Communications Manager

$99,375 - $165,625/Yr

Foundry10 - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Seattle, WA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

foundry10 is an education research organization with a philanthropic focus on expanding ideas about learning and creating direct value for youth. We offer competitive salaries, benefits, and vacation time. Full-time employment at foundry10 is a 32-hour work week, and occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. This is not a remote position. Candidates must live in Washington State and be able to occasionally attend in-person meetings and work in foundry10's Seattle office, which is located in the University District. We are not able to sponsor visa applications, and to be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in the United States. To protect our staff, partners, and the youth we serve, we require all foundry10 employees be fully vaccinated, unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. foundry10 seeks a dynamic, results-oriented professional to serve in a new leadership position for our communications department, the “Sharing Pillar.” This role will be responsible for amplifying and elevating foundry10's communications across every area of our work by executing and developing strategic plans, managing and contributing to editorial content creation, overseeing and supporting media relations efforts, and playing a key part in continually honing and shaping our brand voice. This position will provide leadership and coaching to members of foundry10's Sharing Pillar and other internal departments, as well as external partners, community organizations, and members of foundry10's focus audiences. They will manage three direct reports, including a Communications Coordinator and a team of two in-house writers. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record for developing and executing strategic content plans for blogs, newsletters, social media channels, and websites. They will have demonstrated experience managing direct reports and complex projects and will possess superb writing, editing, and presentation skills. Since this is a new leadership position on our team, it will be best suited for a professional who thrives at making informed decisions and guiding others in uncertain and evolving environments. This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $99,375 to $165,625, reporting to the Director of Communications and Storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor our Communications Coordinator, Staff Writer, and Digital Content Writer/Editor, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Execute and support the development of strategic communications plans in collaboration with the Director of Communications and Storytelling.
• Supervise all editorial processes, including planning, assigning, editing, and publishing content for blog posts, press releases, newsletters, social media, and web pages.
• Ensure all editorial content is accurate, engaging, and adheres to the organization's style and standards.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of published content.
• Oversee the development of the Annual Report and manage the production timeline and processes.
• Develop and support the execution of media outreach strategies, occasionally representing the organization as a spokesperson.
• Coordinate across teams to provide communications coaching and strategic guidance, ensuring integrated communication efforts.
• Support messaging and media training for organizational leadership.
• Track, report, and hold accountability for key performance metrics for foundry10's blogs, newsletter, media outreach efforts, web pages, and social media channels.
• Use data insights to refine content strategies and improve engagement and reach.
• Stay updated with industry trends and innovations in content creation and distribution, including considerations for accessible and inclusive content.
• Implement new tools and approaches to enhance content quality and impact.
• Manage foundry10's social media editorial calendar for Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in communications, PR, marketing, or a related field.
• 5-8+ years of related experience in a communications or marketing-related position.
• 3-5+ years of experience managing blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts, with demonstrated success growing engagement for those channels.
• 2-3+ years of experience directly managing web content.
• 2-3+ years of experience directly supporting media relations/outreach efforts.
• 2-3+ years of experience managing direct reports.
• Extensive experience with developing, executing, tracking, and achieving measurable success with strategic communications plans.
• Strong understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) for web and social content.
• Experience using content management systems (Craft, WordPress, SquareSpace, etc.).
• Familiarity with PR platforms such as Prowly, Meltwater, Cision, or similar.
• Strong understanding of online email services, such as Mailchimp or similar.
• Proficient with using Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets.
• Strong proofing and editing capabilities, including a deep understanding of AP Style.
• Ability to work flexibly in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, utilizing excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Self-motivated and highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage work independently, including setting, communicating, and meeting deadlines.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate vague and/or complex ideas into clear and persuasive messages.
• Familiarity with project management software such as monday.com, Trello, etc. a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with project management software such as monday.com, Trello, etc.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Dependent care reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Life insurance
• A 4-day (32 hour) workweek
• A flexible and hybrid work schedule
• Full Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and their dependents
• $1,500 yearly education stipend
• $2,000 yearly wellness and hobby stipend
• 4 weeks of vacation time for new, full-time employees
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance paid fully by foundry10