Manager of Press and Communication

3 days ago


Alexandria, United States National Head Start Association Full time

Unit: Government Affairs

Reports To: Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communication

Post Date: May 23, 2024

Location: While we are committed to a distributed approach with staff working remotely from across the nation, we prefer candidates from or willing to move to the Washington, D.C., area for this role.

FLSA Status: Exempt


THE PROCESS

Please submit your cover letter, résumé, and an example of an advocacy campaign or project you helped lead (can be a link, a written document, a video, etc.) to jobs@nhsa.org with Manager of Press and Communication in the subject line. We thank you for your interest in NHSA and Head Start, and know that we will only consider complete candidate packages for this position.


ABOUT THE NATIONAL HEAD START ASSOCIATION

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a nonprofit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. NHSA is the voice for nearly one million children, 200,000 staff, and 1,600 Head Start grant recipients in the United States. Since 1974, NHSA has worked diligently for policy changes that ensure all eligible children have access to Head Start’s 360 degree model of support for the whole child, the family, and the community.


OUR VISION AND MISSION

NHSA's vision is to lead - to be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family, and the community - and to advocate - to work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all eligible children and families have what they need to succeed. NHSA's mission is to coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.


THE OPPORTUNITY

In today’s ever-evolving landscape, the importance of effective communication has never been greater. Amidst the political dynamics of 2024, early childhood education remains a critical issue, yet it faces challenges ranging from funding uncertainties to changing regulations.

As Head Start and Early Head Start providers face unique challenges navigating political instability, a national workforce crisis, and increased needs of children and families, NHSA is seeking a Manager of Press and Communication to advocate for the needs of children and families nationwide.


As NHSA's Manager of Press and Communication, you will have the opportunity to shape the narrative around these issues, amplifying the voices of Head Start and Early Head Start providers and advocating for policies that support their vital work.

You will serve as a spokesperson for NHSA, effectively communicating the impact of our programs and initiatives to a wide audience. You will play a crucial role in shaping the dialogue around early childhood education in 2024 and beyond. Your efforts will directly impact the lives of children and families across the country, ensuring they have access to the high-quality education and support they deserve.


Reporting to NHSA’s Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications, expect to spend time interacting with reporters, Congressional and Administration staff, Head Start and Early Head Start advocates, and, most importantly, with children and families we serve. This new position will be part of NHSA’s government affairs team and responsible for aligning external communications and marketing efforts with colleagues across NHSA.


NHSA practices a human-centered approach with Head Start children and families at the center of everything they do. Their network is vast (with programs literally in every Congressional district across the country) and the opportunity to expand their impact is great even in this political environment. This position will also help us create awareness and advocacy campaigns, using testimonials by Head Start alums, staff, volunteers and parent/caregivers, that break through the ‘noise’ in this age of distraction and exhaustion.


MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and implement strategic media campaigns to raise awareness of the challenges facing Head Start and Early Head Start providers and advocate for policy solutions.
  • Forge and leverage relationships with national and local media outlets to ensure accurate and comprehensive coverage of early childhood education issues.
  • Craft compelling messaging and communications materials to engage policymakers, stakeholders, and the public in supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
  • Reinvent NHSA’s social media presence and curate content to enhance impact and reach.
  • Assist with content development for various websites, marketing collateral, and events, including the NHSA Fall and Winter Leadership
  • Institutes and other conferences and trainings.
  • Navigate the political landscape to identify opportunities for collaboration and advocacy on behalf of Head Start and Early Head Start providers.
  • Work independently and proactively while being a dependable team player.
  • Other relevant duties as assigned.


REQUIREMENTS

Minimum qualifications and skills:

  • Minimum of 4 years relevant work experience in writing, coordinating and managing press and communications strategies and campaigns, especially with a political focus.
  • Passion for Head Start’s commitment to ensuring every eligible child has the opportunity to succeed.
  • Successful track record in leading a cross-functional/cross-departmental team, with an ability to learn quickly and ask appropriate questions.
  • Proven analytical abilities for synthesis of information, strategy development, and identifying themes and relationships.
  • Strong task-orientation and organizational skills. Experience with establishing, managing and prioritizing multiple strategies and meeting deadlines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail and computer literacy.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills. Experience and ease working with large and small groups.
  • Desire for continuous learning and always improving in every facet of your work - your interpersonal professional relationships, your communication abilities, your impact, your team’s success, etc.
  • High tolerance for ambiguity. A high level of energy and a sense of humor.
  • Good judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.


