Communications Manager

Summary

The Communications Manager serves as a key executor of First 5 Sonoma County’s communication efforts. This position partners with agency leadership and staff to implement day-to-day tasks that drive First 5’s messaging, visibility and community relations and plays a central role in crafting and disseminating external communication efforts related to policy and advocacy, programs, and funding initiatives. The Communications Manager will have hands-on involvement in media materials, press releases, web copy, social media posts, impact reports and op-eds.

There is a strong emphasis on writing in this role, with a significant responsibility for drafting the first versions of various communication materials and working with various staff members to ensure accurate content. This highly collaborative individual works across areas of First 5 Sonoma’s strategic goals to develop consistent messaging, positioning F5SC as a leader in public, private, and nonprofit sectors to advance F5SC’s goals and vision and improve the lives of young children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Strategies

• Collaborate with the First 5 Sonoma Executive and program teams to develop and disseminate a broad range of agency communication strategies
• Develop and implement an annual communications plan including brand collateral
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the local media
• Manage all aspects of First 5 Sonoma County’s social media communications (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Create public relations and marketing materials such as flyers, press releases, editorial letters, op-eds and newsletters within brand guidelines for commission initiatives
• Maintain the website with fresh content collaboratively developed with staff
• Track and report analytics on marketing and communications campaigns
• Support the design and publication of Commission materials, such as the Strategic Plan
• Take photographs at events and publish on social media
• Work with staff to develop content for monthly digital newsletter; design & disseminate
• In collaboration with the Research & Evaluation staff, produce professional, public-facing reports, literature reviews and other documents related to First 5’s impact, employing data to tell a story of the impact of First 5’s public investments in early childhood.
• Disseminate impact reports to the community, the First 5 Sonoma County Commission, local and state leaders, advisory bodies, funded community partners
• Support and ensure staff and funded partners apply First 5 Sonoma County’s style guides, logos and brand voice outlines for all public relations

Community Relations

• Support staff and Commissioners to represent First 5 Sonoma County at community events and public meetings, including preparing talking points
• Collaborate with staff to plan and implement community events, especially partnering with media for publicity
• Advocate for young children and families by building a shared vision and creating public and political will for programs for young children

Organizational Capacity

• Prepare and manage the organization’s communication budget

• Develop a deep familiarity with public funding streams and statutory mandates governing First 5 Sonoma County and support alignment from planning through implementation
• Assess existing communications on an on-going basis, enabling and promoting a culture of learning and continuous quality improvement to further First 5’s strategic objectives.
• Procure, manage, and/or supervise contractors, consultants, and/or staff as needed.

• Coach and assist team members on improving communications/presentation skills
• Perform communications research and monitor the progress of various strategies

• Manage special projects and perform other duties as required.
• Regularly drives and/or travels throughout Sonoma County to perform the above job duties; driving is an essential function of this position
• Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of best practices in communications and outreach, particularly for children birth to age 5 and their families.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred in communications, marketing, journalism, early childhood, social science, education, health, public policy, public administration, public relations or related discipline.

Experience

• 5 years designing and executing marketing and communications strategies, including managing multiple social media accounts
• 5 years building and maintaining relationships with local nonprofits, businesses and/or elected officials to achieve public relations goals
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of local early childhood landscape and children’s issues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to develop and deliver reports, recommendations, and presentations
• Experience with navigation of the Meta Business Suite; utilization of all features of Instagram and Facebook including posting static content, Story content and Reels; in-app video editing suites, captioning features, alternative text features, comment moderation and analytics suite; understanding of the use of captioning, tagging, and proper use of text in content to increase searchability
• Ability to interact and build relationships with a variety of constituencies, e.g. elected officials, community partners, staff, and Commissioners.
• Mission-driven and self-directed, with a demonstrated passion for First 5 Sonoma County’s work to strengthen families and improve child outcomes.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn about the full range of programs, services, policies and issues that impact young children e.g. early childhood education, health and development; family support and well-being; and community engagement, including research-based, best, and emerging practices.
• Knowledge of managing/monitoring contractors and/or vendors, inclusive of developing scopes of work.
• Strategic thinker who considers internal and external stakeholder needs and considers impact when making decisions.
• Outstanding project management skills and an ability to handle a complex environment with multiple priorities; navigates and is adaptive to ambiguous, fast-paced environments; handles uncertain situations professionally and reasonably; and maintains flexibility to respond to changing circumstances or priorities.
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills; provides recommendations with supporting rationale and business reason.
• Strong decision-making skills with use of good judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Ability to work well as a team member and independently while collaborating with others to achieve desired goals/results.
• Awareness of confidentiality laws. Handle confidential information with discretion and sensitivity to and respect for the privacy rights of clients, client families, and providers in all communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets); familiarity with InDesign, Canva, web design platforms, Constant Contact or similar platforms

Work Environment

• Hybrid remote schedule: Minimum 16 hours in-office required weekly
• Some travel, primarily within the county
• Requires working occasional evenings and weekends.
• Work is sometimes physical, requiring setting up for meetings, lifting or carrying cumbersome materials of up to 25 pounds, e.g., easels, flip charts, brochures, etc.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and appropriate insurance.

First 5 Sonoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.