Communications and Content Manager

The Communications and Content Manager is a key member of the cross-functional development and communications team for the organization, working to elevate the organization’s research, policy, and systems change efforts. This individual will use storytelling and communications tools as an advocacy strategy to further our efforts to end poverty and increase equity and justice for all people. Our research and policy workis rooted in and informed by people with lived experience, and the experiences of Heartland Alliance program participants.This person is essential to communicating the organization’s story and impact through the strategy, development, creation, and dissemination of written, multimedia, or other content type. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Drives strategic communications that support departmental priorities and focus areas through planning and executionfor Research & Policy campaigns, initiatives, reports, events, and coalitions; 
• Maintain a calendar of communication opportunities and hooks that reinforce departmental priorities and focus areas to highlight throughout the year; 
• Manage Research & Policy digital and traditional communications channels/deliverables – IE/IG social media accounts, monthly newsletter, website content, action alerts, and all written marketing communications collateral; 
• Engage in external relations, including acting as point person on pro/reactive media relations, developing and nurturing key media relationships, and supporting public speaking engagements related to Research & Policy (including coaching and development of R&P spokespeople); 
• Identify and draft content pieces that reinforce departmental focus areas and bridge departmental outcomes with greater Heartland Alliance programmatic outcomes and perspectives of populations with lived experiences. 
• Leverages marketing and communications team expertise in order to coordinate, develop, and manage multi-faceted content strategies and multimedia assets or collateral (via graphic design, written, video and/or audio) for Alliance-wide needs and goals; 
• Track, assess, and continuously improve communications strategy based on impact metrics (such as media mentions, website traffic, presentation attendance/engagement, and social media engagement); 
• Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and multiple internal project leads; 
• Assess and determine level of participation in team meetings, events or related conferences as relevant to communications and marketing; 
• As a member of the Communications and Marketing team, partake in events and in campaigns throughout the year; 
• When applicable, manage freelance relationships and vendors; 
• Center anti-racism and human rights throughout all content; and 
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Qualifications:

• Is a proven change integrator with a successful history of leading change on an individual, team, and organizational level 
• Is results oriented and focused on organizational values 
• Has a proven track record of intentionally influencing and changing systems, and moving the dial on societal progress, through strong planning and execution of high quality/high impact solutions 
• Has a demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals and challenges of the non-profit sector

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.

• Excellent writing skills, with a strong understanding of the storytelling process. 
• Excellent project and relationship management skills, able to achieve multiple goals with different stakeholders at the same time. 
• Exceptional communication and strong interpersonal skills, can develop trust and build relationships to achieve greater goals. 
• Experience working with individuals who experience the barriers and injustices of poverty and inequity. 
• Experience using communications platforms as a tool to promote social and economic justice, human rights, and racial equity; 
• Passion for Heartland Alliance focus areas (health & healing, safety & justice, economic opportunity) and overall belief in building equity and opportunity for all people. 
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate complex information effectively to a variety of audiences 
• Capacity to think strategically and analytically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community, and has the passion to address those issues as an advocate and human rights worker. 
• Ability to work unpredictable but flexible schedule in order to capture content as it develops. 
• Excellent computer skills with all Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Creative Suite 
• Expert problem-solver adept at improving service; 
• Creative and entrepreneurial spirit; 
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; 
• Passionate and energetic with high level of integrity.

Qualifications (continued):

Ultimately, we are looking for people who care about addressing poverty and fighting for equity, and who have shown the potential to leverage communications to advance social change. We are looking for people who are passionate about ending poverty, advancing racial and gender equity, and ensuring basic human rights for all. We are looking to see these values exhibited in your life and experiences, both personal and professional.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree(or equivalent work experience)in journalism, communications, public relations, English, advertising, technical writing, or a related field. 
• Experience using and administering a content management system.