Communications Manager

About FCSN:

For children with disabilities, the pathway to achieving their full potential can often be challenging due to barriers in support, resources, and understanding. That’s where the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) steps in. FCSN’s equity-driven family engagement efforts promote access and opportunity for children with disabilities and others facing systemic obstacles to success.

Founded over 50 years ago, FCSN champions families’ vital role in their children’s education, healthcare, and overall well being, and empowers families to not only navigate key systems for their own child but also use their voice to advocate for systemic change. Our aspiration is to build an inclusive world where every child and young adult experiences belonging and can participate equitably in life’s opportunities. Our mission is to empower families, engage diverse communities and eliminate barriers to improve life outcomes for all children and young adults, especially those with disabilities. By offering direct support, educational resources, and advocacy, we ensure that every youth and child, regardless of their challenges, is given the opportunity to succeed.

Commitment to Diversity:

FCSN is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the families we serve. We understand that each child, family, and individual is unique, and every family deserves personalized support. We embrace the richness of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which strengthens our mission to ensure equitable access to resources for children with disabilities.

We believe that diversity is key to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusive practices. FCSN advocates for systemic change to address the challenges faced by underrepresented communities. As we work to close gaps in services and opportunities, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to join us in this important work. Our team’s strength lies in reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve.

The Opportunity:

As the Communications Manager, you will play a key role in fostering engagement and strengthening community connections to advance FCSN’s mission. You will oversee communications and key messaging for FCSN events, social media, program outreach, and fundraising initiatives, ensuring accessible and impactful communication plans to our diverse community stakeholders. This role works closely with the Director of Development and Communications and is supported by the Development and Communications Associate.

Responsibilities:

Event & Engagement Marketing

• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications to plan and execute marketing, outreach, and collateral for key events, including the annual Gala and Visions of Community (VOC) Conference.
• Develop and implement communication strategies to promote events and increase community participation.
• Deliver training and support to staff to ensure clarity on event-related responsibilities, communication protocols, and procedures for sharing updates.

Content Development & Outreach

• Maintain and execute a social media calendar, creating and scheduling engaging content that reflects FCSN’s voice and values.
• Oversee the FCSN’s websites, producing engaging webpages that are visually appealing and provide an overall rich experience for visitors. Manage all posting to ensure content is on-brand and search- and social-optimized. Ensure all content is timely, relevant, and accessible to families, partners, and donors.
• Produce all email campaigns, solicit content from internal sources, and manage review, testing, and sending.
• Develop and manage compelling content for newsletters, blog posts, donor communications, and external messaging; collaborate with staff to meet the content development needs to promote FCSN programs.
• Ensure all FCSN online content and collateral meet accessibility standards. Stay current with accessibility best practices and provide relevant training to staff.
• Generate reports and dashboards to monitor marketing and outreach efforts.
• Support the Executive Director with internal and external communications.

Fundraising & Development Support

• Draft donor appeals, campaign messages, and stewardship materials that align with development goals.
• Lead digital execution - across email, website, and social media - of fundraising and engagement campaigns throughout the year.

Qualifications:

At FCSN, we value the many different paths individuals take toward professional growth. We evaluate candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to achieve positive results for children and families. Our hiring process is merit-based and considers a wide range of relevant experiences that prepare candidates to succeed in this role. We are most interested in candidates who meet the majority of the following qualifications:

• 2-3 years of experience in project management, event planning, communications, or nonprofit development. Preference for candidates with experience across these fields.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills to engage a diverse audience.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility and language access best practices in communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Experience with graphic design tools, digital media, and donor management software preferred.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for key events.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Candidates with personal or professional experience in disability inclusion—such as individuals with disabilities, caregivers, or those with disabled family members—are encouraged to apply, as we value perspectives that enhance our commitment to accessibility and equity.

This full-time position is benefits-eligible for the Federation’s comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and employer-sponsored group term life and AD&D insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.

Proficient in English and a second language, if possible.