Communications Manager

Position Title: Communications Manager

Position Location: Remote, U.S. 

Local Progress is seeking a Communications Manager. 

About Local Progress:

Local Progress (LP) is a movement of local elected officials advancing a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of local government. We are elected leaders who build power with underrepresented communities, share bold ideas and policy among our network and fight to reshape what is possible in our localities all across the country. Hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and unions committed to advancing a social justice agenda, the elected officials and staff of Local Progress are building the network to facilitate a genuine “inside/outside” strategy to reforming municipal policy and politics. Founded in 2012, Local Progress has grown to over 1,300 local elected official members representing cities, counties, and towns in 47 states. 

Local Progress is a hosted project of the Center for Popular Democracy and CPD Action (together, CPD/A).  

About the Position:

The Communications Manager will help develop and execute media and digital strategies to advance our work, helping to uplift local leaders and local policy wins.

Working as part of a small but mighty communications team, this role will be responsible for managing key aspects of the organization’s day-to-day communications needs, as well as driving communications strategy for national program areas, including public safety, economic justice, housing, and immigration. In addition to supporting our collective impact work, the Communications Manager will provide direct communications support to local elected officials in a variety of geographies (LP has state-based staff in FL, NC, TX, MN, and NY and members in 47 states). The Communications Manager will also lead on developing ways for Local Progress to build the communications capacity of members through trainings, tools, and other resources.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to learn and develop communications capacity and strategy around local and national issues, gain experience supporting local leaders across the country, and drive creative work around some of the biggest issues facing communities today.

The Communications Manager will report to the Communications Director.

Primary Responsibilities

The Communications Manager will:

• Manage key aspects of the organization’s day-to-day communications needs, including executing network-wide emails, managing editorial calendars, responding to media inquiries, supporting brand development, and managing LP’s website and social media channels.  Work with national and state-based LP staff to develop and execute communications strategies for issue-based campaigns and projects. This includes developing messaging frames and talking points; drafting and pitching press releases, statements, op-eds/LTEs, and other public facing materials; and writing social media copy and creating graphics to be used by both LP, members, and coalition partners.  Provide direct support to LP members, including strategic communications guidance and media training/media prep.  Create and implement a plan to support LP members in building their communications capacity by providing trainings, templates, and other resources/support tactics. Work closely with and collaborate across the entire LP team to effectively disseminate network-related news, organizing opportunities, reports and policy briefs, and other resources. Help to grow Local Progress's press lists and cultivate relationships with national and local reporters.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• About 5 years of experience with at least 2-3 years of communications experience in advocacy, political, or public policy related fields. Ideal experience is work on racial and economic justice issues; Attention to detail with the ability to convey and translate complex information for a variety of audiences and settings; creative and proactive in identifying and co-conceiving creative communications opportunities; Experience developing and executing communications plans with strong experience in both media relations and social media management;  A demonstrated commitment to social, racial, and economic justice and a deep interest in local policy, politics, and government; Ability to manage multiple projects, anticipate obstacles and identify ways to navigate challenges, identify and involve stakeholders appropriately, and drive projects independently; Proficiency with Muck Rack or other media relations/public relations platform a plus; Proficiency with Canva or other graphic design software a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a union position. Salary will be determined according to a salary scale which takes into account years’ experience, location, job category, and other factors, but is expected to be $60,000-$70,0000 and category 2. The Collective Bargaining Agreement is available here. 

We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 15 vacation days per year, 10 sick days per year, 13 paid holidays per year, and contributions to individuals’ 401K plans. 

CPD/A is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively recruits people of color, womxn, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQAA+ community.