Communications Manager

DataKind is looking for a Manager, Communications!

Location

This is an onsite opportunity located in our Brooklyn, NY headquarters.

About DataKind

DataKind is a global nonprofit dedicated to harnessing the power of data science and artificial intelligence (AI) in the service of humanity. Named one of Fast Company's 2017 top 10 innovative nonprofits, DataKind teams talented pro bono experts from academia and industry with visionary change makers to collaboratively design innovative solutions to tough social challenges. They help social organizations apply their data to predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and AI needs in a way that both increases impact and is sensitive to the ethical considerations they have.

• They are 20,000 strong: DataKind volunteers hail from almost every country across the world, representing a community of technologists and social change makers who believe in using data science and AI for a stronger planet and a more just and prosperous world.
• They have served 300+ projects around the world: From using satellite imagery to measure crop yields to automating the fight against hate speech online, their volunteer community has shown up to support a range of humanitarian needs.
• People are at the center of their process: The most advanced machine learning algorithms are useless if they are not designed for real peoples’ problems. They celebrate human centered design principles that focus on the “why,” the “for whom,” and the “should we” long before they ever get going on the “what”.
• “AI for Good” will only succeed if it is “AI for All”: They will continue their work until all people and all communities can use digital technology for the outcomes they want to see. They support not just the technology communities of today, but anyone in any community who wants to lead in how data technologies serve their needs fairly.

The Next Phase

They have been honored to work with social change organizations around the world to do over 300 projects the past seven years. Those projects have resulted in more effective NGOs, more funding for social change organizations, and more awareness of the power (and pitfalls) of data science and AI in the social sector. However, they have always known they will not be able to combat all of the world’s looming challenges on the backs of individual, uncoordinated, short-term projects alone. Thanks to generous long-term support from The Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, they are now focusing the DataKind network on issue areas, such as improving health outcomes through community health workers or increasing financial inclusion. Over a period of five years, they have been granted $20M to make this vision a reality, and are looking for people to join them on this journey. You can read more about the new strategy here.

About the Opportunity

As the Manager, Communications, you will play a strategic role supporting DataKind through codifying and building out communication vehicles like newsletters, blog posts, case studies, op-eds, presentations, campaigns, and the DataKind website while working to ensure consistency and clarity of branding and messaging across all internal and external communication. You will work closely with the Head of Communications, specifically creating and managing an internal communications calendar and approval protocols as well redesigning and deploying the website. You will also work to package, share, and promote results and learnings from DataKind’s Impact Practices.

This is an ideal role for a communications professional with experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or social impact.

What You Will Do  

The Manager, Communications will be responsible for the following in addition to any other project as assigned by their manager:

Internal Communications

• Ensure internal initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to employees.
• Develop communication materials for a variety of internal communications uses, including sourcing information, drafting materials, editing, and publishing a variety of formats.
• Plan, edit, and write content for a variety of internal communications documents and programs that support the organization, such as announcements, newsletters, webcasts, FAQs, fact sheets/one pagers, and talking points.
• Ensure branding and messaging are clear and consistent across functions and geographies.
• Build and maintain a master communications calendar for internal use.
• Advise key communicators on internal communication materials and strategies.
• Identify best practices and emerging strategies within internal communications.

External Communications

• Draft press releases, op-eds, commentaries, blog posts, case studies, media advisories, email blasts, direct mail, components of grant reports and deliverables, print and digital advertising, media pitches, and any other communications and marketing materials as directed.
• Plan and create the content development, editing, design, production, approvals, distribution, and public relations of all marketing materials.
• Help to cultivate relationships with volunteers, project partners, funders, reporters, conference organizers, and other key audiences to maintain visibility of DataKind’s work and drive impact.
• Craft talking points and messaging for DataKind leaders and outside spokespeople to prepare for events, speaking opportunities, and media interviews.
• Develop marketing materials for the organization, including pitch decks, fact sheets, and one pagers; work with freelancers (designers and copywriters) to fulfill additional promotional needs.
• Develop and manage the website to better support staff and communicate organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the team to identify opportunities to promote the organization on social media channels and when appropriate contribute to the social media content calendar.

