The Communications Manager is a leader in defining and managing 826 Valencia’s external communications, telling the story of what’s happening at 826 and keeping our messages current, compelling, and top of mind for our audience. The Communications Manager creates strategic, on-brand, and powerful messages that help to amplify our students’ voices and grow our media, volunteer, donor, and general public audiences. Alongside the Design Director and with the support of the Executive Director and Director of Advancement, the Communications Manager is “keeper of the brand,” responsible for the organizational identity as defined through written words, public platforms and advocacy, and online and print collateral. Under the Communications Manager’s leadership, all external communications will serve to establish the organization and our students as thought leaders on the topics of why writing matters, anti-racist education, and local issues impacting our students’ communities. 

WHO WE ARE
826 Valencia is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our innovative model has inspired more than 40 like-minded organizations world-wide.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to the Director of Advancement. Supervises the Communications Associate. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement, and evaluate 826 Valencia’s annual Communications goals and plan
• Project manage, write, and/or edit the organization’s major print collateral and marketing materials, including: the annual report, the end-of-year appeal, various newsletters (monthly, volunteer, and stores), and special communications projects as they arise (such as donor cultivation materials, event programs and invitations, and special projects as needed) 
• Manage the website content and functionality
• Engage, cultivate, and manage press to ensure coverage of 826 Valencia programs, special events, and public announcements
• Manage 826 Valencia’s social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) and grow audience engagement
• Manage online networking platforms like GuideStar and Charity Navigator
• Use data tracking tools such as Google Analytics and social analytics to evaluate communications and develop strategy
• Serve as a resource to various stakeholders (consult on communications matters, uphold the brand, adhere to communication standards) 
• Facilitate communication among staff and between departments; engage the whole staff in communications and outreach work as appropriate 
• As a member of the Advancement (fundraising) Team, support with grant writing process, facilitation of external partnerships, events, and special projects as needed
• Supervise a Communications Associate by providing ongoing coaching, support, informal feedback, and formal evaluations

Other Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, participate in internal committees on diversity, equity and inclusion, anti-racism trainings, other professional development workshops, and performance appraisal systems
• Participate in the annual 826 National conference and in 826 network communications cohort
• Meet all deadlines
• All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Director of Advancement 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 5 years of experience in communications or marketing
• Experience in nonprofit, arts, and education fields (preferred) 
• Supervisory experience (preferred)

Required Competencies 

• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication, tailoring organizational voice for a variety of audiences, formats and goals 
• Able to manage resources, time, and people efficiently and effectively 
• Connects the work of others across different teams in a manner that is integrated, seamless, and inclusive; defines and communicates a team vision rooted in 826’s broader vision and priorities
• Provides appropriate level of day-to-day support to team, differentiating styles based on individuals/assignments; designs opportunities for growth in the scope of team members’ roles; and demonstrates ability to effectively manage others in times of uncertainty and change
• Creates and engages in opportunities for team to connect and deepen relationships, and builds team capacity to understand the impact of one’s own thoughts and behaviors on others
• Sets up strong collaboration structures and ensures roles and responsibilities are clear 
• Sees and responds to the big picture of which stakeholders are being engaged and heard, and actively amplifies the voices of marginalized or underrepresented groups
• Appreciates and articulates the value of diversity, equity and inclusion to 826 and its mission
• Pushes self to make necessary changes based on knowledge gained through courageous conversations about community context and happenings 

OTHER DETAILS
This exempt role is full-time (40 hours per week) with a flexible work schedule Monday through Friday (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and some evenings and weekends as required. This role is based at the Tenderloin Center, 180 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this role is currently remote from a home location with high-speed Internet access, but will return to the office when we reopen our centers. Candidates must be located in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they are expected to work in an open-office environment with substantial ambient noise and overheard conversations

BENEFITS

• $65,000 to $75,000 Annual Salary, with $1,000-per-year language premium for employees who meet the criteria
• Paid Time Off: 15 Vacation days per year (increases to 20 days after two years), approximately 9 Wellness days per year, 13 Holidays, and winter office closure. (Additional COVID-19 paid time off available through federal and state COVID-19 leave regulations)
• Health insurance coverage, Employee Assistance Program, group life insurance
• Pre-Tax Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Account for health and dependent care expenses, Commuter Benefits
• Professional development funds (budget permitting)
• Reimbursement for local work-related travel expenses, such as between writing centers and school sites. While working remotely due to COVID-19, partial reimbursement for high-speed Internet and utilities
• Relocation support may be available if moving to California from another state
• 30% discount at all 826 Valencia stores

TO APPLY
Please fill out this brief application: https://forms.gle/ZZ4p6rLgKZmDynf46. Submit your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample  to hiring@826valencia.org by July 12, and write “Communications Manager” in the subject line. This position is open until filled, with an ideal start date of August 9.

826 Valencia is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 Valencia does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression. For more information, read the 826 Stand: https://826valencia.org/the-826-stand/. You can read about our core values at https://826valencia.org/core-values/.