Digital Communications Manager

Organization Overview

Children's Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. CDF's mission is to build community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy.

We serve and advocate for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. Children's Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit www.childrensdefense.org.

Position Summary

The Digital Communications Manager will be responsible for managing the organization's social media and web properties. This includes creating compelling content specific to each channel, developing and reporting progress toward goals, and analyzing data to inform ongoing improvements in content development and audience engagement. The Digital Communications Manager will report to the Director of Strategic Communications and be part of a growing team of high-performing communications professionals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute digital communications plans, prioritizing email, social media, and web, to advance CDF's mission, complete with goals and benchmarks.
• Manage CDF's web properties and consultants to increase website engagement, maximize SEO, to grow website engagement and promote the CDF brand.
• Strategically grow CDF presence and impact on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other appropriate social media platforms.
• Work closely with organizing and state teams on digital organizing efforts in local communities.
• Increase visibility and awareness of CDF's signature programs, including CDF Freedom Schools, Hall-Proctor Institute, American Youth Policy Forum, Black Student Leadership Network, and the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths.
• Translate complex public policy into email and social media for a lay audience and generate grassroots advocacy.
• Visualize data to tell a story on various online platforms.
• Provide social media support and guidance as needed to CDF's 501(c)4 and other affiliates.
• Work closely with Operations and Development teams to incorporate fundraising and revenue-generating efforts into digital communications, including social media, email, and digital advertising.
• Create and maintain digital communications policies to maximize effectiveness and brand consistency.
• Make strategic decisions on web content consistent with the organization's priorities and commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Conduct digital communications trainings for CDF thought leaders and organizational ambassadors.
• Track audience engagement and produce regular reports of social media, email, and website activity that reflect progress toward CDF's goals.

Education and/or Experience

• 5-8 years' experience in digital communications and website strategy with mission-driven organizations.
• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field.
• Record of achievement increasing website traffic and growing audience engagement and impact on social media.
• Experience with lead generation, ad grants, and digital fundraising.
• Existing relationships with influencers in the social justice arena.
• Experience and comfort in rapid-response situations.
• Experience advocating for racial justice and other social justice causes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Master's degree in communications or related field

Competencies

• Deep understanding of information architecture, user experience, interaction design, visual design initiatives, analytics/testing and development, including mobile
• Fluency in HTML code and WordPress platforms, and other digital platforms
• Strong understanding of search engine optimization
• Ability to troubleshoot technical problems logically and systematically
• Ability to work against tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and work on multiple initiatives and projects simultaneously
• Acumen for using data and analytics to drive website improvements
• The ability to learn and develop new, relevant technology skills when required
• Outstanding problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Extensive and current knowledge of social media platforms and environment.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite, Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Meltwater, Cision, and other social media analytics tools.
• Ability to convey a story with data through data visualization.
• Ability to ethically and effectively amplify the voices of people who experience poverty.
• Clear understanding of economic and racial justice issues and the ability to incorporate analysis of these issues into your work.
• Ability to convey complex public policy issues to lay audiences.

Personal Characteristics

• Passion and commitment to social, economic, racial justice and CDF's mission
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent time and project management skills
• Well organized, detail-oriented, ability to multitask
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate well

Type of work environment associated with the job - indoor, office setting

Submit cover letter and resume.

Additional Comments

Children's Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Note: This job description does not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Consideration will be given to qualified candidates on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

All inquiries will remain confidential until establishment of mutual, serious interest and provision of references for review.