The Virginia Civic Engagement Table (VCET) is excited to announce the creation of a Communications Manager position.
You can view a PDF of the job description here.
VCET seeks an innovative Communications Manager to lead our work developing traditional and digital content highlighting both VCET and its work across Virginia. The successful candidate will have an organizer’s mentality, a passion for creative storytelling & movement-building, and a practitioner of narrative change who is committed to winning the battle of narratives, ideas, and expressions in the public sphere to deepen racial, social, and economic justice work. The Communications Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and be an integral leader on our team, bringing their expertise and creativity to our ongoing work of supporting progressive organizations and the ecosystem in Virginia.
Who we are:
VCET is a statewide organization that serves a broad network of partners across the Commonwealth with a concentration in Northern Virginia, greater Richmond, and the Hampton Roads regions. We envision a multi-racial democracy in Virginia where the full diversity of the commonwealth is actively participating, representing, and transforming our democracy. Where white supremacy is being actively dismantled, people of color, working families, and impacted communities are thriving in a just economy and leading healthy lives. We work towards our vision by cultivating a diverse and progressive leadership pipeline in Virginia, driving collaboration among partners through equitable and inclusive relationships, and growing shared capacity and resources for the progressive movement infrastructure in the Commonwealth.
VCET is a nonpartisan, 501c3 organization dedicated to fostering greater civic engagement in Virginia. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.
Responsibilities of this position include:
Digital (40%)
Write copy & design graphics for all materials and web presence to reflect commitment to equity & justice
Grow and manage the end-to-end of VCET’s social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter)
Manage VCET’s three distinct email programs, including drafting, building and distributing emails to our lists
Regularly update and keep relevant VCET website
Brand Management (20%)
Work closely with VCET’s staff to develop communications content and strategies, planning and executing communications programming to highlight VCET’s programmatic work
Lead creation of a brand book & style guide to create a set of common concepts and language sets to use that reflect our values through asset-based language
Support preparation of external reports, presentations, & documents for alignment with brand voice and style
Work alongside consultant to support any organization rebrand or brand refresh
Partner & Coalition Support (15%)
Support the development of toolkits, talking points, memos, and other external communications for stakeholder and partner organizations.
Attend VCET’s coalition meetings, convenings, and quarterly partner meetings along with other VCET staff
Serve as a communications expert for partner organizations to consult
Press (15%)
Draft and distribute press releases in collaboration with staff and partner organizations
Maintain and regularly update statewide media list
Manage media relations and develop contacts with media members and community leaders
Identify the correct spokesperson for partners or coalitions
Admin and Special Projects (10%)
Create and manage annual communications plan, including a budget and recommendations for any external support as needed
Develop & report on relevant metrics to gauge the efficacy of our digital communications (i.e., social, email, google analytics, press hits, etc.).
Other duties as assigned
Who You Are // Key Proficiencies
Highly organized with the ability to prioritize work based on internal and external deadlines without sacrificing quality. Asks for help when needed
Detail-oriented: Notices and fixes errors that others might overlook; Acknowledges mistakes and turns them into learning opportunities
Dedicated team player with abilities to work with staff and partner organizations
A well-developed equity & social justice analysis including understanding of how race and racism are embedded in practices, policies, institutions, systems, and culture
Energized at the prospect of supporting capacity for proactive narrative change around racial equity and justice in Virginia; You have a desire to serve the movement from this particular position, as someone who is in service to our partners and is deeply motivated to provide partners with a supportive experience
Alignment with and passion for VCET’s vision, mission, and values
Minimum Qualifications
At least 3-5 years experience in journalism, marketing, public relations, or advocacy communications
A mastery of communications tools, including digital tools, social media, and CRMs
Experience in systemic social change work; including but not limited to: public policy, advocacy, electoral organizing, or community organizing
Strong project management skills, ability to consistently meet deadlines and communicate when things change
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications abilities
Excellent graphic design skills & eye
Proficiency in Google Suite, WordPress, Google Analytics, social media scheduling tools (i.e. , Hootsuite)
Experience working with and interpreting web, social, email, and press analytics
Reliable access to a phone, internet, and transportation
Preferred Qualifications
Thorough understanding of the Virginia news media landscape, including print, broadcast, and online
Experience managing a budget and overseeing external vendors
An understanding of Virginia, including its history, politics, and unique regional distinctions
Experience living and working in Virginia communities, especially working with BIPOC and other marginalized communities
Experience building relationships and working successfully across complex collaborations and lines of power & difference
A creative and expansive understanding of narrative change with a willingness to include, arts, popular culture, and other means of shifting mindsets
Experience with tools like, Airtable, Hootsuite, and press distribution tool suites
Familiarity with basic video editing
Note: Research shows that people from minoritized groups apply to jobs only if they meet every single qualification. No one, not even the strongest candidates, meets every qualification. If the work we do at VCET piques your interest and you think you could be a good fit for our team, we urge you to not exclude yourself prematurely and to submit your resume for consideration. There are no formal education requirements for this position. People of all educational backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
VCET offers a competitive compensation package which includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision premiums for employees, and an 80% coverage of premiums for spouses and dependents. VCET is also pleased to offer an annual $500 FSA contribution, 3% match on retirement savings (available after 3 months of employment), and generous PTO - with between 19 and 23 days offered per year, depending on tenure.