Communications Manager

The Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ) is seeking to hire a full-time Communications Manager to join our small, but mighty team. This individual will promote MCYJ’s vision of a fair and effective youth justice system through the development of compelling, outward-facing communication. They will be responsible for developing communications strategies, creating and managing content, maintaining media relations, coordinating public campaigns, and advancing our work.

We are seeking a dynamic candidate with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and at least three years of experience in crafting compelling narratives, driving digital engagement, or elevating public voice, preferably within a nonprofit, advocacy, or public policy setting. A demonstrated interest in youth justice reform is highly preferred.

MCYJ is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing policies and practices that reduce confinement and support trauma-informed, racially equitable, socioeconomically and culturally responsive community-based solutions for Michigan’s justice-involved children, youth, and young adults.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Content Creation & Management
  • Develop and implement robust social media strategies across platforms
  • Write and design press releases, newsletters, fact sheets, and blogs
  • Maintain and update website content (Wix)
  • Draft op-eds and talking points in collaboration with policy staff
• Media & Public Engagement
  • Manage media relationships and draft press statements
  • Monitor press coverage and track media metrics
  • Support outreach for public campaigns and events
• Strategic Communications
  • Help shape the overall communications strategy and narrative framing
  • Align messaging with MCYJ’s mission and campaign goals
  • Elevate community voices and lived experience in storytelling
• Collaboration & Supervision
  • Work closely with the Policy and Deputy Directors
  • Coordinate with part-time staff, interns, and external vendors

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 3–5 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, advocacy, or public policy setting
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience with Canva, Agorapulse, and Wix (or similar platforms)
• Knowledge of youth justice, public policy, or community engagement is preferred
• Ability to take initiative, manage projects, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, youth leadership, and justice reform

WORK CONDITIONS

• This is a full-time, salaried position with a 90-day probationary period.
• Must be available to work Tuesdays and Thursdays in an Ann Arbor office and remotely as needed.
• The schedule will require flexibility to accommodate the availability of stakeholders, special events, fundraisers, and other commitments, including evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, cellphone, laptop, and reliable internet.
• MCYJ provides an annual stipend for employees to use their own laptops.