Sr. Manager, Communications - Start Early

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Senior Manager, Communications supports the implementation and execution of Start Early’s internal communications strategy with a focus on enhancing staff engagement and satisfaction, improving information sharing and productivity, promoting learning and development opportunities and fostering a joyful and collaborative organizational culture. As a tactical partner to the Assistant Director, Communications, the Senior Manager will help to audit, create, implement and manage internal communications channels and tactics guided by Start Early’s internal communications strategy They are also responsible for creating engaging, staff-centered content and resources and managing their dissemination via traditional and digital communications channels—including Start Early’s intranet—for internal audiences.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Communications, you will:

• Intranet Strategy & Editorial Calendar Management: Manage the refresh of Start Early’s intranet platform creating a dynamic place for formal and informal connection, serving as webmaster, developing and publishing news and content updates, ensuring optimal functionality and providing coaching and guidance to content leads across the organization. In partnership with the Assistant Director of Internal Communications, the Communications Manager will manage day-to-day support for internal programs, staff events and the internal editorial calendar – developing KPIs for decision making and measuring success.
• Internal Communications Channels Lead & Infrastructure Management: Lead the management, implementation, training and continuous improvement of Start Early’s communications channels, tools and foundational information sharing resource – including conducting channel audits, developing a multi-media channel matrix and catalogue of internal tools and resources, retiring existing channels and introducing new methodologies and leading trends in our field.
• Organizational Message Development & Storytelling: Support the development of messages, positioning statements, one-pagers, stories and creative collateral that demonstrate and amplify Start Early’s strategy, impact and outcomes for children and families – leveraging all Start Early Communications channels.
• Internal Communications Strategy Implementation: Develop and implement internal communications plans and campaigns that promote organizational health, drive greater understanding of our collective work, build confidence and support for organizational goals and annual priorities and advance Start Early’s multi-year strategic plan.
• Employee Engagement & Mission Ambassador Lead: Lead the outreach and engagement efforts that provide Start Early staff with relevant and timely information and compelling programs and experiences that build organizational acumen and create a sense of joy, belonging and pride in our organizational culture, core values, mission and vision.

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Communications or Marketing major preferred or equivalent experience
• At least 7 years of professional experience in internal, strategic or executive communication that includes: developing communications strategies and implementation plans to advance organizational priorities, multi-channel content creation (e.g., internal and external-facing messages, leadership talking points, organizational-wide messages, newsletter copy, intranet story writing, social media and blog posts).
• Demonstrated increased responsibility and support of and contribution to broad strategy.
• Strong understanding of communications and digital marketing concepts, strategies and execution best practices.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Ability to foster interpersonal relationships, establish trust and collaborate across functions and with diverse audiences – internally and externally.
• Active listener that can effectively engage with staff at all levels of the organization, especially Start Early decision-makers.
• Familiarity with information technology, especially digital and video means of communication.
• Strong project management skills with a relentless focus on achieving project milestones and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to effectively cope with change and uncertainty; productively advancing the work with ambiguous direction.
• Demonstrates a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Working knowledge of the following tools is preferred: Content collaboration and management systems (e.g., WordPress, Unily, SharePoint), graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and intranet data analytics for decision-making.
• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $77,400-$90,000

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.