Communications Manager

Communications Manager Job Description

Organizational Overview

At the California Black Power Network, we build Black political power and work to create deep, systemic change to impact the lived realities of Black people in California. The network is composed of local and regional grassroots, community-based organizations in key regions of the state. It aims to increase the power-building capacities of member organizations, encourage growth and collaboration within the ecosystem of Black-led organizations across the state, and make substantial, measurable progress on key issues. Whether it is homelessness and gentrification, mass incarceration and criminalization, deep educational inequities, rampant health disparities, the widening economic and wealth inequality gap, or tax policy inequities -- Black communities across California are disproportionately impacted. At the heart of these conditions is persistent and enduring systemic and anti-Black racism. A key question is, what will make this moment different in addressing the longstanding issues of systemic and anti-Black racism?

Position Description

Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Manager will serve as a critical member of the team, assisting in the development and implementation of strategic communications strategies essential to support the goals and objectives of the network. This position will be integral in designing and building a creative, multi-dimensional communications program that frames the network’s key priorities and initiatives. The Communications Manager will help develop and deploy messaging, execute campaign goals, liaise with our coalition, and engage in traditional and social media strategies. This position will be responsible for helping to tell our story and working with the network’s program staff and partners to shape the network’s narrative for internal and external communications. In addition, the Communications Manager may develop, implement, and support training and capacity-building plans focused on strategic communications that deepen and expand the capacities of network partners and develop and sharpen the skills needed to implement multidimensional communications campaigns successfully. Finally, the role will oversee, refine, and execute our arts and culture strategy. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in strategic communications, as well as experience in training.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Coalition Engagement

1. Participate and co-facilitate the Network’s Communications Circle, comprised of key team members of our network partners, to develop and refine the network’s communications strategies and collateral and to increase the communication skills of network partners through the development of training.
2. Develop and execute training that increases the communication skills of network partners and prepares them to meaningfully participate in network campaigns in conjunction with the Communications Director
3. Train and develop network spokespeople as needed.
4. Develop talking points, backgrounders, and scripts as needed for network staff and partners.
5. Lead internal communication with CBPN staff and network partners through compiling and disseminating relevant press clippings and network partner newsletters

Arts and Culture

1. Lead and develop a strategy to leverage Black art and culture to shift public consciousness and bring attention to CBPN’s work and key issues.
2. Develop Black art and culture content for deployment through CBPN communication channels.
3. Map art and culture assets of the coalition and leverage coalition assets to amplify CBPN work and key issues
4. Participate and play a leadership role in all community events and support network partners’ participation as needed.

Digital Organizing & Social Media Management

1. Develop and deploy clear, high-quality, and compelling messages through email, text, web, direct mail, flyers, newsletters, and other mediums that support the network’s policy and political strategies and drive community and partner engagement to continually improve the network’s engagement with various audiences.
2. Manage, execute, and/or oversee all content development and engagement on the website and social media outlets (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other outlets as needed), ensuring that new and consistent content is posted regularly.
3. Manage the continuous measurement, analysis, and evaluation of content performance and engagement on social media and other platforms in coordination with key communications, IT, and data team members.
4. In consultation with the data and IT department, manage the evaluation and adoption of communication technology.

Administration and Team Management

1. Assist in the selection, onboarding, and coordination of communications consultants/vendors as assigned.
2. Attend and actively participate in intra- and inter-component strategy and planning meetings, providing strategic recommendations based on current trends, best practices, and emerging thought leadership in the field of communications.
3. Serve as an editor of written and digital materials by reviewing the writing, design, and production of materials for continuity, quality, and integrity of messaging as needed.
4. Contribute to annual, quarterly, and monthly communication plans that support the network’s goals and objectives in conjunction with the Communications Director.
5. Represent the network in external meetings and spaces relating directly to communications as needed.

Public Relations and Media Engagement

1. Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets and reporters and ensure timely response to media inquiries as needed.
2. Assist the Communications Director in planning and strategically organizing press conferences as assigned.
3. Monitor press coverage about CBPN, its members, and issues impacting Black communities locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally as assigned.
4. Pitch stories as needed to expand press coverage of CBPN and its work in collaboration with Senior Management.

Qualifications and Skills

1. At least 2 years of experience in developing and leading communication strategies for voter engagement, community/labor organizing, or social justice campaigns.
2. Experience in training and capacity building for various audiences in at least one of the following forms of power: community and electoral organizing, advocacy, lobbying, narrative, and communications
3. Knowledge and experience working with Black communities.
4. Outstanding verbal, written, and editorial skills, especially under pressure and tight deadlines.
5. Experience with design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, or similar programs is preferred.
6. Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while being accountable to a team.
7. Technology Skills: Demonstrated success leveraging technology in a fully remote environment and proficiency in Google Workspace, Zoom, Monday.com, Action Network, and other tools.
8. Excellent writing, verbal communication, presentation, and analytical skills.
9. Team leadership experience is a plus.
10. Dedication and commitment to racial equity and social justice

Employee Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• Salary range: $70,000-$ 78,740 annually, based on experience.
• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Full-time remote work with some travel for bi-monthly in-person staff meetings and community events.
• Eligibility to participate in 401(K) Plan with up to 6% employer match
• Paid vacation based on years of service; sick, family, and medical leaves in accordance with California laws
• Eligibility for pre-tax flexible spending plan (FSA) for health care and or dependent care.
• Group term life insurance
• Staff development stipend and opportunities

General Requirements

• No later than the first day of employment must provide acceptable documents for proof of identity and employment authorization in the United States for Form I-9.
• This is a remote position based in California; applicants for this position must be current residents of California or be willing to relocate to California.

How to apply

• Click here to complete the short online application and upload your resume and references.