Communications Manager

At NCYL, communications is a strategic function that helps shape public understanding, elevate urgent threats and solutions, and ensure that the rights of children and youth remain part of the national conversation.

Position:
NCYL seeks a strategic and nimble Communications Manager to drive earned media and external visibility for the organization and its senior leaders. This person will monitor daily developments across NCYL's issue areas, identify moments that require a public response, and turn those moments into meaningful media and thought leadership opportunities. They will build relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcast hosts, and other influential partners, while working closely with NCYL's writers to shape an editorial calendar that strengthens the organization's public voice.

This is a high-judgment role for someone who understands how to connect policy, litigation, and advocacy to the news cycle and how to elevate leaders and experts in ways that are timely, disciplined, and impactful. The position reports to NCYL's Managing Director, Public Affairs & Advancement.

Essential Functions:
- Manage NCYL's earned media strategy, monitoring daily news and identifying opportunities for interviews, podcast appearances, and thought leadership
- Help implement the strategic communications plan for the Communications team and organization
- Manage cross-functional partnerships with leadership, program leads, and development team
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and other external partners
- Draft and edit press releases, statements, talking points, and media materials
- Partner with NCYL's writer on an editorial calendar for blogs, op-eds, and thought leadership content
- Lead digital rollout for major moments including reports, campaigns, and events
- Manage strategies with communications consultants
- Lead and supervise the Communications team

Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, advocacy communications, or related fields
- Deep record of securing media coverage, interviews, podcasts, and op-eds
- Experience elevating the public profile of senior leaders or spokespersons
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Experience supervising a small team
- Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Salary, Benefits, and Location:
This is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary range of $105,000 to $130,000 annually. A geographic salary differential may apply depending on candidate location. NCYL provides a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous vacation and sick benefits, paid family leave, flexible spending account, retirement contribution, paid sabbatical, and disability insurance. This position is fully remote; candidates must reside in a state where NCYL is registered to do business (CA, CO, IL, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OR, TX, VA, DC, WI, with MN and WA in process).