[Hiring] Senior Communications Manager @Community Catalyst Inc

Role Description

The Senior Communications Manager, Technical Assistance (TA), provides strategic, time-bound communications support to Community Catalyst partners and internal teams at moments when decisions are still in motion and community power can shape outcomes.

Situated within the Programs and System Change team, this role operates as part of a cross-functional technical assistance team—integrating narrative strategy, storytelling, design, earned media, and digital execution to support high-leverage policy, advocacy, and organizing interventions aligned with Community Catalyst’s strategic priorities (SPs) and grant deliverables.

While within the Programs and Systems Change team, receives functional coaching, tools, and standards support from Communications Enterprise staff, ensuring alignment with narrative strategy, brand integrity, and measurement practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Narrative & TA Interventions
  • Partner with state and community organizations to design communications interventions aligned with defined policy, advocacy, or campaign goals.
  • Identify dominant narratives shaping decisions and develop framing and messaging strategies that shift power toward communities.
  • Ensure communications interventions support both near-term outcomes and long-term movement and narrative change.
  • Apply research-backed narrative guidance and best practices, including resources from Wonder Strategies for Good.
• Partner Support & Execution
  • Serve as a hands-on communications partner to TA recipients, supporting planning, execution, and adaptation of strategies.
  • Work with partners to clarify goals, audiences, timelines, and success metrics aligned to SPs and grant requirements.
  • Translate complex policy and systems dynamics into clear, accessible communications approaches partners can sustain.
• Storytelling, Media, Digital & Design Integration
  • Support ethical collection and strategic use of lived-experience stories in partnership with communities.
  • Integrate stories with data, research, and policy analysis to strengthen credibility and authority.
  • Support targeted earned media, digital campaigns, and design assets as part of defined TA interventions.
  • Coordinate with internal communications staff and external vendors to ensure speed, quality, and alignment.
• Measurement, Learning & Accountability
  • Track and document communications outcomes aligned to SPs, TA objectives, and grant deliverables.
  • Monitor indicators related to narrative influence, media quality, engagement relevance, and partner capacity.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative insights to adjust strategy in real time and inform post-intervention learning.
  • Contribute to enterprise-wide learning on effective communications TA and uplifting partner successes for enterprise communications.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience in advocacy communications, campaign communications, or a communications firm/agency environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting campaigns, coalitions, or partners through time-bound, outcome-driven work.
• Strong narrative, framing, writing, and editing skills.
• Experience tracking, measuring, and reporting outcomes aligned to strategic goals or grants.
• Demonstrated experience building relationships and working with storytellers as a broader campaign strategy.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple TA engagements simultaneously.
• Comfort working independently in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
• Alignment with health justice, racial equity, and community-led change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with one or more of the following is strongly preferred; candidates are not expected to bring all skills:
  • Design & Visual Content: Canva or similar tools.
  • Video & Multimedia: CapCut or comparable short-form video tools.
  • Earned Media & Monitoring: Muck Rack or similar platforms.
  • Digital Asset Management: Canto or comparable systems.
  • Advocacy & Engagement Platforms: EveryAction, Soapboxx, or similar tools.
  • Hands-on knowledge of how to execute a digital ad campaign and how to measure success of digital campaigns.

Core Competencies

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor messages for multiple stakeholders, including partners, policymakers, funders, and the public.
• Ability to translate complex policy and systems issues into clear, compelling communications.
• Experience managing multiple workstreams with tight timelines and shifting priorities.
• Strong collaboration and facilitation skills when working with partners and cross-functional teams.
• Comfort tracking outcomes and documenting progress aligned to strategic priorities and grant deliverables.

Measures of Success

• Within the first 12 months, this incumbent will:
  • Develop expertise in technical assistance (TA) delivery, guiding partners through scoped, outcome-driven communications engagements.
  • Co-create and execute strategic communications plans with community and state partners, aligned to advocacy and policy goals.
  • Drive effective storytelling and narrative strategy, integrating lived experience, data, and messaging to reach key audiences.
  • Track and optimize communications impact, using insights to refine strategies and support partner and organizational learning.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory responsibilities at this time.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a remote, office-based position performed from a home or remote workspace using standard office equipment and technology. Occasional travel may be required based on organizational needs. The role involves extended periods of sitting, regular computer use, and virtual communication. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Compensation & Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $80,000–$90,000, based on a full-time schedule.
• Placement within the range is determined by role scope, relevant experience, skills, geographic considerations, and internal equity.
• This position is included in a collective bargaining unit represented by a staff union, Community Catalyst United, and specific employment terms are subject to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• This position is eligible for Community Catalyst’s employee benefits program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements. Benefits may include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Retirement savings.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Paid family and medical leave.
  • Wellness benefits.
  • Other programs as outlined in the Employee Benefits Guide.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Community Catalyst is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.