Strategic Communications Manager

Position Overview

Rochester Education and Development for Youth (READY) seeks a strategic and community-centered Strategic Communications Manager to lead external communications, storytelling, and community engagement efforts. This role will elevate the organization’s mission by building strong relationships with families, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring consistent, culturally responsive messaging across all platforms.

This is a hybrid role based in Rochester, NY, with a mix of in-office collaboration, community presence, and remote work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications Strategy & Brand Management

Brand & Visual Identity

• • Lead the development and execution of READY’s brand identity and visual standards
  • Design high-quality materials including pitch decks, reports, one-pagers, event collateral, and digital content
  • Ensure brand consistency and excellence across all visual and written communications

1. Content Creation & Storytelling

• Craft compelling narratives that clearly communicate READY’s impact, strategy, and urgency
• Translate data and complex ideas into clear, engaging, and accessible content
  • Highlight student, family, and community success stories
• Develop content across channels, including:
• Website copy
• Social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
• Newsletters and email campaigns
• Video scripts (e.g., READY Rundown)

1. Community Engagement
   • Identify opportunities to elevate READY’s voice in the community and beyond
   • Serve as a key liaison between Ready4School and the Rochester community
   • Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders
   • Plan and promote community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives
   • Represent Ready4School at local events and forums
2. Digital & Media Relations
   • Manage social media platforms and engagement strategy
   • Track analytics and optimize performance across channels
   • Build relationships with local media and secure coverage opportunities
3. Internal Collaboration
   • Partner with leadership to shape messaging for public speaking, media, and stakeholder engagement
   • Partner with program, development, and leadership teams to align messaging
   • Support fundraising campaigns through communications and donor storytelling
   • Provide guidance to staff on messaging and communication best practices

Qualifications

Required:

• • Knowledge of Rochester K-12 education landscape
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
  • 4–7+ years of communications, community engagement, or nonprofit experience
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
  • Advanced proficiency in graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and similar tools)
  • Strong portfolio showcasing visual design and written content
  • Experience managing social media and digital platforms
  • Demonstrated ability to engage diverse communities

Preferred:

• • Experience in education, nonprofit, or social impact sectors
  • Familiarity with data storytelling and translating insights into visuals
  • Experience supporting fundraising communications and donor engagement
  • Experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) or email marketing platforms

Key Competencies

• • Strategic thinking and execution
  • Cultural competence and community awareness
  • Relationship-building and partnership development
  • Data-informed decision-making
  • Project management and organization

Candidates are required to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.

Work Environment

• • Hybrid schedule (2–3 days in office/community; remainder remote)
  • Occasional evenings/weekends for events

Health

Dental

Retirement