Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications

About the Community Learning Partnership (CLP)

The Community Learning Partnership’s mission is to contribute to transformative community and social change by expanding the credentialed workforce of knowledgeable and skilled leaders and organizers from and for low-income communities and communities of color. CLP builds Pathways into Community Change Careers programs that prepare people directly impacted by injustice to enter careers and leadership roles, where they can organize communities and bring about the changes needed to make policies and systems more equitable. We envision a just, humane, and healthy world, where people – particularly historically marginalized youth and communities of color – are actively involved in determining the structures, policies, and practices that affect their lives.

Founded in 2011, CLP has undergone an exciting stage of growth and expansion. In 2021, CLP collaborated with its California state partners to launch the California Youth Leadership Corps (CYLC), a statewide partnership focused on expanding learn-and-earn community change career pathways at selected community colleges. CYLC is designed to serve historically marginalized youth – particularly young people of color, young people living in poverty, Opportunity Youth and immigrant youth, offering young people pathways to postsecondary educational opportunities, paid work-based learning experiences, and community change careers. In addition, our national network of programs in seven states is poised to expand to additional states in the next few years.

Position Summary

CLP-CYLC seeks a strong writer and public relations strategist for our Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communication opening. The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications will work closely with CLP-CYLC Executive Director to proactively develop, lead, and manage the day-to-day implementation of public relations and strategic communications efforts in support of CLP’s mission and goals. This is a part-time position (25 hours/week) with benefits. While this is a remote position, candidates must reside in California.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop strategic public relations and communications messaging for the organization and the statewide initiative in California.
• Lead planning, writing, editing, and dissemination of press and other public statements.
• Develop and maintain a database of media contacts, segmented by geographic area and issue area, to enhance targeted media outreach efforts.
• Serve as a thought partner with ED on public relations and strategic communications plan and written products.
• Build and maintain media relationships to position CLP-CYLC as a go-to resource on our issues.
• Monitor press coverage and social media for emerging developments or breaking news related to our work in California and develop communications strategies for rapid response needs and opportunities.
• In cases of state and local emergencies and natural disasters, particularly those related to issues such as climate change and other crises affecting CLP-CYLC programs, participants, and partners, monitor press coverage and proactively communicate with state and local agency press and public information offices to identify community resources and assistance for impacted community members; disseminate to CLP-CYLC staff, student participants, community college partners, and nonprofit partners in a timely manner.
• Develop creative ideas for proactive pitching and press outreach to secure coverage of our programs, partners, and students to local, regional, state-wide, and national media outlets.
• Field media inquiries and provide guidance and support to CLP-CYLC spokespeople in developing effective responses and conducting effective interviews.
• Produce strong, strategic messaging for print, including media kits, event flyers, and event programs, e-newsletter, and other projects.
• Develop and present reports on the effectiveness of public relations, strategic communications, and media outreach, with a focus on mission impact and alignment with organizational goals.
• Support CLP-CYLC teams and the Executive Director by reviewing and editing key program materials and documents.
• Share news clips with CLP-CYLC team on issues affecting their students, community partners, and campuses.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies

• At least 8 years of experience in communications, writing/editing, education, or related field or a combination thereof.
• Experience in and knowledge of the nonprofit, higher education, or public sector.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (English, communications, journalism, creative writing) required.
• Master’s degree required.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills required; proven writing and editing skills and ability to write for diverse audiences.
• Ability to build strong connections with California media outlets; state and local communications and public information offices; and other public relations and strategic communications professionals.
• Team player able to work both independently and in close collaboration with others.
  • Ability to work quickly and maintain composure under short deadlines.
• Attention to detail, organized, and able to meet deadlines with simultaneous projects.
• Commitment to social justice, community organizing, movement building, and non-violent communication.
• Ability to propose creative and impactful public relations and communications strategies.
• Brings sound political judgement.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish speaking) preferred.
• Collegial, professional, and flexible.