Salary is commensurate with experience.


These are preferred and not required:

  • Washington D.C.-based (Note: While NHSA is still operating as a remote organization and they are open to this position being anywhere in the US, there will be meetings, interactions, and efforts that will require extensive time spent in Washington D.C. You’ll need to work with the organization to help figure out that plan should you be interested in the role and are not in the D.C. area).
  • Social media expertise including current trends and future opportunities, experience managing a non-profit’s brand on social media is a HUGE plus
  • Background and experience in negotiations, specifically in knowing when (and how) to fight and when to talk.
  • Spanish-writing and speaking proficiency with cultural competency
  • Experience with using WordPress


OUR CULTURE


NHSA is proud of our inclusive, collaborative, and professional culture. We value and reward teamwork, initiative, creativity, and intellectual and professional growth.

Collaboration: NHSA works in teams— we share ideas, brainstorm endlessly, and constantly seek innovative ideas that advance NHSA’s and Head Start’s missions.

Vision: NHSA values colleagues who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and bring a relentless passion for our mission.

Creativity: NHSA team members use data to form original insights. We find ways to incorporate innovative ideas and approaches that exist in the rich and vital Head Start community to push our mission.

Mindfulness: NHSA has an organization-wide commitment to strive for excellence; we set clear objectives, achieve ambitious goals, ensure accountability for results, and focus on our impact.

Intellectual Growth: NHSA values those who are curious and hungry for knowledge. Reflecting Head Start’s nearly 60 years of commitment to continuous improvement, our staff is dedicated to personal and professional growth, understanding, and commitment to NHSA’s mission.


NHSA IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.



  • Alexandria, United States Minuteman Press of Alexandria Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWell-established printing company in Alexandria VA seeks person with print shop experience to operate digital printing equipment and associated bindery equipment. Hourly rate commensurate with experience.Minuteman Press of Alexandria is a franchise member of Minuteman Press International, established in 1973 with approximately...


  • Alexandria, United States National Head Start Association Full time

    Unit: Government AffairsReports To: Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic CommunicationPost Date: May 23, 2024Location: While we are committed to a distributed approach with staff working remotely from across the nation, we prefer candidates from or willing to move to the Washington, D.C., area for this role.FLSA Status: ExemptTHE PROCESSPlease submit...


  • Alexandria, United States Virginia Association of Destination Marketing Organizations Full time

    Job Title: Communications Manager Reports To: Director of Communications Position Summary : The communications manager plays an integral part in Visit Alexandria’s content-driven storytelling through media relations, content planning and development, project management, visitor guide editorial support and more. This role serves as the right-hand person for...


  • Alexandria, Virginia, United States Visit Alexandria Full time

    Job Description The communications manager plays an integral part in Visit Alexandria's content-driven storytelling through media relations, content planning and development, project management, visitor guide editorial support and more. This role serves as the right-hand person for the Director of Communications, collaborating on overall communications...


  • Alexandria, Virginia, United States Visit Alexandria Full time

    Job Description The communications manager plays an integral part in Visit Alexandria's content-driven storytelling through media relations, content planning and development, project management, visitor guide editorial support and more. This role serves as the right-hand person for the Director of Communications, collaborating on overall communications...


  • Alexandria, United States Visit Alexandria Full time

    **Job Title**: Communications Manager **Reports To**: Director of Communications **About Alexandria, Virginia** Alexandria, VA, is a must-visit destination that has been among _Travel + Leisure_’s “Best Cities in the U.S.” for the past 2 years and _Condé Nast Traveler’s_ top 5 “Best Small Cities in the U.S.”for 6 consecutive years, among a...


