Senior Communications Manager

About Us: 

All Voting is Local is a multistate, nonpartisan organization that fights against state and local voting policies that silence voters of color and other historically marginalized communities – not just in election years, but every year. We are on the ground in eight states (Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) building bridges with election officials who want to expand access to the ballot – and pushing back on those who don’t. We work with partners to advance fair, inclusive rules on voter registration, to remove barriers that make it more difficult for people to vote, and to ensure every vote counts. 

Position Summary: 

All Voting is Local is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Manager who is proactive, deadline-driven, takes initiative, and is inclusive. The ideal candidate can actively manage expectations, seek guidance, problem-solve, and collaborate closely with colleagues (at all levels and styles) and external partners. 

The Senior Communications Manager will be a core member of the organization’s Communications team but will work closely with the State Communications Director and state staff. The role will focus on implementing and driving public relations and media strategies, focusing on shaping the public narrative on organizational issues, for four of the eight states where All Voting has an organizational and staff presence. The candidate must be a critical thinker, excellent communicator, and strong writer, with the ability to work with all levels of the organization to establish a strong rapport and keep track of the work and issues happening at the state and local levels.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Create media relations materials including press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, advisories, and digital content, including engaging digital content for social, paid, and owned media.
• Work in collaboration with the Digital Communications Manager to develop and drive strategic social media campaigns that advance organizational objectives.
• Work in collaboration with state staff and with the State Communications Director to devise and execute strategic communication plans that draw upon traditional media relations tactics, while integrating innovative uses of digital platforms and content to reach various audiences.
• Manage state staff media availabilities, including press conferences, interviews, and other media appearances 
• Prepare organization principals for high-level media engagements, including interviews, editorial board meetings, and press calls
• Develop and drive proactive strategic communications plans, while maximizing rapid response opportunities to shape the narrative on voting rights.

• Develop and disseminate talking points to support the work of state teams and state-based partners
• Other related duties and projects as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, related field, or experience. 
• At least four years of media relations experience – including a demonstrated record of pitching and writing for the media, organizing and coordinating public media availabilities, and speaking on the record.
• Strong, persuasive writing skills, with a keen attention to detail. 
• Actively seeks and enjoys building relationships with reporters.
• Excellent organizational skills. Must be able to juggle multiple projects across states and issue areas and be adept at rapid response.
• Experienced and advanced capability in technology tools such as: Google Suite, digital media tools (e.g. Muck Rack), project management systems (e.g. Asana), and media monitoring tools (Meltwater). 
• Experienced user and utilization of social media tools as a way of staying up-to-date and current on breaking news and staying engaged with journalists. 
• Ability to travel to All Voting’s states occasionally, for retreats or other organizational needs; may require occasional evening and weekend working hours during critical and/or peak periods.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience or knowledge of voting rights or election administration issues. 
• Experience with media training for principals.

Role-Specific Competencies: 

All Voting has adopted a competency-based approach to job definition, hiring, performance assessment, and professional development. The following are our role-specific competencies and examples of how they manifest for this role. 

1. Accountability - Acts with a clear sense of ownership. Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and errors. Follows through on commitments, implements decisions that have been agreed upon, and makes sure others do the same. Self-advocates and partners to find viable solutions for coaching, resources, tools, and learning and development. Is reliable and responsive. Recognizes the impact of one’s behavior and actions on others. 

2. Mutual Respect - Values and celebrates differences. Recognizes, acknowledges, and integrates diverse experiences, styles, backgrounds, and perspectives. Shows up to meetings/events/calls prepared and on time. Listens to understand. Is authentically curious and asks questions to foster trust and collaboration. Shows appreciation for others and acknowledges contributions. 

3. Solutions Oriented - Identifies the source of a question or challenge and provides the appropriate or a better, way of doing things. Effectively and creatively thinks, evaluates, analyzes, and decides clearly and quickly, in such a way that helps solve a problem. Consistently focuses on problem-solving instead of seeking blame or what-ifs. Is inclusive with approach. Considers who are the stakeholders and resources to effectively design and execute the potential solutions. 

4. Sound Judgment - Exercises critical thinking, analysis, and assessment of implications and identification of patterns, making connections of underlying issues, and taking ownership of the outcome. Knows when to escalate and/or invite others. Can take a pause to reflect and/or pivot. Takes calculated risks. Is aware of and challenges biases in themselves. Seeks diversity and differences in opinions. Leverages experiences (successes and especially failures) to inform and refine decision-making as well as to inform delivery tone, time, and place in sharing information. 

Employee Benefits : 

All Voting provides a total benefits package that helps you manage your health, protect your income, and prepare for the future. Salary range for this role is $83,000 - 112,000.

● Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 

● Life, short-term disability, and AD&D insurance 

● Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

● 403(b) Retirement Account with a (%) matching contribution 

● Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

● Monthly tech stipend 

● Generous paid time off policies that include: 

○ Wellness Days 

○ Vacation Days 

○ Sick Days 

○ Personal Leave 

○ Paid Parental Leave 

How To Apply:

Don’t meet every single requirement?  Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At All Voting, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience does not perfectly align with every qualification in this role description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.