Federation of State Humanities Councils
Communications Manager
Federation of State Humanities Councils, Arlington, Virginia, United States, 22201
Status:
Full-time, ExemptReports to:
Director of Engagement & ImpactHours:
Typical office hours in the Eastern Time zone, with some flexibility availableLocation:
Remote with optional 1-3 days in the Arlington, VA office (if local); out-of-state travel required up to 4 times a year, ranging 1-5 daysApplication deadline:
August 2, 2024Organization Overview:
Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils (”Federation”) is a 501(c)(3) and the national membership organization for the state and jurisdictional humanities councils. Rooted in the distinctive places and people they serve, the councils are independent nonprofit organizations that conduct and fund public humanities programs, engaging millions of people in community and civic life. The councils are funded in part by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
The Federation serves the councils by fostering connections and deepening their networks, providing resources and capacity-sharing opportunities, acting as a liaison with the NEH, and advocating to Congress for federal funding.Position Summary:
The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies. The Manager provides vital internal support to all areas of the membership-based organization as the Federation pursues the goals of its new Strategic Plan, building on its capacity to support and strengthen its member state and jurisdictional humanities councils.MissionThe Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy.The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s mission by ensuring the organization’s work and strategic priority areas (advocacy, NEH relationship, member resources, and leading with equity) benefit from a coordinated and cohesive communications strategy. The Manager will manage, write, and edit external and internal communications with direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact and collaboration with other staff.VisionWe envision a fully-resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a just future.The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s vision by using language and technology to help the organization advocate for Federal funds for member councils, strengthen the relationship with NEH, and strengthen members’ sense of community and the connectedness of the humanities council network.ValuesAll team members are expected to center the Federation’s values in their work. In support of our history, mission, and vision, the Federation seeks to embody and promote:Accountability . We take responsibility for our journey of becoming an equitable organization and commit to taking action for positive change in all aspects of our work with members and external stakeholders.Inclusion.
We expand access, remove barriers to participation, and intentionally invite participation from historically marginalized people and all communities.Service . We serve members by providing valuable resources, guidance, information, expertise, convenings, and advocacy that reflects their diverse interests, needs, and concerns.Transparency . We invite shared decision-making and collaboration through openness and clarity with our stakeholders.Understanding.
We participate in active listening, purposeful interactions, and reflective practices.Key Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Communications Strategy (35%)With strategic direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact, manage all deadlines and workflows of the annual communications plan, which includes the editorial calendarDevelop and implement the Federation’s communications strategy through collaboration with the Federation team, key stakeholders, and partnersProduce overarching messaging and framing for Federation contentAssist the Director of Engagement & Impact with the workflows for longer-form content, such as annual reports and research reportsIn coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, regularly review, capture, and analyze data to inform the Federation’s communication strategy and impact reportingMonitor for high-impact news and opportunities to highlight councils and the Federation in external media outlets (i.e. newsletters, websites, articles, Letters to the Editor, etc.)Messaging (30%)Manage website content: write, edit, and/or schedule website copy and spearhead and manage the process of adding ADA tools to the websiteWrite and edit Member and Federation Wiki contentOrganize the drafting, content collection, and layout of Federation newsletters, announcements, press releases, blog posts, quotes, event emails, and other emails as assignedCollaborate with Events team on event newslettersWith the Federation team, develop the public voice of the brand and style guides for all public relations, promotions, and eventsIn coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, optimize messaging to support the organization’s goalsSocial Media (20%)Draft, edit copy, build, and schedule social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)Manage all deadlines and workflows for the Federation social media calendar (part of the overall editorial calendar)Design initiatives and curate content to highlight council programs and Federation activitiesOptimize and track the Federation’s social presence to support the organization’s goals, including use of Google AnalyticsCross-Cutting Responsibilities (15%)Serve as primary contact with communications vendors (i.e. website designers,Constant Contact, Google Analytics)Serve as the Federation’s contact for council communications officers and the Comms/Devs member network, and respond to member requests about the Federation’s communications channels and toolsAs directed by the President, maintain regular, professional communication with Federation board and take minutes at all Board and Annual Business meetingsServe as the liaison between the Federation and NHA communication teams on the National Humanities Conference planning teamWith direction from the President, provide communications reports to the Federation Development & Communications Committee and the BoardResearch and implement new tools, processes, or opportunities to enhance the organization’s communication goalsSupervisory Responsibilities:
NoneSkills and attributes:4+ years of experience managing the diverse communications needs of a national or regional-serving nonprofit, including managing organizational websites and social mediaWhile not required, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English, history, public affairs or a related field is desirableStrong written and oral communications skillsHigh standards for and ease with customer service and daily interaction with a wide variety of constituenciesThe ability to collaborate across the organization on projects and manage multiple deadlinesInformation design skills and familiarity with software such as Canva, Flourish, Affinity, Coda, or Adobe Creative SuiteCreative problem-solving skills and professional and polished interpersonal skillsAbility to work both independently and as part of a team, with roles often shifting rapidly or taking place concurrentlyProof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination requiredA demonstrated ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships and partnerships with a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations and a commitment to access are central to our work. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, working class individuals, veterans, and members of other marginalized communities.We realize there are great candidates who won’t check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!
