Senior Strategic Communications Manager

Friends Center for Children is an early childhood education center providing high-quality, full-time year-round care for children ages 3 months to 5 years. We offer a child-centered, hands-on learning experience in a safe and nurturing environment. At Friends Center, children learn through creative play and a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities. We are non-sectarian and our values-based curriculum is guided and enhanced by its foundations in the Quaker principles of simplicity, peace, truth, community, equity, and stewardship. As a cooperative organization, parents and teachers at Friends Center work together to create a diverse and supportive community. Our mission is: educate children, empower families, inspire teachers, engage community, embrace diversity, embody equity.

Reports to: Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Schedule: 40 hours/week, with occasional evenings and weekends Salary: Starting at $87,500 commensurate with experience Benefits: Employer-sponsored health insurance, PTO, and childcare benefits

As Friends Center for Children expands initiatives, we are seeking a Senior Strategic Communications Manager to shape and elevate how this work is shared publicly. This role will lead storytelling, media relations, and communications strategy that amplify Friends Center’s impact locally and nationally.

Position Overview

The Senior Strategic Communications Manager leads Friends Center's communications strategy, brand, and public presence. Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, this role develops integrated communications that elevate the organization's visibility, strengthen media relationships, and position Friends Center as a leader in early childhood education, teacher housing, and community impact. The Senior Manager oversees media relations, storytelling, digital communications, publications, executive communications, and brand management.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement organization-wide communications strategies aligned with strategic priorities.
• Advise leadership on messaging, positioning, and communications planning.
• Establish communications goals and evaluate performance.

Media Relations

• Build relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and secure earned media opportunities.
• Write press releases, media statements, and prepare leadership for media engagement.

Brand, Storytelling & Digital Communications

• Lead storytelling across print, digital, social media, email, and the website.
• Produce compelling content highlighting children, families, educators, and community partners.
• Maintain brand standards, editorial calendars, and consistent organizational messaging.
• Monitor analytics to improve digital engagement and communications performance.

Publications, Executive Communications & Events

• Lead production of annual reports, newsletters, brochures, and impact reports.
• Draft speeches, presentations, executive correspondence, and thought leadership content.
• Develop communications for organizational events and oversee media, photography, and post-event storytelling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and media relations skills.
• Experience leading organizational communications, brand management, and digital strategy.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with content management systems, email marketing platforms, analytics tools, and CRM systems preferred.
• Photography, video, graphic design, or multimedia experience is a plus.
• Commitment to education, equity, and community-centered work.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Communications
• Media & Public Relations
• Brand Strategy & Management
• Storytelling & Content Development
• Digital Communications & Social Media
• Executive Communications
• Project Management
• Community Engagement
• Cultural Humility & Equity-Centered Practice
• Professional Judgment & Confidentiality

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• 403(b)