Employment 

Communications Manager

This full time position reports to California Forward’s Director of Communications and provides strategic support for the organization’s full range of communications activities with the overall objective of building and sustaining an expansive constituency for change.

California Forward believes that meaningful long-term reforms must reflect the values and views of Californians throughout the state. To this end, in 2010 the organization is starting a multi-year “statewide conversation” in multiple venues and formats to dramatically expand the types of individuals and communities engaged in developing reform proposals to help the state prosper. The communications staff will use this project to extend California Forward’s reach and visibility to grass roots and grass tops across the state.

The Communications Manager will work closely with the Director of Communications and other staff, communications consultants, communications agencies, media relations experts and engagement professionals to coordinate several communications strategies including statewide media outreach as well as online and community-based communications activities. The Communications Manager also will be the point person representing California Forward in Northern California working to build California Forward’s reputation as nonpartisan, credible, trustworthy and results-driven. The Communications Manager will be based in San Francisco and while this position will report regularly to the Director of Communications, will work autonomously but in coordination with Communications staff in Los Angeles and Sacramento.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Work with the Director of Communications to implement the organization’s comprehensive communications plan. This involves managing several communications projects, including online, video, event and presentation strategies.
  • Work with the Online Project Manager to ensure successful implementation of all online outreach strategies including websites, e-newsletters, email blasts and social media strategies.
  • Supervise the development and production of California Forward collateral including news media materials, presentation materials, video segments and programs, and social media strategies.
  • Implement the organization’s strategies for effectively communicating with all target audiences such as mainstream and ethnic media, policy and political “influentials,” regional and community leaders, voters, and underrepresented or hard to reach audiences.
  • Assist the Director of Communications with providing direction and guidance to all communications contractors and consultants including video producers; graphic designers; printers; and, marketing, advertising or public relations agencies.
  • Work with the Director of Communications to develop and implement research projects including surveys, polls and focus groups to provide effective communications strategy measurement and evaluation.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or public affairs.
  • A minimum of six years of increasingly responsible senior level work experience in journalism, public relations, public affairs, media relations or marketing.
  • A proven record of success as a strategic communications leader, in a multi-layered, intellectually charged work environment.
  • A record of developing and implementing public interest campaigns with multiple audiences and sustaining interest over a multi-year period.
  • Experience with message development for diverse audiences, making complex issues accessible and relevant.
  • Demonstrated understanding and experience working with broadcast and print media, and the development of video, print collateral materials, and social media campaigns.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, including ability to manage internal and external teams effectively and to supervise external professional communications consultants.
  • A track record of effective use of research, polling and other quantitative and qualitative data to track and adapt communications activities.
  • Experience with California governance issues preferred. Knowledge of the general political and advocacy landscape essential.
Skills and Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and think strategically, set realistic goals and objectives, and balance multiple priorities.
  • Extraordinarily effective communication and listening skills, superior writing, editing and interpersonal skills.
  • An agile and creative intellect with exceptional problem solving capabilities.
  • An energetic and innovative demeanor; takes initiative.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively; team oriented.
  • Bilingual skills preferred.

California Forward is a nonpartisan public interest organization committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by creating more responsive, representative and cost-effective government. Launched in March 2008 with support from several leading California foundations, California Forward strives to engage Californians to develop, enact and implement reforms that improve the performance of government and the strength of democracy throughout the state.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to Dolores Alaniz at dalaniz@caforward.org.

Position open until filled