Communications & Outreach Manager

Who we are:

At Citizen University, we are working to fortify habits and skills of powerful, responsible citizenship in communities around the country. We believe that the health of civic life in America - from our neighborhoods to the whole of our nation - is shaped by how we practice citizenship every day with the people around us. We’re working to make that more possible, through relational programs, innovative projects, and civic network-building. Explore our website to learn more about what we do.

Who You are:

Citizen University is seeking a Communications & Outreach Manager who will help ensure that our ideas, programs, and opportunities reach the people and organizations across the country we aim to serve: civic catalysts who are committed to strengthening a culture of citizenship in their communities. This role focuses on the coordination and execution of communications materials and campaigns across Citizen University’s programs and initiatives.

Working closely with the Communications Director and Program teams, the Communications & Outreach Manager will focus on getting the word out and building interest in our programs; creating polished, spirited content campaigns that circulate interesting ideas to deepen habits of citizenship; and owning all of the comms workflows that keep the train moving.

This role is ideal for someone who both enjoys going the extra mile to produce creative and interesting content, and making things flow seamlessly behind the scenes: building systems, coordinating timelines, and helping a team execute effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Program Recruitment & Outreach (40%)

Drive program recruitment by designing and executing outreach strategies that consistently bring in the right participants and partners

• Design and manage recruitment projects and systems to meet program participation goals.
• Craft effective and on-brand recruitment materials–including graphics, partner materials, press kits, & messaging–that communicate the vibrancy, spirit, and impact of our programs.
• Build and execute outreach campaigns, including researching target audiences and partners and engaging with interested partners or applicants.
• Build and maintain outreach workflows, lists and contact databases.

Content Production & Distribution (30%)

Produce and manage written and digital content aligned with Citizen University’s messaging and priorities.

• Draft and publish newsletters, program updates, announcements, and web content.
• Produce sharp, on-brand graphics for newsletters, social media, and program outreach.
• Coordinate the collection, production, and distribution of stories and highlights from our network.
• Translate program ideas and messages into engaging visual content.
• Support the design and formatting of slide decks, program materials, and digital resources for programs and projects as needed.
• Maintain consistency with Citizen University’s visual identity and brand standards.

Content Systems & Calendar Management (30%)

Build and maintain the systems that make our communications consistent, timely, and effective across the organization.

• Manage and maintain the organization’s content calendar.
• Coordinate timelines and workflows for communications projects.
• Manage routine updates to website content, including program pages and announcements.
• Maintain CU’s website, working closely with Program colleagues to update program information, application pages, and digital resources.
• Organize digital communications assets and files.
• Track basic engagement and communications metrics.
• Ensure communications activities align with program timelines and organizational priorities.

Qualifications:

Direct Skills & Experience:

• 3–5 years of experience in communications, outreach, nonprofit communications, or related fields
• Demonstrated connection to civic life, community participation, or public engagement through personal, professional, or volunteer involvement
• Track record of engaging people, organizations, or networks in ways that build trust, participation, or collective action
• Exceptional writing and editing skills for newsletters, digital content, and web copy
• Experience developing and leading effective program outreach/marketing campaigns, and building pipelines for partnership or participation
• Experience crafting effective digital graphics and visual content
• Experience managing content calendars and communications workflows as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and timelines simultaneously
• High degree of familiarity/comfort working with design and project management tools: our team works in Canva, Asana, WordPress, Salesforce, Google Drive

How You Work:

• Systems-oriented: You get fired up by
• building and maintaining the processes that keep work moving. Creating a new, efficient workflow thrills you. You have favorite spreadsheets.
• Collaborative: You genuinely enjoy working closely with colleagues across teams and helping others succeed.
• Resourceful and adaptable: You are able to navigate ambiguity with calm and a sense of humor, adjusting and prioritizing effectively as needs and direction evolve.
• Thoughtfully intentional: You get inspired by creating high-quality, interesting, and unique communications. You prioritize the details that make messaging and visuals feel human, evocative, and aligned with the organization’s voice.
• Mission-aligned: You believe deeply in our mission to fortify habits and skills of powerful, responsible citizenship and work towards strengthening civic culture in communities around the country.

Working with us

At Citizen University, we place high value on an innovative spirit, deep commitment to our mission, and a can-do attitude. Even if you don't check every item above, if you know your background and experiences would make you a good fit for this role, we encourage you to apply.

This is a regular, full-time remote position in the US, with regular travel for program support (approximately 5% of the time, or 10-14 days per year). We prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees and will make reasonable accommodations to create the least restrictive work conditions possible.

Hiring Timeline: We’re excited to welcome a new team member to this role in early July, with interviews taking place in late May and June. To apply, please complete your application on our careers site by May 8th at 12 pm PT. Candidates must be US-based and not require sponsorship for employment.

Citizen University is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to recruit and retain talented people who represent a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. People from communities who have traditionally had less access to power and civic opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits that support our people: We offer a robust benefits package that includes 100% employer sponsored health insurance coverage including dental and vision (with optional dependent additions), Flexible Spending Accounts, an Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, a company match on 403(b) Retirement Plan eligible contributions, 2 weeks of sick time, 3 weeks of PTO plus the entire week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, and 10 additional holidays off. You'll also receive a MacBook, a home office equipment and tech stipend, and a professional development budget to help you grow.