Full-time, ExemptReports to:
Director of Engagement & ImpactHours:
Typical office hours in the Eastern Time zone, with some flexibility availableLocation:
Remote with optional 1-3 days in the Arlington, VA office (if local); out-of-state travel required up to 4 times a year, ranging 1-5 daysApplication deadline:
August 2, 2024Organization Overview:
Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils (”Federation”) is a 501(c)(3) and the national membership organization for the state and jurisdictional humanities councils. Rooted in the distinctive places and people they serve, the councils are independent nonprofit organizations that conduct and fund public humanities programs, engaging millions of people in community and civic life. The councils are funded in part by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
The Federation serves the councils by fostering connections and deepening their networks, providing resources and capacity-sharing opportunities, acting as a liaison with the NEH, and advocating to Congress for federal funding.Position Summary:
The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies. The Manager provides vital internal support to all areas of the membership-based organization as the Federation pursues the goals of its new Strategic Plan, building on its capacity to support and strengthen its member state and jurisdictional humanities councils.MissionThe Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy.The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s mission by ensuring the organization’s work and strategic priority areas (advocacy, NEH relationship, member resources, and leading with equity) benefit from a coordinated and cohesive communications strategy. The Manager will manage, write, and edit external and internal communications with direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact and collaboration with other staff.VisionWe envision a fully-resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a just future.The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s vision by using language and technology to help the organization advocate for Federal funds for member councils, strengthen the relationship with NEH, and strengthen members’ sense of community and the connectedness of the humanities council network.ValuesAll team members are expected to center the Federation’s values in their work. In support of our history, mission, and vision, the Federation seeks to embody and promote:Accountability . We take responsibility for our journey of becoming an equitable organization and commit to taking action for positive change in all aspects of our work with members and external stakeholders.Inclusion.
We expand access, remove barriers to participation, and intentionally invite participation from historically marginalized people and all communities.Service . We serve members by providing valuable resources, guidance, information, expertise, convenings, and advocacy that reflects their diverse interests, needs, and concerns.Transparency . We invite shared decision-making and collaboration through openness and clarity with our stakeholders.Understanding.
We participate in active listening, purposeful interactions, and reflective practices.Key Responsibilities:
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Communications Strategy (35%)With strategic direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact, manage all deadlines and workflows of the annual communications plan, which includes the editorial calendarDevelop and implement the Federation’s communications strategy through collaboration with the Federation team, key stakeholders, and partnersProduce overarching messaging and framing for Federation contentAssist the Director of Engagement & Impact with the workflows for longer-form content, such as annual reports and research reportsIn coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, regularly review, capture, and analyze data to inform the Federation’s communication strategy and impact reportingMonitor for high-impact news and opportunities to highlight councils and the Federation in external media outlets (i.e. newsletters, websites, articles, Letters to the Editor, etc.)Messaging (30%)Manage website content: write, edit, and/or schedule website copy and spearhead and manage the process of adding ADA tools to the websiteWrite and edit Member and Federation Wiki contentOrganize the drafting, content collection, and layout of Federation newsletters, announcements, press releases, blog posts, quotes, event emails, and other emails as assignedCollaborate with Events team on event newslettersWith the Federation team, develop the public voice of the brand and style guides for all public relations, promotions, and eventsIn coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, optimize messaging to support the organization’s goalsSocial Media (20%)Draft, edit copy, build, and schedule social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)Manage all deadlines and workflows for the Federation social media calendar (part of the overall editorial calendar)Design initiatives and curate content to highlight council programs and Federation activitiesOptimize and track the Federation’s social presence to support the organization’s goals, including use of Google AnalyticsCross-Cutting Responsibilities (15%)Serve as primary contact with communications vendors (i.e. website designers,Constant Contact, Google Analytics)Serve as the Federation’s contact for council communications officers and the Comms/Devs member network, and respond to member requests about the Federation’s communications channels and toolsAs directed by the President, maintain regular, professional communication with Federation board and take minutes at all Board and Annual Business meetingsServe as the liaison between the Federation and NHA communication teams on the National Humanities Conference planning teamWith direction from the President, provide communications reports to the Federation Development & Communications Committee and the BoardResearch and implement new tools, processes, or opportunities to enhance the organization’s communication goalsSupervisory Responsibilities:
NoneSkills and attributes:4+ years of experience managing the diverse communications needs of a national or regional-serving nonprofit, including managing organizational websites and social mediaWhile not required, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English, history, public affairs or a related field is desirableStrong written and oral communications skillsHigh standards for and ease with customer service and daily interaction with a wide variety of constituenciesThe ability to collaborate across the organization on projects and manage multiple deadlinesInformation design skills and familiarity with software such as Canva, Flourish, Affinity, Coda, or Adobe Creative SuiteCreative problem-solving skills and professional and polished interpersonal skillsAbility to work both independently and as part of a team, with roles often shifting rapidly or taking place concurrentlyProof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination requiredA demonstrated ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships and partnerships with a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations and a commitment to access are central to our work. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, working class individuals, veterans, and members of other marginalized communities.We realize there are great candidates who won’t check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself!