Communications Manager

Job Title: Communications Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Remote

Reports To: Director of Marketing

Pay Range: 80k - 85k (DOE)

Job Purpose:

The Communications Manager supports and elevates Aspire Living & Learning's external presence, media relationships, and organizational reputation. This role executes public relations strategy, develops compelling narratives across channels, and ensures Aspire's voice is clear, consistent, and credible with external audiences. The Communications Manager also supports executive leadership with messaging for internal communications, serving as a connective thread between how Aspire presents itself to the world and how it communicates across the organization. This role reports to the Director of Marketing.

Key Responsibilities:

Narrative Strategy & Messaging

• Translate complex operational and clinical work into compelling, human-centered narratives that resonate with families, schools, funders, policymakers, and prospective employees.

• Develop messaging frameworks, talking points, and narrative guides to ensure consistency across departments and channels.

• Identify gaps in positioning and proactively shape external narratives before others define them for us.

Public Relations

• Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, and responding to inquiries.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and outlets across Aspire's five-state footprint, with particular attention to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maryland markets.

• Identify and develop opportunities for thought leadership through PR channels.

• Prepare designated Aspire spokespeople for media interviews with talking points and messaging guidance to ensure consistent, on-brand representation.

External Visibility & Thought Leadership

• Support the positioning of Aspire leaders for interviews, panels, speaking engagements, and award opportunities.

• Draft op-eds, bylines, and award submissions that elevate Aspire's reputation in human services, behavioral health, and education.

• Monitor emerging industry conversations and proactively identify opportunities to insert Aspire's perspective.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to amplify external visibility through digital and content channels.

Leadership Messaging & Internal Communications Support

• Draft and refine leadership messages, all-staff updates, and executive talking points that reflect Aspire's voice and values.

• Support change communication planning in partnership with senior leadership and People & Culture, ensuring messaging maintains trust and transparency during periods of organizational transition.

• Serve as a communications resource for cross-functional initiatives that require consistent, well-timed messaging across audiences.

• Cultivate a positive and productive workplace atmosphere to enhance team morale and productivity.

• Participate in and complete training sessions as delegated by management to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.

• Conduct training as required and assigned. 

• Perform any additional job responsibilities assigned by supervisors or team leaders to support the organization's smooth operation.

• Accept reassignment as required.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of proven experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. 

• Background in nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or behavioral health communications preferred.

• Strong writing skills across formats, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, and leadership communications.

• Experience translating complex or technical subject matter into clear, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.

• Familiarity with multi-state media markets and regional press relationships.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Must have satisfactory background checks 

• Bachelor's in Marketing, Communications, or another related area of study. 

Working Conditions:

• This position operates in a professional office environment.

• Potential exposure to confidential employee information.

• Some infrequent day and/or overnight travel possible.  

• Some holiday evening or weekend work  to meet scheduled processing deadlines.

• Physical demands may include prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

• Mental demands may include handling sensitive employee situations with empathy and professionalism.

• Lift/carry up to 10 pounds; speaking; standing; sitting for long periods of time; reaching; bending; walking; reaching with arms and hands, balancing; using fingers to handle or feel.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable qualified people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position.