Impact Measurement

• Measure and monitor performance of communications and marketing initiatives to determine potential needs for course correction.
• Maintain oversight of DataKind’s digital analytics, including the website and newsletters.
• Interpret and analyze marketing data and develop recommended strategies and tactics supported by the analytics/findings.
• Partner with team leaders to develop clear objectives and success measures for all communications and marketing initiatives.

How You Will be Measured

At the end of year one, the Manager, Communications will have:

• Developed the communications calendar and cycle, including producing a newsletter and blog posts, and coordinating speaking opportunities (e.g. for the Executive Director).
• Developed (or redesigned as needed) and implemented the processes and approval protocols for copywriting, design, production, editing, and distribution of all marketing materials.
• Redesigned, redeployed, and managed the website to better support staff and communicate organizational goals.
• Identified and implemented best practices to ensure consistency and clarity of branding and messaging across all internal and external communications.

  Who You Are

• A strategic storyteller. You have an excellent ability to communicate through diverse media and have a strong portfolio of blogs, proposals, newsletters, press releases, bylines, etc. You also think and act strategically to enable each piece to fit together into the larger picture.
• A relationship builder. You authentically develop and manage relationships with a diverse community of stakeholders. You can accurately and effectively represent your team to community members, conference organizers, reporters, vendors, and everyone in between.
• An outstanding writer. At your core, you love writing, and you possess a strong passion for the power of words. Your exemplary grammar and communication skills will be key, too. You are a strong writer with superb proofreading and editing skills; you’re extremely attentive to accuracy.
• Service-oriented. You have a service mindset. You have had experience with customer service in the past, whether in a professional setting or a volunteer capacity. You have built up a skill set in addressing people’s needs and asks, and managing expectations as well as timelines. You are known for your “can-do” attitude and for always being graciously helpful.
• Visually creative. You might not be a designer by training, but you have an eye for design and can effectively contribute to visual media. You can develop the message, including some of the aesthetics, to resonate with diverse, target audiences, and add the final polishing touches.
• You bring people together. You know how to build buy-in from a variety of stakeholders, ensuring they have shared ownership over decisions and deliverables. You have time-tested strategies in your toolkit to support effective decision making processes related to communications, and have developed proven internal management systems that drive consistent results.
• You are values-aligned. You share DataKind’s values of humility, transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, thoughtfulness, expertise, and approachability.

Qualifications

• At least five years working in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations with a desire to dive in and learn quickly a plus.
• Superior writing skills with the ability to think critically and creatively about different forms of media in light of message, target audience, and delivery.
• Expert in voice and style with experience in brand management.
• Experience working with or writing about the field of data science and AI a plus.
• Familiarity with Mailchimp, Meetup, Eventbrite, and Medium; content management systems also a plus.

Why Work with DataKind

At DataKind, they believe that people are the most important asset to delivering on their mission to collaboratively design data-driven, innovative solutions to tough social challenges. Working with them means that you will have:

• Flexibility in your working schedule. This includes things like working from home, leaving early to care for kids, coming in late to walk your dog, etc. This also means that you have unlimited PTO.
• Access to a generous health plan. They pay 100% of medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees and contribute partially for spouse/kids/family members.
• Support to plan for your future. They offer a 401(k) match up to 5%.
• Opportunities to learn and grow. Each year, they budget for each staff person to have ongoing professional development support.

To Apply

This search is being managed by Axis Talent Partners, a boutique executive search and talent strategy firm which partners with social justice-focused organizations. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in our mission and qualifications for the position to: 

https://axistalentpartners.applytojob.com/apply/dISP8Cz8Gj/Manager-Communications-DataKind?source=workforgoood

DataKind is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Naturally, we are an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups in tech to apply. DataKind does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected category.