Communications Manager - First Five Nebraska

Description

Job Title: Communications Manager 

Department Name: First Five Nebraska 

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salary 

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska 

JOB SUMMARY: The Communications Manager oversees the organization’s policy, data/research, and advocacy communication efforts and manages communication team members.  Experience working in fast-paced environments and strong messaging skills are essential to role success.    

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for oversight and management of organizational communication strategies, messaging materials development, social media platforms, organizational website and messaging for policy, data/research and advocacy work on legislative and regulatory priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. 
• Track and report on key performance indicators related to the organization’s communications platforms and projects. 
• Manage communication team staff members. 
• Draft, review and approve messaging, talking points and rapid response materials on a range of legislative and regulatory issues for internal and external audiences in a clear, crisp, and compelling way. 
• Support the education of policymakers and stakeholders on existing and emerging policy issues by leveraging data, research, and stakeholder voices.   
• Ensure that products are delivered on time and deadlines are met. 
• Plan communication products and strategies in advance to strengthen the organization’s position in the policy, data/research and advocacy space.   
• Responsible for the communication section budget development and ensuring appropriate resources are available to complete communication tasks. 
• Serve as primary on-the-record spokesperson for the organization with press/media contacts and develop/manage relationships with state-based and national media representatives. 
• Ensure the quality and consistency of messaging as it pertains to organizational policy, data/research, and advocacy priorities. 
• Coordinate and partner with other communication professionals, associations, coalitions, peer groups and stakeholders to conceptualize, drive, and shape campaigns and initiatives that support policy/advocacy objectives. 
• Stay abreast of evolving trends in the political, policy and state/national media environment and apply insights to ongoing strategy and execution. 
• Work seamlessly as part of a cross-functional team, in an open and collaborative environment. 
• Project manage and coordinate communications efforts across multiple stakeholders. 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong ability to set priorities, make independent decisions, and manage time effectively. 
• Comfort with networking and building new relationships with contacts in state and federal government, media, and other public and private organizations.
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Working knowledge of Nebraska’s political context and the ability to promote First Five Nebraska’s agenda in a non-partisan manner. 
• Ability to advance communications consistent with the strategic vision for First Five Nebraska’s long-term policy, data/research, and advocacy objectives. 
• Ability to solve problems, respond confidently and adapt effectively to organizational crises, unexpected developments or ambiguous situations. 
• Creative and strategic thinker. 
• Works autonomously with minimal managerial oversight but seeks guidance when necessary and appropriate. 
• Skilled at media relations with excellent and well-maintained media contacts and an eye for what makes a compelling story. 
• Excellent writing and strong verbal communications and skills. 
• Genuine interest in advancing public policy and improving the educational, social, and economic outlook for our state and its citizens.  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, or commensurate work experience in a related field.    
• 5+ or more years of relevant experience. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, you will be regularly required to attend and contribute to meetings (often requiring sitting, standing, walking, and analyzing information in team settings).?  
• The employee will sometimes need to travel to locations within and outside of the state. Some travel will include overnight stays.? 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position based in Lincoln, Nebraska. During the legislative session, work hours are commonly required outside of typical business hours.? 

Nebraska Children and Families Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.