMARY 

USA for UNHCR is seeking a Senior Director, Brand Strategy. This senior leader leads and oversees the Brand function as a core department within External Relations, responsible for enterprise brand strategy and governance to strengthen and grow USA for UNHCR’s brand in the United States. This senior leader develops and oversees an integrated brand strategy that elevates awareness; drives understanding and action for UNHCR and refugees; supports fundraising growth; and positions the organization as a trusted, authoritative voice on global forced displacement. 
 
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for External Relations, the Senior Director guides the vision for USA for UNHCR’s brand identity, narrative, creative direction, and audience experience. The role ensures the organization presents a compelling, consistent, and mission-aligned brand across all communication and engagement channels and external-facing initiatives. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Brand Strategy & Positioning (30%) 

• Work cross-functionally to develop and execute a long-term brand strategy that advances USA for UNHCR’s brand visibility, influence, and philanthropic support for refugees; differentiates USA for UNHCR’s brand from peer organizations; and elevates the organization in a crowded politically complex U.S. market.  

• Use data and audience insights, research, and market trends to inform strategy and drive brand differentiation, awareness and visibility.  

• Develop brand narrative and architecture that expresses USA for UNHCR’s value proposition to priority audiences, including various donor segments, and avoids exposing the organization to political risk. 

• Elevate USA for UNHCR’s brand positioning and executive visibility through executing strategy for thought leadership and high-level speaking opportunities. 

Brand Governance & Stewardship (25%) 

• Establish and enforce enterprise brand standards and narrative frameworks across all external communications and digital channels (owned, earned and paid), fundraising and community engagement initiatives, and external partnerships. 

• Steward visual expression of USA for UNHCR’s brand across all channels and initiatives, advising internal teams, vendors and consultants to produce assets that are aligned with brand strategy and visual expression. 

• Provide guidance to ensure brand integrity for co-branded campaigns, sponsorships, and private sector partnerships. 
• Lead organizational brand-related projects, including USA for UNHCR’s annual brand survey of sentiment and awareness of refugee issues and brand awareness.  

Creative & Campaign Leadership (25%) 

• Collaborate with Communications and Fundraising teams to integrate brand strategy and brand expression into supporter acquisition, retention, and cultivation efforts. 

• Lead the creative vision for campaigns and activations that elevate USA for UNHCR’s brand among U.S. audiences. 

Organizational & Departmental Leadership (20%) 

• Serve as a senior leader within the External Relations Department, accountable for organization-wide brand governance, contributing to strategic decision-making, organization-wide and departmental planning, budgeting and reporting. 

• Define, track and report on brand marketing KPIs, using data to measure impact, evaluate ROI and inform decision-making. 

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG). 

• Serve as strategic advisor to executive leadership and interface with the USA for UNHCR Board of Directors, as required, on topics related to brand strategy, positioning, and visibility.  

• Lead the selection, management, and performance of external agencies, creative partners, and consultants, including oversight of scope of work, contracts and deliverables.  

• Maintain relationships with colleagues across the UNHCR network to advance brand strategy and organizational goals in coordination with Senior Director of Communications. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in brand marketing, communications, public relations or a related field, preferred. 

• 15-17 years’ experience in brand strategy, marketing, communications or a related field. 

• Experience in a leadership or managerial role within a marketing, communications or public affairs department or team. 

• Experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations focused on refugee rights or other global humanitarian issues. 

• Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software utilized 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Expertise in the strategic use of brand marketing to advance visibility, influence and drive fundraising goals. 

• Deep understanding of donor engagement, marketing funnels, and digital fundraising best practices. 

• Knowledge of the UN and multilateral system, humanitarian issues and global affairs, and how current issues intersect with U.S. foreign policy. 

Skills in: 

• Exceptional communication, strategic planning, relationship management, and organizational leadership skills. 

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing brand strategies that drive visibility, engagement, and revenue growth. 

• Strong relationship management and diplomacy skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.  

• Exceptional strategic planning and project management skills, with a track record of executing complex marketing strategies involving multiple partners and channels.  

• Skilled in drafting and managing department, team and project budgets. 

• Skilled in using data and analytics to create and advance brand marketing strategy and tactics. 

Ability to: 

• Lead cross-functional internal teams and working groups and successfully execute strategies and projects without direct line management authority.  

• Envision, develop and execute organization-wide strategies and policies, coordinating and achieving buy-in from internal stakeholders.  

• Envision, draft and manage external vendors and consultants, including scopes of work, contracts and budgets. 

• Ability to navigate high-pressure, high-visibility environments with sound judgment, discretion and professionalism. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting. 

• Commitment to the mission of USA for UNHCR and ability to work with and elevate refugee voices and communities ethically, with dignity and respect. 

WORK LOCATION    

Hybrid + Washington,DC, May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region of operations.    
    

COMPENSATION  

$180,296 - $220,862

APPLICATION DEADLINE 

Please apply immediately or by March 10, 2026. 

WHY YOU'LL WORKING HERE 

We're proud to be consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our deep commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Our benefits are designed to support your whole life, not just your work life. While specific offerings may evolve over time, highlights currently include: 

• Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans) 

• Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA 

• Industry-leading 401(k) match 

• Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness 

• Mental and financial wellness resources 

• Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones 

• Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement 

• Professional development support 

• Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health 

Please note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change. 

 

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS   

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.   
 

USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.