Manager, Communications

ORGANIZATION 

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We believe that our future and our democracy depend on our ability to solve big problems—and that we need an effective federal government to do so. For more than 20 years, we have helped make this vision a reality, helping our government—the public institution most fundamental to our democracy—address current and future challenges.  

Our staff is diverse in experience and perspective, but at our core we share a lot of the same traits. We are mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive.  

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:  

• Passion for public service and our work toward a more effective government  
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect  
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results  
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible  

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process. 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Partnership for Public Service seeks a Communications Manager to support its Center for Presidential Transition, the premier nonpartisan source of information and resources to help presidential candidates and their teams lay the groundwork for a new administration or a president’s second term. The Communications Manager will report to the Communications Director and will work closely with the Vice President of Communications and members of the Center for Presidential Transition and communications teams to implement multi-channel communications plans and strategies to further the Center’s priorities, research and events.  

The Communications Manager will manage the Center for Presidential Transition’s day-to-day communications activities including digital marketing, messaging, branding, content marketing and social media for all Center for Presidential Transition projects and initiatives as well as the production of the Center’s podcast, “Transition Lab.” This position will also work with the Communications Director to develop an integrated communications strategy in support of the Partnership’s growing work around AI and government.  

The Communications Manager will work as part of an interdisciplinary communications team responsible for all aspects of the organization’s communication strategy. The team manages the Partnership’s brand and messaging, generates media and publicity for the organization and its activities, develops digital media strategies, produces award-winning publications, manages events and markets the Partnership’s programs.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Work closely with the Communications Director and the Center for Presidential Transition Director to identify opportunities and implement communications tactics to position the Center as the leading expert and voice on presidential transition.  
• Manage the public profile of the Center for Presidential Transition and its leadership and build awareness of and participation by diverse audiences in its programs, products and initiatives. 
• Develop and implement communications plans around the Center’s priorities, events and research. 
• Draft and edit a wide range of collateral for the Center for Presidential Transition, including talking points, blog posts, email messages, newsletters, website content, etc.  
• Collaborate with the marketing team to manage social media and marketing content related to the Center for Presidential Transition.  
• Coordinate the Center’s communications priorities, messaging and activities with key internal stakeholders, including press and editorial teams.  
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of an associate to implement the Center’s marketing, digital and social media efforts.  
• Provide strategic direction and oversight on the Center’s podcast, “Transition Lab.” 
• Ensure Center for Presidential Transition products align with the organization’s branding and messaging and are designed to achieve their goal.  
• Build relationships with external partners who can tell powerful stories about why the Center’s work matters. 
• Partner with the Communications Director to develop an integrated communications strategy that includes earned media, digital storytelling, marketing, videos and social content in support of the Partnership’s growing work around AI and government. 
• Oversee the growth and professional development of junior staff.   

KEY COMPETENCIES 

• Strong written and verbal communications skills, with an ability to quickly learn and stay with the Partnership’s voice. 
• A critical thinker with outstanding judgment and political savvy. 
• Strong experience managing successful communications campaigns across multiple platforms. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle challenges and obstacles with tact, diplomacy and flexibility. 
• A detailed professional with strong follow-through and the ability to work under pressure and manage various priorities and deadlines. 
• A decisive professional who can translate complex topics and issues into compelling messaging. 
• Flexible and collaborative with an ability to work well across different teams and departments and excel in a matrix management environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a bipartisan or nonpartisan way.  
• Commitment to the values of public service, diversity, equity and inclusion, and the mission of the Partnership for Public Service. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION 

• At least 5-7 years of experience working in strategic communications, external affairs, public relations, and/or political campaigns.  
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (English, journalism, communications, etc.) or similar field or equivalent combination of education and professional work or military experience. 
• Experience working at and with senior leaders in crafting and delivering external messaging via multiple channels. 
• An ability to grasp government reform issues and translate those issues into persuasive and easy-to-understand language. 
• Experience developing and executing policy and/or advocacy campaigns using traditional, grassroots and digital communications strategies. 
• Familiarity with AP style preferred.  

REPORTING STRUCTURE 

This position will report to the Communications Director and will supervise the Center for Presidential Transition Communications Associate. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC, and requires the candidate to be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, two days per week. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.   

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, demonstration of our values and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Our performance review process runs the calendar year; we conduct a performance check-in at mid-year and complete a formal full-year assessment at year end. Salary increases are based on the full-year performance assessment.  

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK 

This is a full-time exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Occasional work hours and evening or weekend activities may be required. Please note that Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules.  

TRAVEL 

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Very little out of the area and/or overnight travel will be required. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS 

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000-$95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility. 

AAP/EEO STATEMENT 

The Partnership is an inclusive organization that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. We actively recruit for diversity in our workplace, believing that a range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences contributes to our mission of revitalizing government. The Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.