Communications and Advocacy Manager - Washington School-Based Health Alliance
Seattle, WA 98127
About the Job
POSITION DETAILS:
Title: Communications and Advocacy Manager
Classification: Exempt salaried
Hours: Full-time (averaging 40 hours /week). Occasional evening and weekend meetings required.
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Hybrid, with travel across Washington. Employees must live in Washington.
Supervises: No employees to supervise at present; supervision of contractors or interns may be required.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience, annual salary range between $70,000 - $75,000.
Benefits
To apply: Email resume and one (1) communications sample (from prior work) to Erin Dury ( ); please include position name in subject line.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH ALLIANCE
The Washington School-Based Health Alliance (WA SBHA) advances and advocates for school-based health care, working with communities and partners to achieve equity in health and educational opportunities for children and youth statewide. We envision a racially just and inclusive society where every child can reach their full potential in health, learning, and life.
A school-based health center (SBHC) is a student-focused health center located in or adjacent to a school where students can receive integrated medical, behavioral health, and other healthcare services such as dental care. SBHCs advance equity by improving access to health care, removing barriers to learning, and improving both health and educational outcomes for children and youth. WA SBHA is the statewide nonprofit organization advocating for and supporting SBHCs in Washington, working to expand the number and sustainability of SBHCs and to improve the quality of youth-centered health care services they provide. Learn more at
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Communications and Advocacy Manager directs WA SBHA’s communications plans and strategies while supporting legislative and fund development efforts.. This position plays a vital role in advancing the mission and vision of WA SBHA.
The Communications and Advocacy Manager will collaborate with the Executive Director and other staff as needed to increase organizational visibility, promote programs, enhance recognition, advance the policy agenda, and fund development efforts of WA SBHA. They will be responsible for setting communication goals, developing key messages, and identifying target audiences. The ROLE will work independently to produce high-quality written and marketing materials, including event promotions, newsletters, web content, and social media campaigns. They will work directly with the Executive Director and key stakeholders to support legislative messaging and fundraising initiatives.
This is a full-time position, with some in-office and travel across Washington to SBHC sites, meetings, and event locations.
POSITION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Communications and Marketing (60%):
Develop and implement a strategic communications plan to increase awareness, expand reach, and support WA SBHA’s work among key audiences.
Create and train staff on key messages about the organization, the strategic plan, legislative strategies, school-based health centers, and broader school-based health issues.
Produce and distribute monthly newsletters and additional e-blasts as needed.
Market events such as the annual conference and webinars, including creating promotional materials and strategies.
Lead efforts for the annual conference with 200+ attendees, including coordinating with the venue, managing hybrid and AV support, driving registration through marketing, supporting sponsors, and developing sponsorship materials.
Develop written and visual content, such as marketing materials, fact sheets, presentations, and reports, to reflect the organization’s evolving work.
Ensure consistent branding across print, online, and physical materials.
Manage day-to-day website and social media operations and develop a strategy to increase engagement and drive website traffic.
Collaborate with program staff and stakeholders to create impactful content (e.g., quotes, research) that highlights the need for and impact of school-based health centers.
Track and share relevant media stories with partners and the school-based health field.
Provide staff training on talking points, stories, and statistics for their work.
Fundraising and Advocacy Support (30%)
Develop materials and talking points for fundraising, including sponsorship outreach for the annual conference and grant applications.
Working in support of the executive director, monitor federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory developments relevant to WA SBHA’s interests to inform the WA SBHA network of key priorities and objectives.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and stakeholders to craft messaging for legislative advocacy efforts.
Train partners on legislative messaging and support advocacy coordination for SBHCs statewide.
Work with the Executive Director and grant writer to compile data and messaging for grant applications and reports, and review drafts for accuracy and completeness.
Assist in drafting donor solicitation and appreciation messages.
Assist in tracking of donors and donor recognition.
Operational Support and Team Engagement (10%)
Train staff and coordinate with vendors on organizational platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Asana, MailChimp, Canva).
Provide training and coaching opportunities to engage staff in communication activities.
Manage general phone and email inquiries, file systems, and tech support for staff.
Report regularly to the Executive Director through scheduled supervision and participate in staff meetings and team-building activities.
Contribute actively to WA SBHA’s anti-racism efforts and uphold organizational values.
Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE:
3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, advocacy, or related roles to effectively fulfill the most demanding responsibilities.
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (communications, marketing, public relations, or public policy) is typically preferred but may be substituted by equivalent work experience.
Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications plans aligned with organizational goals.
Prior experience with grant reporting and crafting fundraising messages.
Experience creating legislative and advocacy messaging to support policy campaigns and stakeholder engagement.
Knowledge of state and national education and healthcare systems, including policymaking structures and policymakers, is preferred.
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling communications such as talking points, presentations, infographics, or letters to the editor.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently under tight deadlines, and maintain high professional standards.
Proven ability to exercise sound professional judgment to protect and enhance the organization’s reputation and brand.
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively and professionally with diverse stakeholders both within and outside the organization.
Preferred experience with tools such as Google Drive, Zoom, WordPress, MailChimp, BaseCamp, and Canva.
Ability to collaborate flexibly in a small team environment while fostering respect, cooperation, and problem-solving.
Eager to learn, adaptable, and proactive, with a growth mindset and a positive, can-do attitude.
Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
TIMELINE:
We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The priority deadline is January 31, 2025, and the ideal start date is mid/ late February 2025. Candidates should expect a phone interview, 1 round of Zoom or in-person interviews, with a potential phone follow-up, and submission of one (1) writing/communications sample of work already produced. The timeline for this process will be:
Phone screenings will be on-going as resumes are received
Video interviews will begin February 6, 2025
Any additional interviews and meet-and-greets will be scheduled following the video interview
Final notifications will be sent to all applicants by February 17, 2025
WA SBHA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and a climate of inclusivity. We seek and value diversity in identity and lived experience based on race, ethnicity, immigrant or refugee status, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, religion, geography, socioeconomic status, family status, veteran status, and system involvement. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they understand and can contribute to racial equity and social justice goals.