Communications Manager
Sacramento, CA
Regular Full Time, Exempt
About the Steinberg Institute
The Steinberg Institute is a nonprofit public policy institute dedicated to transforming California’s mental health and substance use systems of care. We believe mental health and substance use disorders are the under-attended issues of our time and we work to upend the status quo, dramatically raise the profile, and increase the effectiveness of policymaking in California around these issues.
About this Role
The Steinberg Institute seeks an experienced and dynamic Communications Manager to lead our organization’s external communication efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media relations, social media management, content creation, and strategic communication. This role is critical to advancing our mission by raising awareness, engaging with our partners, and amplifying our impact through various communication channels. This role reports directly to the Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Media Relations:
• Working with the Director of Strategic Partnerships, develop and implement a media strategy to increase the organization’s visibility and reach.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and op-eds.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate interviews with key staff members.
Social Media Management:
• Oversee the organization’s social media presence, including content creation, posting, and community engagement.
• Develop and execute social media campaigns to promote events, initiatives, and key messages.
• Monitor social media trends and adjust strategies to increase engagement and follower growth.
• Analyze social media metrics and report on performance, making data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Content Creation & Management:
• Create and manage content for the organization’s website, blog, newsletters, and other digital platforms.
• Coordinate the production of visual and written materials, including infographics, videos, and reports.
• Ensure that all content is consistent with the organization’s brand, tone, and messaging.
• Collaborate with internal teams to generate content ideas and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Newsletter & Email Communications:
• Write, edit, and distribute the organization’s newsletters and email campaigns.
• Develop and manage the email communication calendar to ensure timely delivery of content.
• Segment and manage email lists to target key audiences effectively.
Strategic Communication:
• Work closely with the leadership team to identify communication opportunities and challenges.
• Provide communication support for development, research, and advocacy efforts.
• Manage and update crisis communication plans as needed.
Collaboration & Team Leadership:
• Work closely with program managers, advocacy teams, and other staff to ensure cohesive and consistent messaging.
• Work with external vendors and consultants, such as graphic designers or public relations firms, as needed.
• Train and support staff in communication best practices and tools.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience desired.
• 5+ years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing or journalism.
• Proven track record of managing social media, media relations and content creation.
• Established relationships with local and regional media outlets, with a proven track record of securing coverage.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience with graphic design and photo editing tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with SEO, analytics and AI tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
• Understanding of mental health, substance use policy issues.
• Familiarity with non-profit donor relations and development.
• Familiarity with photography and video storytelling.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range is $80,000-$90,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. The Institute provides a comprehensive benefits package offering health, dental, and vision coverage; the option to opt into a 401(k) program with an employer match; ongoing professional development; parking subsidy; a generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule.
This position is exempt, and the Communications Manager is expected to work the appropriate and necessary time to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
The Steinberg Institute is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
The Steinberg Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter that summarizes your qualifications and describes your interest in the position. Attach your resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format and send it to jobs@steinberginstitute.org. Please reference the position (Communications Manager) in the subject line of your email.
This hybrid position is based in our Sacramento office. Currently, we allow our staff to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays, and work in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. There are occasions where we will expect staff to come into the office on Mondays or Fridays, but these are pre-planned and scheduled.
We aim to fill this position immediately and will accept resumes until the position is filled.