  • Alexandria, United States Black Marketers Association of America (BMAA) Full time

    Job Description The communications manager plays an integral part in Visit Alexandria's content-driven storytelling through media relations, content planning and development, project management, visitor guide editorial support, and more. This role serves as the right-hand person for the Director of Communications, collaborating on overall communications...


  • Alexandria, United States Minuteman Press Full time

    We are looking for someone with an interest in the print industry, a desire to learn new things and great customer service skills. Print shop experience is required. - Manage projects that involve a wide range of high-quality printing and communication services. - Review job specification from work orders and ensure that client files are accurate to produce...


  • Alexandria, United States Minuteman Press Full time

    The position involves graphic design, print production and customer service. Must have strong graphic / layout skills and the ability to learn and grow with our company. Be able to create new designs and concepts to meet customer requirements. This may include any of the following design requirements: Company rebranding logos, business cards, business...


  • Alexandria, United States CADCA Full time

    **Title**: Manager, Communications and Marketing **Department**: Communications and Marketing **Reports to**: Director, Communications and Marketing **Employment Status**: Full-time, exempt **Location**: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 **About CADCA** CADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe, healthy, and...


  • Alexandria, United States CareerBuilder Full time

    Title: Manager, Communications and Marketing Department: Communications and Marketing Reports to: Director, Communications and Marketing Employment Status: Full-time, exempt Location: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 About CADCA CADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe, healthy, and drug-free communities globally. We...


  • Alexandria, United States Methanol Institute Full time

    **Job Title: Global Communications Manager** **Working hours**: Full time (40 hours per week) **Reporting to**: VP of External Affairs. **Role**: Collaborate with the Executive Management Team and global teams in Brussels, Delhi, Beijing, and Singapore to build and manage a comprehensive communications strategy. Develop content that supports the global...


  • Alexandria, United States AFBA Full time

    The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) is looking for a Program Manager, Technical Communities of Interest to join its team. SAME represents the public sector architecture/engineering/construction industry our 25,000 members literally build and support Americas infrastructure and national security. We provide our members opportunities...


  • Alexandria, United States Alfred Street Baptist Church Full time

    **Communications and Marketing Director** Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) is excited to announce our search for our **Director of Communications and Marketing**. Our church serves over 12,000 members and continues to grow to meet our member’s needs. We seek top performers who can who have much to offer and are dedicated servants of God. We also seek...


  • Alexandria, United States CADCA Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $75-85,000 Title: Manager, Communications and MarketingDepartment: Communications and MarketingReports to: Director, Communications and Marketing  Employment Status: Full-time, exemptLocation: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 About CADCACADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe,...


  • Alexandria, United States CADCA Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $75-85,000 Title: Manager, Communications and MarketingDepartment: Communications and MarketingReports to: Director, Communications and Marketing  Employment Status: Full-time, exemptLocation: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 About CADCACADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe,...


  • Alexandria, United States Methanol Institute Full time

    Job Title: Global Communications ManagerLocation: Washington DC (remote or hybrid options available upon consultation – candidates from other states are welcome to apply). Onboarding will be in person.Working hours: Full time (40 hours per week)Reporting to: VP of External Affairs.Role:Collaborate with the Executive Management Team and global teams in...


  • Alexandria, United States Methanol Institute Full time

    Job Title: Global Communications ManagerLocation: Washington DC (remote or hybrid options available upon consultation – candidates from other states are welcome to apply). Onboarding will be in person.Working hours: Full time (40 hours per week)Reporting to: VP of External Affairs.Role:Collaborate with the Executive Management Team and global teams in...


  • Alexandria, United States CADCA Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $75-85,000 Title: Manager, Communications and MarketingDepartment: Communications and MarketingReports to: Director, Communications and Marketing  Employment Status: Full-time, exemptLocation: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 About CADCACADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe,...


  • Alexandria, United States CADCA Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSalary: $75-85,000 Title: Manager, Communications and MarketingDepartment: Communications and MarketingReports to: Director, Communications and Marketing  Employment Status: Full-time, exemptLocation: 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 About CADCACADCA is a non-profit organization working to create safe,...