Nonprofit Remote Digest - Issue #765
Local Progress is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among our network, and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country.
Local Progress — localprogress.org Local Progress is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among our network, and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country.
Communications Manager
Position Title: Communications Manager
Position Location: Remote, U.S.
Local Progress is seeking a Communications Manager.
About Local Progress
Local Progress (LP) is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among our network and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. Hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and unions committed to advancing a social justice agenda, the elected officials and staff of Local Progress are building the network to facilitate a genuine “inside/outside” strategy to reforming municipal policy and politics. Founded in 2012, Local Progress has grown to over 1,400 local elected official members representing cities, counties, and towns in nearly every state.
About the Position:
The Communications Manager will help develop and execute media and digital strategies to advance our work, helping to uplift local leaders and local policy wins.
Working as part of a small but mighty communications team, this role will be responsible for managing key aspects of the organization’s day-to-day communications needs, as well as driving communications strategy for key program areas, including economic justice, federal advocacy, and state preemption. In addition to supporting our collective impact work, the Communications Manager will provide direct communications support to local elected officials in a variety of geographies (LP has state-based staff in FL, NC, TX, MN, and NY and members in 47 states).
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to learn and develop communications capacity and strategy around local and national issues, gain experience supporting local leaders across the country, and drive creative work around some of the biggest issues facing communities today.
The Communications Manager will report to the Communications Director.
Primary Responsibilities
The Communications Manager will:
Support key aspects of the organization’s day-to-day communications needs, including executing network-wide emails, responding to media inquiries, supporting brand development, and managing LP’s website and social media channels.
Work with national and state-based LP staff to develop and execute communications strategies for issue-based campaigns and projects. This includes developing messaging frames and talking points; drafting and pitching press releases, statements, op-eds/letters to editors, and other public facing materials; and writing social media copy and creating graphics to be used by both LP, members, and coalition partners.
Provide direct support to LP members, including strategic communications guidance and media training/media prep.
Work closely with and collaborate across the entire LP team to effectively disseminate network-related news, organizing opportunities, reports and policy briefs, and other resources.
Help to grow Local Progress's press lists and cultivate relationships with national and local reporters.
Required Qualifications:
5 years of experience with at least 2-3 years of communications experience in advocacy, political, or public policy related fields. Ideal experience is work on racial and economic justice issues;
Experience developing and executing communications plans with strong experience in both media relations and social media management;
Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate obstacles and identify ways to navigate challenges, identify and involve stakeholders appropriately, and drive projects independently;
Attention to detail with the ability to convey and translate complex information for a variety of audiences and settings; creative and proactive in identifying and co-conceiving creative communications opportunities;
A demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice and a deep interest in local policy, politics, and government.
Proficiency with Canva or other graphic design software.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
Proficiency with EveryAction or other content management system.
Proficiency with Muck Rack or other media relations/public relations platform.
Other Requirements:
This position requires working from a computer for 6-8 hours a day and will be required to travel to in-person events about once or twice a quarter. Local Progress requires employees who travel to submit proof of vaccination.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is expected to be $60,000 - $70,000 based on experience and geographic location.
We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 25 vacation days per year, 15 sick days per year, paid holidays, and contributions to individuals’ 403(b) plans. The Local Progress office is also closed between December 24 and January 1 annually.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and one supplementary materials through the JazzHR portal. Supplementary materials could be press releases, social media toolkits, draft op-Ed or commentaries, messaging guides or media prep materials that you played a primary role in drafting or creating.
We encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. Applicants will be screened on a rolling basis, with resume review beginning on March 31. If you have any time constraints, please indicate as much in your application.
Local Progress is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively recruits people of color, womxn, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQAA+ community.