Senior Communications Manager

Department: Communications | Reports to: Chief Innovation Officer | FLSA Status: Exempt | Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 | Location: California (Remote) | Accountability indices: Strategic alignment, initiative, effective project management, high-quality communications, and timely execution CONTEXT AND NEED Every student in California deserves learning experiences that help them understand the environment, engage with real-world challenges, and contribute to solutions. Yet many students lack access to these experiences. Ten Strands is committed to changing this. We advance environmental literacy and support resilient, climate-ready schools across the TK-12 system by empowering students and strengthening schools to create a healthier future for people and our planet. POSITION OVERVIEW The Senior Communications Manager leads the day-to-day planning and implementation of Ten Strands’ organizational communications as a department of one. Working closely with organizational leadership, the Senior Communications Manager’s primary focus is supporting the programs team, with cyclical support for advocacy campaigns and close partnership with fund development. This role helps translate organizational strategy into clear, compelling, and coordinated communications while capturing and amplifying stories of progress, impact, and change from across Ten Strands’ programs and the broader field. In practice, success in this role means our programs are well promoted, our advocacy campaigns have clear and timely communications, funders see compelling evidence of our impact, and our website, newsletter, and social channels stay current and consistent. The Senior Communications Manager is a hands‑on implementer and trusted thought partner, contributing ideas to the messaging and priorities set with organizational leadership while managing content, channels, projects, and external communications support. This role is responsible for helping Ten Strands tell a cohesive story about its work and impact to educators, partners, policymakers, funders, and other priority audiences. The Senior Communications Manager oversees projects, consultants, and vendors and has no direct reports. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Program, Advocacy & Development Communications (50%) Serve as the primary communications partner to the programs team, supporting educator-facing outreach, professional learning and curriculum promotion, events, and program storytelling. Coordinate and produce communications for Ten Strands’ advocacy work, in partnership with leadership and coalition partners, during legislative and campaign cycles, including campaign messaging, coalition communications, action alerts, press releases, and support for op‑ed development and placement. Partner closely with the fund development team on funder‑facing communications, including the annual report, impact stories for proposals, case statements, and donor communications. Develop, edit, and publish communications collateral and content across Ten Strands’ digital and print channels, including managing website content, newsletters, social media, publications, presentations, and other communications materials. Brand Management, Messaging & Storytelling (20%) Help refine and steward Ten Strands’ brand and messaging guidelines, ensuring consistency across channels and developing storytelling that shows how programs connect to our mission and impact. Work proactively across Ten Strands’ programs and partnerships to capture progress, identify and develop success stories, and elevate stories of change from across the field. Translate complex education, environmental, climate, and policy work into clear, accessible, and compelling communications for diverse audiences. Build media relationships, pitch stories, and support senior leaders as spokespeople and thought leaders through media, events, partnerships, and other external communications. Communications Planning (15%) In collaboration with leadership, develop and manage annual and quarterly communications plans and an organization‑wide editorial calendar that advance Ten Strands’ strategic priorities. Advise staff and board on audiences, messages, and approaches, and provide templates and guidance that help them represent Ten Strands with confidence. Set clear benchmarks for communications impact, monitor performance and audience engagement, and use data and feedback to continuously improve communications strategy and practices. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Workflow Management (15%) Establish and manage a communications request and prioritization process that balances the needs of programs, advocacy, development, and leadership, and work with leadership to set priorities when needs compete. Manage communications projects, workflows, consultants, vendors, and other communications support to ensure high‑quality and timely execution. Build effective cross‑functional working relationships and engage colleagues early in planning to support coordinated and timely communications. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The compensation package for this position includes: Base Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 100% employer‑paid health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance 401(k) with a 3% guaranteed contribution, plus a 50% match on contributions up to 6% Access to mental health benefits, medical concierge, life insurance, and long‑term disability insurance 3 weeks of flexible Paid Time Off in Years 1‑2, with annual increases beginning in Year 3 up to 5 weeks Organization‑wide closures on federal holidays, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and December 24 to January 1 annually Note: This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. Ten Strands may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable. Ten Strands is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 8+ years of progressively responsible communications experience, with demonstrated experience managing communications projects or campaigns across multiple channels. Experience translating organizational or programmatic goals into communications plans, messaging, storytelling, and content. Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders; experience coordinating consultants, vendors, or support staff preferred. Experience in education, environmental/climate, nonprofit, public policy, or related fields preferred. Experience contributing to brand positioning or organizational communications strategy, and familiarity with SEO, AI search optimization, or other emerging digital practices, strongly preferred. SKILLS AND ABILITIES Storytelling & Editorial Judgment: Strong storytelling and editorial skills, including curiosity and the ability to listen for, identify, and develop compelling stories for different audiences and channels. Project Management & Organization: Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, deliverables, and the work of external consultants and vendors. Collaboration & Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and work effectively across teams. Initiative & Self‑Direction: Highly self‑directed, with a track record of taking initiative, anticipating needs, and proactively bringing forward ideas and recommendations. Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect day‑to‑day communications to organizational goals and bring forward ideas to strengthen our approach. Attention to Detail & Visual Communication: Strong attention to detail, including proofreading, copyediting, and hands‑on design skills using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. Digital Communications & Technology: Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms, including AI for automation, website content management and editing, SEO, email marketing, social media, analytics, and project management tools. Media Relations & External Communications: Media relations skills, including pitching, press release writing, and supporting spokespeople. Equity & Mission Alignment: Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion and enthusiasm for Ten Strands’ mission. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Frequently occurring activities include communicating effectively with others to exchange information; assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently, which may involve the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting, for prolonged periods. Occasional activities include moving about to accomplish tasks or from one work site to another, and adjusting or moving objects weighing less than 50 pounds in all directions. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This is a full-time exempt position. Ten Strands’ typical business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While this exempt role offers flexibility, employees are generally expected to be available during core collaboration hours and may occasionally work outside standard hours to meet organizational needs. As an organization, Ten Strands is committed to ongoing team wellness. We aim not to schedule internal meetings on Fridays after 1:00 p.m. and balance sprints with rest. Ten Strands is a remote‑first organization based in California. While many responsibilities can be accomplished remotely, in‑person collaboration is required for scheduled retreats and board meetings. For remote responsibilities, the employee must be based in California. The employee will establish an appropriate remote work environment. Employees are expected to maintain a safe workspace free from hazards and distractions. Travel to on‑site venues is required (5%). #J-18808-Ljbffr