Start Early is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.
Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more inclusive early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.
We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of
appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.
Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!
The Manager, Internal Communications supports the implementation and execution of Start Early’s internal communications strategy with a focus on employee experience, improving information sharing and productivity, promoting learning and professional development opportunities, and fostering a joyful and collaborative organizational culture. As a tactical partner to the Assistant Director, Communications, the Manager will help to create, implement, manage and regularly audit internal communications channels and tactics guided by Start Early’s internal communications strategy. They are also responsible for creating engaging, staff-centered content and resources and managing their dissemination via traditional and digital communications channels—including Start Early’s intranet—for internal audiences.
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Communications, you will:
Intranet Strategy & Editorial Calendar Management: Manage the refresh of Start Early’s intranet homepage, creating a dynamic place for formal and informal information sharing, developing and publishing news, content and organizational updates, and ensuring optimal functionality needed to successfully implement the Internal communications strategy and integrate with other internal channels. Owns and directly manages marketing & communications and internal communications sites. In partnership with the Assistant Director of Internal Communications, the Manager, leads day-to-day support for internal programs, staff events and the internal editorial calendar – supporting KPIs, collecting and analyzing data and staff feedback, and measuring success over time.
Internal Communications Channels Lead & Infrastructure Management: Lead the management, implementation, training and continuous improvement of Start Early’s internal communications channels, tools and foundational information sharing resources – including conducting channel audits, developing a multi-media channel matrix, refining a catalogue of internal tools and resources available to support staff, and implementing internal communications best practices and innovative solutions.
Organizational Message Development & Storytelling: Support the development of key messages, resources, graphics, stories and creative collateral that demonstrate and amplify Start Early’s mission, vision, values and focus areas – leveraging all Start Early Communications channels and uplifting staff voices and experiences.
Internal Communications Strategy Implementation: Develop and implement internal communications plans that support organizational initiatives and division-level projects. Utilize internal communications channels to support campaigns that promote organizational health, drive greater understanding of the organization’s collective work, build confidence and support for organizational goals and annual priorities, and advance Start Early’s multi-year strategic plan.
Employee Engagement: Contribute to outreach and engagement efforts that provide Start Early staff with relevant and timely information, compelling storytelling and experiences that build organizational acumen and create a sense of joy, belonging and pride in our organizational culture, core values, mission and vision.
Qualifications:
- BA/BS in Communications or Marketing major preferred or equivalent experience
- At least 7 years of professional experience in internal, strategic or executive communication that includes: developing and executing communications plans that advance organizational priorities.
- Multi-channel content creation (e.g., internal and external-facing messages, leadership talking points, organizational-wide messages, newsletter copy, intranet story writing, social media and blog posts).
- Demonstrated increased responsibility for, support of and contribution to a broad strategy.
- Strong understanding of communications concepts, strategies and execution best practices.
- Exceptional written communications skills.
- Ability to foster interpersonal relationships, establish trust and collaborate across functions and with diverse audiences – internally and externally.
- Active listener that can effectively engage with staff at all levels of the organization, especially Start Early decision-makers.
- Ability to distill complex information into accessible, easily understood outputs that serve staff in all parts of the organization.
- Familiarity with information technology, especially digital and video means of communication, and data analytics.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to both strategize and execute on deliverables and a relentless focus on achieving project milestones and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to effectively cope with change and uncertainty; productively advancing the work with ambiguous direction.
- Demonstrates a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Comfort presenting in public and virtual spaces and facilitating both small and large group meetings.
- Working knowledge of the following tools is preferred: Content collaboration and management systems (e.g., WordPress, Unily, SharePoint), digital communications platforms (e.g. Teams, Zoom), graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
- Deep commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion and belonging for all staff.
We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description,
we still encourage you to apply!
Base Annual Salary: $75,000-$90,000
As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.
Our generous benefits plan includes:
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
