Communications Manager
SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) - Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022Work at SPARC (Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition)
Overview
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Overview
The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) is a non-profit advocacy organization that supports systems for research and education that are open by default and equitable by design. We believe everyone should be able to access and contribute to the knowledge that shapes our world. As a catalyst for action, our pragmatic agenda focuses on driving policy change, supporting member action, and cultivating communities that advance our vision of knowledge as a public good. From the local to the global level, SPARC works to address the ways in which our knowledge systems exclude people due to racism, colonialism, and other legacies of injustice. SPARC is a project of the New Venture Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Position Description
The Communications Manager position works closely with SPARC’s leadership to spearhead the development and implementation of a comprehensive, multi-channel communication strategy that supports SPARC’s advocacy, policy, and community-building efforts. This role involves developing comprehensive communications plans to achieve key objectives, producing high-quality content, and delivering impactful messages to key audiences. The Communications Manager will ensure effective and consistent messaging across all platforms, using all available communication tools to advance open and equitable systems in research and education.This full-time, virtual position is newly created and offers a unique opportunity for a skilled communications professional to accelerate the impact of SPARC’s work. The ideal candidate possesses 5 years of experience in strategic communications as well as subject matter knowledge of SPARC’s issue areas including open access to research, open science, open education, and scholarly communications.Position Title:
Communications ManagerLocation:
Virtual, based anywhere in North America. Candidates located in the U.S. will be considered for employment and must be U.S. work authorized. Candidates located in Canada or Mexico will be considered for an independent contractor position.Hours & Schedule:
40 hours per week (average), generally available 9am-5pm Eastern Time with some flexibility for other schedules or time zones. Extra hours may be necessary periodically and are offset by a generous time off policy during the rest of the year. Will require 3-5 overnight trips a year.U.S. Overtime Status:
ExemptCompensation:
Full time employee salary of $75,000 - $95,000 USD per year, commensurate with experience.Employee Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and their families). Employees are able to enroll in a 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 80 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave, up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.Reports to:
Chief Operating Officer and Executive DirectorAvailability:
Desired start date of September 30, 2024.Position Responsibilities
Stay up-to-date with emerging issues relating to openness and equity in research and education, including news, policy developments, and trending topics among SPARC’s membership.Develop and maintain a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy to support SPARC’s mission and long-term goals.Collaborate with SPARC leadership to establish and adjust the components of the strategy, including objective setting, audience identification, and message development.Lead the development and implementation of communications campaigns to achieve specific policy, advocacy, and program objectives.Write, edit, proofread, and post communication materials tailored to relevant audiences, including social media content, blog posts, announcements, talking points, and media releases. Collaborate with and support SPARC team members in developing these materials when appropriate.Manage SPARC’s communication channels, including social media accounts, website content, monthly member newsletter, and email list.Organize and coordinate the effective implementation of an organization-wide communications schedule.Ensure brand and message consistency across all SPARC activities, platforms, and materials.Manage media relations, including developing contacts, monitoring coverage, and securing coverage in alignment with objectives.Track and analyze the effectiveness of communications efforts to inform continuous improvement.Draft, edit, and provide feedback on content for various SPARC needs, including policy letters, public comments, reports, and grant proposals.Contribute to SPARC’s broader initiatives as assigned, including relevant support for programming, events, advocacy, and policy work.Contribute to projects and discussions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of SPARC’s work.Position Qualifications
Education and experience:5+ years of relevant professional experience, ideally in an academic or similar environment.Strong knowledge of one or more of SPARC’s issue areas, including open access to research, open science, open education, and scholarly communications.Extensive experience in developing and managing communications strategies and campaigns, including identifying key audiences, developing messaging, creating a plan, and successfully implementing it.Extensive experience managing key communications functions, such as content creation, social media management, media relations, and brand identity.No specific degree is required, but a bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of coursework or training is preferred.Skills and abilities:Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling messages tailored to specific audiences, break down complex topics, and efficiently draft content for a wide range of purposes.Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail, time management, and project planning.Proven ability to meet deadlines.Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a virtual team.Consistent track record of being able to manage multiple priorities at once.Proven ability to problem solve and think creatively about solutions under pressure.Motivation to advocate for SPARC’s mission.Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.Familiarity with Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office and the capacity to quickly and independently learn to use new software applications and tools.Fluent in written and spoken English. Other languages are a plus.Additional desirable qualifications that will set qualified candidates apart:
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in open access to research, open science, open education, and scholarly communications.Significant professional experience in a role that held primary responsibility for communications strategy development.Strategic communications experience directly related to SPARC’s issue areas.Expertise in website design or experience managing a website or website redesign process.Studies have shown that people marginalized by racism and/or sexism are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. If you are unsure if you meet the listed requirements but believe you can perform the job as described, we encourage you to apply.Hiring Statement
The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) is a project of New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.E-Verify
NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.