Communications Manager

Groundwork USA seeks to hire a Communications Manager to lead outreach and storytelling efforts across our growing technical assistance and grantmaking programs. This role will lead our communications effort as part of multiple ambitious federally funded grantmaking and technical assistance programs that support environmental, climate, and water justice practitioners. Our programs have a national reach but a focus on EPA regions 1, 2, and 3.
Groundwork USA is the only network of local, people-centered organizations devoted to transforming the natural and built environment of under-resourced communities – a national enterprise with local roots, working at the intersection of the environment, health, equity, youth empowerment, and civic engagement. Through inclusive, meaningful community engagement and cross-sector collaboration, local Groundwork affiliates called “Trusts” transform neglected land and waterways into assets that under-resourced neighborhoods need to be healthy and resilient while building community capacity to improve systems. Groundwork USA supports this dynamic network and advances the field of equitable development through national technical assistance and learning network programs for local practitioners. Our work is supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Park Service, the United States Department of Agriculture, and other partners.
The Position: The Communications Manager will play an important role leading outreach, promotion, and impact storytelling across our technical assistance programs. We are looking for a creative storyteller to collaborate across internal teams and external partners to coordinate engagement priorities, develop strategies for elevating opportunities and learnings, and lead the production of content – including outreach materials, case studies, blog posts, and impact stories – to support the success of these programs. With the support of the Senior Manager of Communications, the Manager will integrate these priorities into our organizational communications goals to create a cohesive brand experience across all of our stakeholders. Currently, our technical assistance programs include the Urban Waters Learning Network, EPA Brownfields Nonprofit Technical Assistance Program, and the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grant program.
This is a fully remote position, and the ideal candidate will have comfort and experience managing remote projects and teams, including those with external partners. Individuals with interest and experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: storytelling (written, visual, and multimedia, etc.), science communications, graphic design, project management, environmental justice, climate resilience, climate change, and organizational capacity building.
This position is part of the Development and Communications Team and will report to the Chief Development and Communications Officer. This is a remote position and limited travel is required. There is a preference for candidates residing in states, tribal nations, or US territories (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) in EPA regions 1, 2, or 3 and for candidates residing in our Trust cities; however, candidates in all regions will be considered. The majority of travel will take place within EPA regions 1, 2, and 3 and may include partner meetings, conferences, and storytelling. Additional travel is required for Groundwork USA’s annual staff retreat and annual network-wide gathering.
Responsibilities include:
Collaborating with internal and external partners to develop and lead outreach and engagement strategies across technical assistance and grantmaking programs and integrate priorities into the broader Groundwork USA communications strategy.
Create and manage workflows to identify and uplift impact stories, learnings, and best practices across program areas.
Support the collection and production of content that amplifies stories from across our grantees, technical assistance clients, and affiliates.
Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the Groundwork USA website, newsletters, blog, and social media channels.
Develop and participate in communications capacity-building provided to program grantees and Groundwork Trusts, in collaboration with Groundwork USA program teams.
Required Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated, creative storyteller who is excited about theopportunity to share their skills with a growing team as we workcollaboratively towards ambitious goals. The ideal candidate should exhibit the following core competencies:
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and proven experience translating complex and technical concepts into clear messages for teammates and partners.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to independently develop transparent systems, follow through on assignments, meet deadlines, and facilitate the efforts of the full team to do the same.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in digital communications with experience developing engaging content across a variety of formats.
Familiarity with impact reporting (data collection, analysis, and visualization) and integrating data into storytelling.
Working knowledge of inclusive communications best practices, including a demonstrated ability to build relationships, honor stories shared by participants, and avoid extractive processes.
An ability to effectively build relationships and engage individuals working on the ground in distant locations.
Technologically proficient with experience working in MS Office and Google programs, project management platforms (Asana, Trello, Monday.com, etc.), and common communications platforms such as WordPress, MailChimp, social media management tools, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite.
Detail-oriented and organized, with experience in simultaneous oversight of multiple projects, completing tasks on tight timelines, and communicating effectively around shifting needs and/or priorities.
Strong, demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and to build relationships with and engage colleagues across the country in a virtual environment.
Desired Qualifications: These additional qualifications would be valuable in this role.
Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish is a plus.
Experience with graphic design, photography, or videography, directly and/or in collaboration with contract designers.
Experience managing small teams, including both internal staff and external partners and contractors.
Compensation and Benefits: The expected salary range for this full-time position is $70,000-$75,000; benefits include:
Health Insurance - medical, dental, and vision
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
403(b) retirement plan
Sustainable vacation time
Paid holidays
Paid wellness/sick days
Paid parental leave
Monthly work-from-home stipend
Eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer
Professional development opportunities
Please see our careers page for more details on benefits.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications received by June 28, 2024, will be ensured full consideration .  Only those selected for interviews are guaranteed to be contacted. Your understanding is appreciated.
Groundwork USA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to maintaining and growing a diverse team, and an anti-racist organization committed to doing business in keeping with core values of relevance, equity, diversity, and inclusion.