Manager of Communications

Position Overview

The Manager of Communications will lead the implementation and execution of marketing and communication strategies to advance the goals of the community-developed Impact Plan and build up both targeted and broad support for early childhood education. Expertise in communications will play a pivotal role in shaping public perception, building relationships with stakeholders, and driving positive change through effective messaging.

The success of this work will rise and fall on the strength of our partnerships, facilitated by powerful two-way communication. This role will take the lead in building and executing the communication structures that will ensure transparent and tight alignment.

The Manager of Communications will be part of a small team responsible for driving Early Matters San Antonio work forward. As with each role on the team, it will involve significant coordination, communication, and partner engagement across the community.

Responsibilities

Communication Strategy:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans aligning with organizational objectives, ensuring consistent and cohesive messaging across internal and external channels.
• Lead and support the Outreach Workgroup, providing guidance and resources to achieve communication goals.
• Collaborate with Policy and Data Workgroups to integrate communication efforts seamlessly with advocacy initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize performance.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Develop and execute strategies for regular, two-way communication with Early Matters partners, fostering collaboration and alignment with the Impact Plan.
• Identify and understand communication needs of diverse internal and external stakeholders, tailoring strategies to address them effectively.

Messaging and Content Creation:

• Craft and disseminate clear, concise, and compelling messages that resonate with target audiences and effectively communicate the goals, strategies, and policy positions of Early Matters SA.
• Develop a variety of content including press releases, speeches, op-eds, blog posts, infographics, social media posts, and videos, tailored to different media formats and audiences.
• Ensure content is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational brand and messaging guidelines.
• Coordinate with subject-matter experts to ensure content accuracy and technical soundness.

Media Relations:

• Cultivate and manage positive relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure favorable coverage of initiatives.
• Proactively pitch stories and develop media materials to generate interest and awareness.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely and accurate information.
• Monitor media coverage and address any negative publicity or misunderstandings promptly.

Digital and Social Media:

• Manage and optimize the organization's digital presence leveraging our website, social media platforms, partner outreach structures, and other online channels.
• Develop structures to celebrate the work of our partners through testimonials, original photography, and videos.
• Develop and execute engaging social media campaigns to amplify messaging, reach new audiences, and drive stakeholder engagement.
• Analyze and measure the effectiveness of digital and social media activities, making data-driven decisions for improvement.

Thought Leadership:

• Secure speaking engagements, panel discussions, and publication opportunities to elevate early childhood, share expertise, and influence policy discourse.
• Partner to develop and promote thought leadership content, such as white papers, articles, and blog posts, to establish the organization as a trusted voice in the field.

Qualifications

This is an outstanding opportunity to play a critical role in improving access to high quality early learning and development across San Antonio. In addition to a commitment the purpose of Early Matters San Antonio, the ideal candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, digital communications, or a closely related field preferred.
• Experience 5+ years of full-time professional experience required.
• A competency and familiarity of using various forms of current and new technology (including collaboration platforms, video platforms, etc.) to support and enhance communication across dispersed teams and to deliver key messages in creative ways to different audiences.
• Skilled writer in both English and Spanish (preferred) with attention to detail and experience in writing internal and external communications, messaging, and leveraging communications.
• Evidence of high-level organizational and analytical skills, and ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Social media fluency.
• Cultural competency allowing the ability to relate to and communicate with staff and stakeholders from diverse cultural, language, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Experience in bridge-building with different groups and stakeholders.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and ability to work in a complex environment requiring significant collaboration.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to think strategically in the design, integration, and execution of programs.
• Show effectiveness in written and oral communication; ability to communicate complex issues to various audiences.
• Familiarity with San Antonio and understanding of the local community.

Reporting

The Early Matters Manager of Communications will report to the Early Matters San Antonio Executive Director.

Compensation

Compensation for the role is competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition, the Early Matters Manager of Communications will be provided with a comprehensive benefits package. All grant funded positions are term limited and contingent upon grant funding. This position is a hybrid role with majority work-from-home.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person