Communications Manager

Hiring Manager Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week); Exempt; Regular

Telecommute Agreement: Remote; Travel May Required

Salary: The Communications Manager position has a full salary range of $65,000 - $90,000. However, aligned with our DEI practices, we typically bring in candidates between the minimum and maximum of $65,000 - $70,000. This does not include additional benefits offered to full-time employees, such as generous paid time off, health insurance (fully covered base medical plan and 99% covered vision and dental plan), and professional development.

Anticipated Start Date: April 7, 2025

About Rise: Rise's mission is to unleash Gen Z's political power by connecting passion to action. We develop young leaders, unite diverse voices, and create digital and real-world spaces where youth can transform their biggest concerns into meaningful progressive change. Additionally, we leverage storytelling to ensure progressive values shape mainstream culture and policy. Rise exists to ensure that politics isn't something that happens to us—it's something we shape.

Position Summary: The Communications Manager will lead Rise's strategic communications efforts, amplifying youth voices and driving narrative change around youth political engagement. This role combines strategic leadership, creative storytelling, and digital expertise to advance Rise's mission of mobilizing Gen Z's political power. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to youth leadership and political power, a strong sense of political strategy and narrative, an ability to work collaboratively across teams and with youth leaders, an adaptability and comfort with rapid change, a creative problem-solving approach, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that advance Rise's mission and amplify youth voices in the political landscape
• Create and manage the annual communications calendar, aligning with organizational priorities, campaigns, and key political moments
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, influencers, and partner organizations
• Maintain relationships and lead Rise’s partnership with paid media consultants and partners, such as influencer networks, creative consultants, media buyers, and production firms.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response
• Manage and mentor the communications and content creation team

Content Strategy & Development

• Oversee the creation of compelling content across all platforms that resonates with Gen Z audiences
• Guide the development of Rise's voice, tone, and messaging across all communications channels
• Drive storytelling strategies that center youth experiences and demonstrate Rise's impact nationally, regionally, and at the state level
• Ensure brand consistency across all external communications
• Oversee website content strategy and management

Digital Communications

• Lead social media strategy across platforms, with a particular focus on platforms where Gen Z engages
• Drive innovation in digital storytelling and engagement tactics
• Oversee email marketing strategy and execution
• Spearhead digital campaigns via actions on our website and via our email list, such as petitions and advocacy forms
• Manage relationships with vendors for digital tools
• Monitor and analyze digital metrics to optimize communication strategies

Media Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact and manage media relationships
• Secure high-impact media coverage that advances Rise's mission
• Prepare organizational leaders and youth advocates for media appearances
• Draft press releases, statements, and other media materials
• Monitor news coverage and identify opportunities for Rise to shape public discourse

Movement Communications

• Develop communications strategies that support youth organizing and advocacy campaigns
• Create messaging frameworks that resonate with diverse youth audiences
• Support youth leaders in developing their voices and platforms
• Collaborate with the organizing team to amplify youth-led campaigns and actions

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of communications experience, with at least 3 years in leadership roles
• Proven track record in political, advocacy, or movement communications
• Experience managing high-performing communications teams
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in strategic communications and storytelling
• Deep understanding of digital platforms and their strategic use
• Experience working with the press and serving as an organizational spokesperson
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities
• Experience with digital analytics and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, campaign-style environments
• Strong project management and team leadership skills
• Deep understanding of youth culture and Gen Z communication preferences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in youth organizing or youth-centered organizations
• Understanding of political organizing and movement building
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Familiarity with the current political landscape and youth political engagement
• Background in digital organizing or digital advocacy
• Proficiency with advocacy CRM tools such as EveryAction, NGPVAN, or Action Network
• Familiarity with CMS tools like WordPress and social media management platforms

Note: Candidates with extensive leadership experience and strategic expertise may be considered for the Director of Communications title, while those with strong foundational experience may be hired as Communications Manager with opportunities for advancement. The salary would be adjusted accordingly if the Director title is granted.

Rise's mission is to unleash Gen Z's political power by connecting passion to action. We develop young leaders, unite diverse voices, and create digital and real-world spaces where youth can transform their biggest concerns into meaningful progressive change. Additionally, we leverage storytelling to ensure progressive values shape mainstream culture and policy. Rise exists to ensure that politics isn't something that happens to us—it's something we shape.