Communications Manager

Communications ManagerReporting to the Senior Communications Director, the Communications Manager will support the development and execution of California Competes's communication and outreach activities to advance the organization's objectives and policy priorities. This role will also serve as the primary communications contact for The California Alliance for Student Parent Success, a statewide coalition co-led by California Competes. Major specific duties are described below.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Communications (40%)Manage communications planning and execution for initiatives, resource and research releases, and events, partnering with project leads to align messaging, provide editing support, coordinate deliverables, and increase organization's visibility with key audiences.Develop high-impact communications, including blogs, op eds, event collateral/swag, presentations, graphics, talking points, social media toolkits, executive and board communications, and other content as requested.Maintain consistency with the organization's brand identity and voice across all platforms and materials.Prepare staff and CEO to represent the organization publicly.Coordinate with graphic design, copyediting, and other communications contractors, managing timelines and consolidating stakeholder feedback to ensure high-quality final products.Stay updated on higher education policy, communications trends, and media opportunities, sharing insights that strengthen organizational communications.Digital Presence (35%)Manage California Competes's digital presence across the website, email marketing, and social media (primarily LinkedIn) channels, ensuring content is timely, engaging, and aligned with organizational priorities.Coordinate with the contractor hosting the organization's website for page development, support, or fixes, as needed.Monitor analytics to identify trends, high-performing pages or posts, and referral sources and recommend and implement strategies to strengthen the organization's digital presenceMedia Relations (15%)Draft pitch emails, press releases, and other outreach materials to promote California Competes research, resources, and expertise to the media.Support and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets, assisting with media outreach and responding to media inquiries.Maintain media lists and monitor and track media coverage.Help prepare staff for media interviews by curating background information and talking points.General Support (10%)Provide overall project management support for staff's communications needs.Perform other communications-related duties, as assigned.Skills and RequirementsRequired qualificationsBachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent in education and experienceA minimum of 4-7 years of experience in communications or relevant fieldStoryteller with strong verbal and written communication skills, including editing and presentation skills, particularly being able to thread narratives and researchPassion for advancing equity and improving life outcomes for marginalized CaliforniansExcellent organization and prioritization skillsKeen attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy and rigor to the highest standardsCreative and strategic thinkerRecognizes ways that race and ethnicity, gender, and other identities intersect in postsecondary access and successUnderstands the historical context for racial inequity and its present-day implications, and is driven to make creative and concrete changes through advancing systemic change through strategic communicationsGrowth mindset and commitment to demonstrating results and gathering feedback to inform experimentation, iteration, and improvementFlexibility, adaptability, and the ability to anticipate needs, prioritize, and juggle multiple projects at oncePreferred Skills and QualificationsDemonstrated experience or interest in policy communicationsGraphic design experienceMaster's degree in a relevant fieldCompensationHiring salary range: $88,570-104,200/year, depending on experience100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits; 403(b) plan with employer match after 90 daysA minimum of 10 vacation days (increases with time at organization), plus 14 company-observed holidays and two floating holidays, sick leave, and winter office closure.Full-time, exempt positionTo apply, please fill out the application using BambooHR and include a résumé, cover letter, and writing sample. Priority review of applications will begin on Monday, July 20, 2026. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.California Competes is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.