Communications Manager

Are you passionate about storytelling, simplifying complex topics, and inspiring diverse audiences across multiple platforms? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy working collaboratively toward impactful change? Do you consider yourself an engaged advocate of higher education and immigrant and refugee rights?

Then, we want you on our team! We are seeking a strategic and skilled Communications Manager to lead and execute the organization’s communications strategy. In this pivotal role, you will help outreach and inform partners, their students, policymakers, and community advocates in innovative and impactful ways, advancing our mission at a critical time.

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that brings college and university presidents and chancellors together on the immigration issues that impact higher education, our students, campuses, communities, and nation. Launched in late 2017, we equip higher education leaders, build sustainable partnerships, support undocumented, international and refugee students, and advocate for just, forward-looking immigration policies and practices at the federal level, in our states, and across our college campuses. We are the only national organization exclusively focused on the intersection of higher education and immigration. The Alliance comprises over 570 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, enrolling over five million students in 42 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Our work could not be any more important at this time, and we are seeking a strategic, capable, and compassionate communicator who can help us outreach and inform our partners, their students, policymakers, and community advocates in a multitude of ways.

Description:

In collaboration with the Director of Development and Operations and other team members, the Manager of Communications will lead and help execute the President's Alliance communications strategy, ensuring the organization's messaging is clear, consistent, and impactful across multiple platforms. This individual will oversee and coordinate both internal and external communications efforts, working closely with teams to develop reports, newsletters, webinars, social media, media outreach, and press statements. Key responsibilities include content creation, maintaining communications relationships with media and external partners, and overseeing communications across digital and print platforms. The Manager of Communications will help edit materials, create compelling content around policies and programs, and support updates and uploads on the website and other digital channels.

This position is directly supported by our Development and Communications team, and works with all members of the larger organization to develop and implement comprehensive communication and engages with external consultants and contractors to support website revisions, graphic design, rapid response communications as needed.

This role is perfect for someone with vision and experience, looking to grow in a key role in a growing, mission-driven organization.

• Strategic Communications: Support the planning and execution of a comprehensive digital and print communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals, including advancing policy change, supporting impacted student populations, and elevating the profile of the Presidents’ Alliance and its members.
• Editorial Oversight: Manage the editorial process for external communications to ensure materials are high-quality, grammatically accurate, and consistent with organizational messaging.
• Content Creation: Collaborate with team members to develop, edit, and disseminate timely press releases, webinars, op-eds, reports, toolkits, and other advocacy-driven content.
• Digital Presence: Maintain and update the website to ensure consistency and professionalism; draft and manage content for regular e-newsletter and social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky, LinkedIn, YouTube)
• Media Engagement: Manage relationships with media outlets, reporters, and influencers to secure media coverage and foster partnerships that advance the organization’s mission. Monitor media coverage and evaluate campaign performance, adjusting strategies to achieve communication objectives.
• Collaboration: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including internal content and policy staff, community partners, and external collaborators.
• Support Outreach: Work with the Director of Development and Operations and other programmatic staff to develop impactful marketing materials, fundraising campaigns, and donor communications.
• Creative Growth: Contribute to expanding the organization’s communication tools, such as video production, graphic design, and audio recordings, for increased engagement and outreach opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Expertise: Background or academic/professional expertise in immigration and/or higher education is strongly encouraged.
• Skills:
  • Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for various platforms and audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience creating content on social media platforms.
  • Strong intercultural communication competencies and a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
  • Attention to detail in design and grammar.
  • Solid project management skills, including multitasking, time management, and prioritization.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute organizational communication strategies.
  • Analytical and critical thinking capabilities.

Technical Proficiency: Experience with WordPress or other website design tools; project management tools like Asana, Canva, and Qualtrics; Google Suite or Microsoft Office; email tools like Constant Contact; and design software like Adobe.

POSITION LOCATION & STRUCTURE

The salary for this position is $75,000, and the Presidents’ Alliance honors work-life balance with generous paid time off, including 20 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and 15 days of sick leave annually. Our very attractive benefits package includes 100% medical and dental insurance premium coverage for you and your dependents; fully covered life and long-term disability insurance; availability of pre-tax FSA (health care and dependent care) accounts; and a 5% employee contribution to 401(k) plan matched by a 10% employer contribution. Additionally, we provide professional development opportunities and mentorship as needed or requested, a start-up laptop and office supplies package, and monthly $50 tech reimbursement for all employees.

This full-time position is structured as a staff employee of the Presidents’ Alliance, which is a partner project of the National Center for Civic Innovation/Fund for the City of New York (NCCI/FCNY).

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter via Idealist.com. Finalists will be asked for references and a campaign or writing sample.

Consistent with federal, state, and local law, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other protected category. We strongly encourage first generation immigrants and refugees, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous individuals and people of color), women, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups to apply.