Public Affairs Manager

We are Hiring! The Michigan Afterschool Partnership (MASP) advocates for equitable systems that support and expand quality out-of-school time (OST) experiences for all youth in the state. Our values are: Transformative Justice - We change structural forces and systems that harm some groups while benefiting others. Belonging - We create environments where all MASP partners and staff feel that they are seen, heard, and valued. Bold Action - We use data to drive bold, creative and strategic risks to accelerate change. Authentic Relationships - We build relationships that are honest, transparent, respectful, and trustworthy. Youth Driven - We center youth in everything we do. Agency - We create opportunities for OST practitioners, youth, families and partners to be change makers. Do you have experience in public affairs, policy communications, and media relations? We're seeking a Public Affairs Manager to help advance MASP's mission by developing compelling communications materials, supporting advocacy and legislative priorities, and strengthening media and stakeholder relationships across Michigan. Position Summary The Public Affairs Manager supports the development and execution of MASP’s public affairs communications to advance the organization’s mission, programs, and policy goals. This position is responsible for translating state budget information, program data, and the experiences of out-of-school time providers into compelling content and communications materials for policymakers, media, members, and partners. The Public Affairs Manager works closely with the Director of Public Affairs to implement MASP’s advocacy, digital, media, and event priorities across the state, support policy and legislative communications, and maintain media and stakeholder relationships. This is a remote position, with travel and in-person meetings required. This role is funded through a grant and is dependent on annual grant allocations. Essential Duties Digital Communications & Content Development Design and produce MASP’s published and supporting material, including one-pagers, reports, infographics, presentation decks, event collateral, media kits, promotional content, talking points and social graphics. Maintain and improve the MASP website, including page builds, content updates, advocacy landing pages, and basic analytics. Plan, write, and schedule social media across MASP’s channels, and run coordinated campaigns around budget moments and field events. Write and send MASP’s email communications to members, partners, and advocates, and track performance. Build and maintain a usable library of templates, photography, data visuals, and brand assets so partners can carry MASP’s material without redesigning it. Maintain consistency of tone, voice, and visual identity across platforms. Communication & Advocacy Planning and Reporting Contribute to the annual communications and public affairs plan and maintain the calendar that keeps it on schedule. Report on reach and engagement in a way that informs the next decision rather than only describing the last one. Maintain accurate records of lobbying activity and expenditures consistent with the limits that apply to a 501(c)(3) organization Prepare grant reports and related narratives that communicate organizational activities, outcomes, and impact in collaboration with MASP staff. Media Relations and Storytelling Serve as a reliable, responsive point of contact for reporters, including pitching stories, placing op-eds and letters, preparing spokespeople, and responding to inquiries quickly and accurately. Develop storytelling that shows the effect of afterschool and summer programs on students, families, and communities, with attention to youth voice and to the communities MASP serves. Build and maintain relationships with outlets and journalists across local, state, and regional media. Policy and Legislative Communication Write and edit the material that carries MASP’s positions, including issue briefs, fact sheets, budget summaries, legislative testimony, sign-on letters, action alerts, and comment letters. Translate state budget and program data, including appropriations detail and participation and outcome data, into plain language that a legislator or staffer can absorb quickly. Work with the Policy Coordinator to track bills, budget targets, committee calendars, and administrative action affecting out-of-school time, and keep staff, board, and network partners current on what is moving and what it means. Prepare members and providers to testify and to meet with their own legislators, including talking points, district-level data, and day-of logistics. Staff and support MASP’s presence at legislative hearings, advocacy days, and meetings with legislative and executive branch offices. Stakeholder Engagement and Events Build and maintain working relationships with legislative staff in both chambers and both parties, with departmental staff, and with the coalition partners MASP works alongside. Represent MASP at coalition meetings, conferences, and partner convenings, and share relevant updates, insights, and opportunities with organizational staff. Support MASP’s signature events, including Lights On Afterschool, Afterschool at the Capitol Day, MAC Conferences, advocacy days, and community showcases, through promotion, materials, and day-of communication. Develop outreach materials and communications tailored to business leaders, community partners, and public officials. Support outreach and engagement strategies that mobilize public support for afterschool programs and policy change. Perform other duties as needed and assigned. Qualifications and Competencies At least three years of experience in public affairs, government relations, advocacy communications, public relations, journalism, legislative staff work, or a closely related field. Proficiency in graphic design and content production, with the ability to independently create professional, brand-consistent materials. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Squarespace, and digital marketing tools including social media platforms and SEO Skilled in digital content development and management across multiple platforms, including websites, email campaigns, and social media, to support organizational goals. Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear, compelling, and accurate communications materials. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex public policy, legislative, and budget information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. Understanding of state legislative and budget processes, including legislative procedures and appropriations. Ability to engage with legislators, legislative staff, or government agencies, while building and maintaining bipartisan relationships. Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive policy matters and representing the organization publicly. Commitment to equity and expanding OST access for Michigan youth. Willingness, availability, and ability to travel statewide and nationally, as needed Physical and Environmental Expectations This position requires working indoors most of the time with some occasional work outdoors for events and interaction with communities. This position spends most of its time working at a desk and computer. The typical workweek is seven and a half hour workdays, five days per week with some occasional weekend work, as well as longer hours when deadlines warrant. Salary and Benefits Starting annual salary is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefit package including employer-subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employer matched 403b, and other benefits averaging an additional 35% of non-salary benefit. Additional work-life benefits include generous vacation and paid time off. #J-18808-Ljbffr Michigan Afterschool Partnership