Communications Manager

Job Description:

Communications Manager

Description

Description

The Communications Manager supports the development and delivery of the Agency’s communications across digital, written, and public-facing channels. This role manages day-to-day content creation and storytelling, helping translate the Agency’s work into clear, engaging communications for families, partners, and the public. The position works closely with Communications and senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach.

• Manages the Agency’s social media platforms, including content creation, scheduling, engagement, and performance tracking.
• Oversees and provides technical direction to internal paraprofessional communications staff to ensure efficient workflow, timely project delivery, and quality control.
• Administers and manages contracts with third-party communications and public information consultants; negotiates contract terms and conditions; manages projects to ensure work products are consistent with contract provisions; and reviews and approves consultant invoices.
• Writes and edits a range of communications materials including newsletters, website content, speeches, talking points, reports, and announcements.
• Leads production of internal and external newsletters from editorial planning through distribution.
• Supports executive communications by drafting content for the CEO and leadership as assigned.
• Coordinates communications projects and messaging across departments to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Assists with communications support for events, announcements, and agency initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience managing the full life cycle of communications programs and/or projects from conceptualization to execution and a bachelor’s degree* with major coursework in journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree may be substituted for an additional year of required experience. *A degree is not required and additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/bachelor's degree standard.

Knowledge of:

• Social media platforms and analytics tools (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) and familiarity with scheduling/management tools such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or similar platforms.
• Email marketing and newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, GovDelivery, or similar tools), including campaign development and performance tracking.
• Updating and managing website content using content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or similar platforms.
• Basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar) for creating simple, visually engaging graphics and digital content.
• Digital engagement metrics (e.g., reach, impressions, open rates, click-through rates) and using data to inform communications decisions.
• Collaboration and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, Asana, Trello, or similar) to support workflow coordination and team productivity.
• Digital communications best practices, including audience engagement, accessibility, and content optimization across platforms.
• Executive and stakeholder communication principles, including tailoring messaging for diverse audiences.
• Quality control practices, with strong attention to detail in proofreading and ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Effective interpersonal and collaboration practices for working across teams and building positive relationships.

Ability to:

• Exceptionally write and edit; translate complex policy, program, and data information into clear, engaging communications for diverse audiences.
• Proficiently manage Digital Communications, including managing social media platforms, developing content calendars, and analyzing engagement metrics.
• Produce newsletters, website content, and multi-channel communications.
• Project manage and coordinate to manage multiple communications projects, deadlines, and approvals simultaneously.
• Draft content for leadership and work collaboratively across teams.
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency in messaging and brand standards.
• Work with Canva, Adobe tools, or similar platforms for simple graphics and visual content.
• Work effectively with program staff, leadership, and external partners.

Please note:

• We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested.
• All First 5 employees must live and work in California.
• The salary range for this position is $104,000 to $150,000 and as an independent government agency, the posted salary is the set salary range for this position. We cannot offer salaries above this posted range.
• We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County believes every child in Alameda County should have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential. Through innovative programs and policy advocacy, we help provide children and their families access to resources that support their first five years of development.

Join our mission-driven team that in partnership with the community, supports a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves peak years of child development.

First 5 Alameda County Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package with health care options to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage, $1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Plan and more.

We also offer paid vacation, paid time off and sick time. We have 17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off.

Salary:

$104,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary