Newark Opportunity Youth Network
Manager of Strategic Communications
Newark Opportunity Youth Network, Newark, New Jersey, us, 07175
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NOYN began its work in 2003 as YouthBuild Newark, a comprehensive youth and community development program addressing core issues facing low-income communities: education, housing, employment, crime prevention and leadership development.
With over 20 years of experience, NOYN has established itself as New Jerseys leading advocate of opportunity youth and has developed a body of replicable initiatives that are designed to address youth disconnection. These initiatives, organized around four key elements of Education, Workforce Development, Policy Advocacy, and Systems Building, build on our history with the YouthBuild model and work in tandem to accomplish NOYNs mission to re-engage opportunity youth while drastically changing systems that inhibit their success.
About the Job
The Manager of Strategic Communications will serve as the chief architect of NOYNs communications strategy, ensuring the organizations voice is clear, consistent, and impactful across all platforms. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Manager will develop and oversee a comprehensive communications and branding plan that advances NOYNs mission, positions the organization as a national thought leader in opportunity youth work, and supports fundraising and policy advocacy. This individual will provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, manage organizational messaging, and cultivate relationships with media, policymakers, funders, and community partners. Qualifications
Commitment to NOYNs philosophy and unwavering belief that all young people can excel Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required; Masters degree preferred. 6-8 years experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with at least 35 years in a leadership or management role. Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for mission-driven organizations. Strong track record in media relations, brand management, digital communications, long-form narrative writing, and thought leadership Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences including policymakers, funders, media, and community stakeholders. Experience supervising staff, consultants, and vendors, with proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Strong design sensibility and ability to guide the production of polished, on-brand materials. Proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite, and digital communications tools (social media management, analytics, CRM, and web content platforms). Strategic thinker with strong judgement, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Experience in policy, government, education, or nonprofit advocacy strongly preferred. Comfort representing the organization in high-profile settings, including media appearances, conferences, and stakeholder engagements. Performance Responsibilities
Develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with NOYNs mission, policy agenda, and development goals. Serve as chief communications advisor to senior leadership, shaping organizational messaging and brand positioning. Manage external communications, including media relations, thought leadership, advocacy campaigns, and donor communications. Oversee the creation of high-quality content (press releases, reports, op-eds, speeches, social media, websites, and publications) while ensuring brand consistency across all platforms. Cultivate strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, policymakers, and partner organizations to elevate NOYNs visibility and influence. Provide leadership in crisis communications, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective responses. Supervise communications staff, consultants, and vendors to deliver on strategic priorities. Develop metrics and track the effectiveness of communication strategies; prepare regular reports for leadership and the board. Partner with Development and Policy teams to align communications with fundraising, advocacy, and programmatic goals. Represent NOYN at external events, conferences, and media opportunities as appropriate. Terms of Employment
Evaluation
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with state law and the provisions of the Boards Policy on Evaluation of Professional Staff Compensation
Salary range is between $85,000 - $97,000 annually, plus benefits
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The Manager of Strategic Communications will serve as the chief architect of NOYNs communications strategy, ensuring the organizations voice is clear, consistent, and impactful across all platforms. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Manager will develop and oversee a comprehensive communications and branding plan that advances NOYNs mission, positions the organization as a national thought leader in opportunity youth work, and supports fundraising and policy advocacy. This individual will provide strategic counsel to senior leadership, manage organizational messaging, and cultivate relationships with media, policymakers, funders, and community partners. Qualifications
Commitment to NOYNs philosophy and unwavering belief that all young people can excel Bachelors degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required; Masters degree preferred. 6-8 years experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with at least 35 years in a leadership or management role. Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for mission-driven organizations. Strong track record in media relations, brand management, digital communications, long-form narrative writing, and thought leadership Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences including policymakers, funders, media, and community stakeholders. Experience supervising staff, consultants, and vendors, with proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Strong design sensibility and ability to guide the production of polished, on-brand materials. Proficiency with MS Office, Google Suite, and digital communications tools (social media management, analytics, CRM, and web content platforms). Strategic thinker with strong judgement, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Experience in policy, government, education, or nonprofit advocacy strongly preferred. Comfort representing the organization in high-profile settings, including media appearances, conferences, and stakeholder engagements. Performance Responsibilities
Develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with NOYNs mission, policy agenda, and development goals. Serve as chief communications advisor to senior leadership, shaping organizational messaging and brand positioning. Manage external communications, including media relations, thought leadership, advocacy campaigns, and donor communications. Oversee the creation of high-quality content (press releases, reports, op-eds, speeches, social media, websites, and publications) while ensuring brand consistency across all platforms. Cultivate strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, policymakers, and partner organizations to elevate NOYNs visibility and influence. Provide leadership in crisis communications, ensuring timely, accurate, and effective responses. Supervise communications staff, consultants, and vendors to deliver on strategic priorities. Develop metrics and track the effectiveness of communication strategies; prepare regular reports for leadership and the board. Partner with Development and Policy teams to align communications with fundraising, advocacy, and programmatic goals. Represent NOYN at external events, conferences, and media opportunities as appropriate. Terms of Employment
Evaluation
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with state law and the provisions of the Boards Policy on Evaluation of Professional Staff Compensation
Salary range is between $85,000 - $97,000 annually, plus benefits
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