Communications Manager

Make the Road States (MRStates) is the national home for the second-generation Make the Road family of organizations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada, this in addition to New York, that serves to uplift the voices of working-class, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA people, and people of color across the Make the Roads umbrella. From an operational spectrum it serves as the Finance and Human Resources Compliance Officers for the umbrella at large. Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ) builds the power of immigrant and working-class communities to achieve dignity and respect through community organizing, the provision of high quality legal and support services, transformative education, and policy innovation. MRNJ is a project of Make the Road States. Founded in 2014, MRNJ operates centers and organizing hubs in the cities of Elizabeth, Passaic, Perth Amboy, and Newark, that reach thousands of immigrants and working-class people of color each year. Our member-led organizing committees -- which work on the issues named above-- implement strategies to combat shared problems and develop leadership and the capacity for civic participation. In the past four years, MRNJ has won more than 10 pro-immigrant and pro-worker policies, including the nation's first guaranteed severance law, landmark anti-wage theft legislation, occupational and drivers' license for undocumented immigrants and a $15 minimum wage. We also provide an array of high-quality bilingual services including ESOL, legal services in the areas of immigration and workplace rights, workplace safety training and college access. Make the Road Action (MRA), a 501(c)(4) organization is committed to building power for justice in immigrant and low income working-class communities of color. MRA operates in five states - New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. We work to create social change, connect voters to the candidates and issues that are most important to them, and work hands-on in a fast-paced environment to create long-term impact in the communities that need it most. Current Opening The Communications Manager supports the Director(s) in implementing the organization's actions and campaigns across digital platforms and media outlets. This role involves creating high-impact content, monitoring digital channels for mission alignment, and establishing a cohesive brand identity. A key component of this position involves field-based communications, and managing media presence during community outreach. This is an in-person, confidential, managerial salaried position working a minimum of 40 hours a week, including self-directed weekend and evening hours necessary to carry out the job, primarily out of our branch in Perth Amboy, NJ; some travel to our other branches and nearby areas will be required. MRNJ is an unionized workplace, this position is not part of the bargaining unit. Key Responsibilities but not limited to:- Lead the development and execution of strategic communications, including testimonies, statements, media advisories, and press releases aligned with organizational priorities.\Oversee the creation and promotion of multimedia content for social media platforms, including videos, photography, infographics, livestreams, and real-time event coverage.Serve as a primary media contact, responding to press and public inquiries in English and Spanish, exercising independent judgement and discretion and ensuring timely, effective messaging.Provide strategic guidance on messaging and media preparation efforts for members, staff, departments, and leadership through accessible talking points, training, coaching, and individualized support to strengthen storytelling capacity.Work with the Director to provide real-time guidance on language and messaging.Assist in the development of a funded communications internship and fellowship program.Manage and expand supporter, press, and membership databases and listservs to secure and grow media online and offline coverage.Direct photography and visual documentation efforts for actions, events, campaigns, and organizational publications.Lead the drafting, editing, and review of internal and external communications including digital content, emails, web copy, and landing pages, annual reports, brochures, press packets, postcards, digital assets, and branded materials.Ensure organizational consistency in branding, messaging, and visual identity across all communications platforms and materials.Manage communications during actions, rapid response efforts, and field events, coordinating media presence and supporting real-time messaging needs.Maintain and oversee organized photo, video, press, and media archives to support organizational storytelling and historical documentation.Act as the Organizational public spokesperson in the event of all conflicts, disputes, of legal matters, with the advice of Legal Counsel.Strengthen staff and member participation in media opportunities, including the work of pitching reporters, to expand the organization's public voice and visibility.Develop and implement strategies to increase member engagement, digital participation, and volunteer coordination across online platforms; identify success measurements, analyze and deliver reports on current communications efforts, and adjust as needed.Oversee and moderate digital community spaces, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and other online engagement platforms, to maintain active and mission-aligned participation.Plan and execute organizational events, actions, canvasses, membership activities, and rapid response efforts.Ensure compliance with organizational policies, protocols, and data management practices, including accurate and timely data entry.Oversee the monitoring, transportation, maintenance, and return of organizational equipment and communications materials.Stay informed on local, state and national politics, organizational programs, campaigns, and operational developments to ensure accurate and consistent communication with members, partners, and the public.Model and uphold MRNJ's mission, values, and organizational culture in all areas of work and leadership.Maintain organized, professional, and functional workspaces and shared areas.Attend, participate in, and facilitate organizational meetings, trainings, events, and cross-functional initiatives as required.Perform additional leadership and operational responsibilities as assigned to advance the organization's mission and strategic goals. Experience and QualificationsEligible to work in the USExperience: At least 3-5 years of experience in marketing, communications, community engagement, journalism, or related fields.Language Skills: Proficiency in English and Spanish requiredDemonstrated commitment to social justice and immigrant rights. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges facing immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-and moderate-income families; Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse client population as well as with community members, co-workers, and the public;Skills: Strong leadership, coaching, public speaking, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with familiarity in using databases and digital tools.Availability: Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.Familiarity with media outreach and the news industry overall.Proficiency in crafting content for social media and print media.Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and organizational skills; emotional maturity;Manages shifting priorities and unexpected challenges effectivelySelf-motivated; detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to prioritize assignments and workload;Comfortable multitasking and prioritizing tasks without guidance;Microsoft Office or Google Suite proficiency;Knowledge of or willingness to learn database and communication platforms;Willingness to grow professionally through learning, participating in trainings and accepting direction.Must possess a valid driver's license, and vehicle and be willing to drive for work purposes. Salary and Benefits: MRStates offers an excellent benefit package including health insurance, 401K, and generous paid vacation, sick, personal days. The salary range for this position is from $72,474.00 - $82,754.00 How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter at the Make the Road New Jersey career center. Make the Road believes that social change is best achieved through grassroots community-based organizing that flows directly from and engages the community demanding the change. As a membership-based organization, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, criminal history, or Veteran status. We strongly encourage those from historically excluded groups to apply.