Senior Manager of Communications

Senior Manager of Communications

Position Overview

The Senior Manager of Communications is GirlTREK's communications strategist, responsible for shaping how the organization tells its story to members, donors, partners, and the public. This role develops messaging and positioning, manages media relations, writes compelling copy across channels, and ensures all communications reflect GirlTREK's voice and values. The Sr. Manager provides strategic communications support to marketing campaigns, partnerships, and programs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications Strategy & Messaging (30%)

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop messaging and positioning for GirlTREK across all audiences (members, donors, partners, public)
• Create content strategy - what to communicate, when, through which channels, and why
• Steward GirlTREK's brand voice, tone, and storytelling approach
• Ensure all communications reflect GirlTREK's values and cultural authenticity
• Coordinate communications across divisions to ensure consistent narrative

Brand Voice & Messaging

• Develop and maintain brand voice guidelines
• Create messaging frameworks for programs, campaigns, and partnerships
• Ensure consistency in how GirlTREK is represented across all communications
• Adapt organizational messaging for different audiences while maintaining brand integrity

2. Media Relations & Public Relations (30%)

Media Strategy & Outreach

• Develop PR strategy and media outreach plans to increase GirlTREK's visibility and public profile
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets
• Identify media opportunities and story angles that advance organizational priorities
• Pitch stories and secure media placements in target outlets

Media Management

• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and strategic manner
• Coordinate interviews and media appearances for leadership
• Prepare leadership for media appearances including talking points and media training
• Monitor media coverage and track press mentions

Thought Leadership

• Identify opportunities for op-eds, contributed articles, and thought leadership appearances
• Write or support development of thought leadership content
• Position organizational leaders as experts in Black women's health and wellness

3. Content Development & Copywriting (30%)

Marketing Support

• Write compelling copy for marketing campaigns developed by VP of Brand Partnerships & Marketing
• Write and edit email copy for member journeys, campaign emails, and member communications
• Support campaign development with strong messaging and storytelling
• Ensure all marketing copy aligns with brand voice and organizational values
• Manage external comms vendors

Storytelling

• Develop compelling narratives about GirlTREK's impact, mission, and community
• Create member stories, testimonials, and impact case studies
• Write content that brings programs to life and inspires action
• Translate program work and data into accessible, engaging stories

Partnership Communications

• Write partnership announcements, press releases, and communications materials
• Support partnership activation with compelling messaging and copy
• Develop content for partnership stewardship and reporting

Donor Communications

• Support VP of Philanthropy with donor communications and campaign materials
• Write donor-facing content including impact reports, campaign appeals, and stewardship communications
• Ensure donor communications align with organizational messaging

4. Crisis Communications & Issues Management (10%)

• Develop and maintain crisis communications protocols and templates
• Lead organizational communications response during crises or sensitive situations
• Coordinate with leadership on messaging and response strategy
• Manage issues as they arise with appropriate urgency and strategic thinking
• Conduct communications risk assessment and prepare for potential issues

Qualifications

Required:

• 6-8 years experience in communications, PR, journalism, or related field
• Exceptional writing and editing skills across multiple formats and audiences
• Media relations experience including pitching, press releases, and journalist relationships
• Strong storytelling abilities and narrative development skills
• Strategic communications thinking and ability to develop messaging frameworks
• Brand voice stewardship and consistency management
• Ability to write compelling copy under deadline pressure
• Strong project management and ability to manage multiple priorities

Who you are:

• You are a talented writer who thrives in fast-moving environments. You produce high-quality copy across various formats — email, web, press, campaigns — that is clear, compelling, and true to brand. You adapt voice for different audiences without losing what makes it distinct.
• You're a strategist first, writer second. You don't wait to be told what to say — you develop messaging frameworks, identify what the organization should be communicating and when, and advise leadership on how to show up publicly. You hold the big picture while executing with precision.
• You have real media relationships and know how to use them. You understand what journalists need, can develop story angles that serve both the reporter and the organization, and have a track record of placements you can point to. You don't wait for press to come to you.

Preferred:

• Experience in nonprofit, social impact, or mission-driven organizations
• Understanding of Black women's health, culture, and community
• Crisis communications experience
• Email copywriting and marketing copy experience
• AP Style proficiency

Success Indicators

• Media coverage secured including quality placements in target outlets
• Messaging frameworks consistently applied across all touchpoints
• Brand voice and communications quality maintained across all materials
• Strong media relationships established and maintained
• Copy quality and effectiveness demonstrated through campaign performance
• Leadership satisfied with communications support and strategic counsel
• Quick turnaround on high-quality written materials
• Effective coordination with marketing and partnerships on integrated campaigns
• Crisis communications handled effectively when needed

Reporting Structure

Reports to: VP of Brand Partnerships & Marketing

Collaborates with: VP of Philanthropy, Programs leadership, President, Executive Director

Compensation & Benefits

• Position Type: Full-time, exempt
• Location: Remote (with occasional travel for events and team meetings)
• Salary: $90,800-$120,200 commensurate with experience & geographic location
• Benefits: Comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) match, unlimited PTO, annual winter sabbatical (Dec 1-31), professional development support