Title: Communications Manager Location: Washington, D.C.(Dupont Circle) – Hybrid Work Environment and is Metro Accessible Reports to: Director of Communications
About the National Communication Association The National Communication Association (NCA) seeks a talented and well-rounded professional who can help lead a vibrant organization in the 21st century. A scholarly society with 5000+ members across the landscape of higher education, NCA advances research, teaching, and practice in the field of Communication. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NCA fosters and promotes free and ethical communication, the widespread appreciation of the importance of communication in public and private life, the application of competent communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems. Led by a dynamic executive director, NCA is committed to inclusiveness and diversity among faculty and members and in the workplace and the classroom.
About the Candidate This is a wonderful opportunity for an experienced communications professional to complement and support the communications function at NCA’s National Office. The manager will bring communications, journalism, and public relations expertise as well as project management skills to achieve NCA’s communications goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities We understand that no candidate will possess every quality, the successful candidate will have many of the following experiences and attributes (preference will be given to candidates with solid staff journalism/editorial experience and PR agency experience in higher education, non-profit, or related sectors). Even if you aren’t sure but are excited about the position, we encourage you to apply!
Generate content for the NCA website, digital magazine, internal and external products, annual report, collateral materials, and a story bank
In partnership with the Communications Director, manage the editorial workflow and maintain style guide
Support editorial planning and communications strategy based on priority topics and communications deliverables
Lead (or be willing to learn) the research, production, and distribution of the Association’s podcasts
Research topics for campaigns, talking points, Congressional testimony, speeches, media advisories, and news releases
Assist with communications requests from the Executive Director and Association leadership
Attend and support NCA national, regional, and local events, including engaging with participants, Association members and leaders, affiliates, and donors
Manage social media content development and strategy
Produce a daily, subscriber-based e-blast of curated news, position announcements, and obituaries.
Work Mode: The NCA operates in a hybrid work mode, three days in the office, two days at telework. The work mode is regularly reviewed to meet the evolving needs of the association. Such review may necessitate changing a position’s mode of work designation.
Note: Several professional profiles may be well suited to this position. Should your qualifications be different from those described below but you believe this is the job for you, please do not hesitate to apply.
Benefits: NCA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as retirement savings and tuition assistance. NCA offers benefits to same-sex and to different sex domestic partners and to spouses. NCA provides the following trans-affirming healthcare coverage: trans masculine confirming surgeries, trans feminine confirming surgeries, hormone replacement therapy (with treatment code). Dependents have the same access to the healthcare described above.
COVID-19 Protocol and Vaccine Requirements NCA is committed to public health and the vital role of vaccines in contributing to the safety of its Association and broader communities. NCA requires students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the office to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and to have received all COVID-19 vaccine booster shots when eligible. This requirement applies to all staff, including teleworking employees.
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter (a PDF) with salary requirement. We prefer cover letters that describe your interest in the position, what motivates you, and how you understand and relate to the NCA mission, rather than a narrative version of your resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Send to inbox@natcom.org with “Communications Manager” in the subject line.
Knowledge Skills & Abilities - Bachelor’s or advanced college degree - Minimum of 4-5 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, public relations, and/or marketing, including some management or direct supervisory experience - Demonstrated success in developing and implementing communications strategies - Proven experience collaborating with multiple and diverse staff, stakeholders, leadership, and partners - Excellent writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to tell a story - Positive attitude and enthusiasm - Excellent written and oral communications skills - Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across organizational lines - Experience with website content development and website redesign - Able to work in a fast-paced environment
The National Communication Association (NCA) seeks three gifted professionals who can help lead a vibrant organization in the 21st century. A professional society with 5000+ members across the landscape of higher education, NCA advances research, teaching, and practice in the field of Communication. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NCA fosters and promotes free and ethical communication, the widespread appreciation of the importance of communication in public and private life, the application of competent communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems. Led by a dynamic executive director, NCA is committed to inclusiveness and diversity among faculty and members and in the workplace and the classroom.