Policy Communications Manager
Partnership for Public Service · Washington, District of Columbia, United States
ORGANIZATION
The Partnership for Public Service is a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to build a better government and a stronger democracy.
Building on over 25 years of experience, we inform and engage the public about why we need effective government, develop and champion bold reform to make our government work better, and support, develop and train federal, state and local government leaders as they work to meet the unique responsibilities of public service.
Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive.
Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:
- Passion for public service and our work toward a better government
- People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect
- Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results
- Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible
We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Partnership for Public Service is seeking a strategic, collaborative and highly organized Policy Communications Manager to help elevate the organization’s policy, advocacy and research work in support of a more effective, responsible and accountable federal government. This position will help develop and implement communications strategies for the Partnership’s policy priorities, including Government for a New Era and presidential transition efforts, and will translate complex reform ideas into clear, compelling content for a wide range of audiences.
The Policy Communications Manager will serve as a key liaison between the Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team, and Communications and Public Engagement team, ensuring alignment on messaging, content production, timing and deliverables. Working across editorial, media relations, marketing, digital, social media, design and events functions, this person will lead assigned projects from start to finish, manage shared planning tools and help shape campaigns that position the Partnership as a leading national voice on government reform.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Communications Strategy
- Develop and execute communications strategies and tactics for the Partnership’s federal advocacy, policy development and research agenda, including Government for a New Era and presidential transition efforts, in support of a more effective, responsible and accountable government.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the policy and communications teams, driving alignment on messaging, content production, timing and deliverables.
Content Development and Campaign Execution
- Lead the translation of complex policy concepts into clear, compelling written materials, including articles, website content, social posts, video scripts, messaging memos and talking points. Work with policy experts to ensure accuracy, and manage the adaptation of those materials across the Partnership’s channels with designers, editors, digital, marketing and other creative partners.
- Develop and execute content plans that turn the Partnership’s policy research and reform ideas, including white papers and briefs, into a family of related content such as blog posts, social posts and newsletter features, maximizing the reach and impact of each release.
- Oversee the development of engaging social media and promotional content in collaboration with the design and creative team.
- Shape marketing plans, in close coordination with the creative and digital teams, that leverage the Partnership’s unique advocacy voice and network to influence the public policy debate around our core reform ideas.
Planning, Coordination and Project Management
- Own the shared communications content calendar, setting clear ownership, timelines, priorities and workflows to ensure timely and coordinated execution.
- Design and maintain cross-department planning processes and tools, such as RACI frameworks, to clarify roles, facilitate collaboration and ensure alignment on communications priorities and deliverables.
Audience Engagement and Public Outreach
- Manage and grow targeted email and social media audiences in support of public campaigns and advocacy efforts, using audience insights and engagement metrics to inform content strategy and maximize impact.
- Assist the public engagement team in developing outreach strategies that build public support for the reform ideas in Government for a New Era — including identifying publications, audiences and target markets for various messaging and policy products.
Media, Rapid Response and Events
- Identify and pursue opportunities with the media and rapid response team, in traditional and non-traditional outlets, to position the Partnership as the leading national voice on government reform and presidential transition.
- Support the rapid response team, as necessary, during breaking news moments by providing policy expertise and guidance on statements, briefs, talking points and related materials.
- Identify public-facing events that elevate the Partnership’s public policy profile, and work with the events team to plan and execute them.
Measurement and Continuous Improvement
- Track and evaluate engagement metrics to guide strategy and strengthen future campaigns.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strong strategic communications, writing and editing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex policy concepts into clear, accessible and compelling messages.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record collaborating across teams and functions.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify issues, propose solutions and move work forward independently.
- Strong attention to detail, quality and consistency.
- Ability to use data, audience insights and engagement metrics to inform communications strategy and improve campaign performance.
- Flexibility, a can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in.
- Commitment to the values of public service and the mission of the Partnership for Public Service.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, political science or related field, or equivalent professional work and/or military experience.
- Five to seven years of experience in strategic communications, policy communications, public affairs, advocacy communications, journalism or a related field.
- Experience developing communications strategies and content plans for policy, advocacy, research or public affairs initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy, research or technical material into clear content for public audiences.
- Experience working collaboratively with policy experts, communications professionals, creative teams and senior leaders.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience using communications planning and project management tools such as Asana, shared calendars or similar systems.
- Experience with digital, email and social media strategy, audience segmentation and engagement metrics.
- Familiarity with AP style.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE
This position reports to the Director of Media Relations and External Communications. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities of full-time staff but may supervise an intern.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days pe