Communications Manager

Common Sense Media • San Francisco, CA

19d • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Manager will shape and communicate Common Sense Media’s messages on key policy issues, including children’s online safety and privacy, AI, and digital equity. The role requires awareness of current technology-policy debates and the technology media landscape, and involves developing strategic, creative communications plans to amplify organizational initiatives. The manager works with media, policymakers, parents and caregivers, and advocacy partners to keep Common Sense Media’s voice prominent in public-policy discussions.

The position develops communications and advocacy messaging, creates content across formats, builds media relationships, secures coverage, monitors policy and advocacy news, and supports campaigns and public-facing spokespeople. It also helps prepare parent and teen advocates for media opportunities and collaborates with coalition partners on events, campaigns, and press opportunities.

Requirements

• Fast, accurate, and compelling writing and editing skills.
• Experience developing messaging across multiple formats and platforms, including print, digital, and multimedia.
• Four to six years of journalism experience; experience in public policy, tech policy, and/or advocacy environments is preferred.
• Strong understanding of technology policy issues, including children’s online safety and data privacy, AI, and digital equity, and ability to communicate these issues effectively.
• Strong knowledge of the policy media landscape, including traditional media, blogs, podcasts, and social media.
• Demonstrated success securing media coverage and building relationships with key policy reporters and editors.
• Timeliness, adaptability, and ability to rally stakeholders quickly during legislative sessions and in response to breaking news.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or a related field.
• Passion for Common Sense Media’s mission and values supporting children and families in a complex digital environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working inside government, with policy organizations, think tanks, media outlets, or nonprofit advocacy groups.

Responsibilities

• Write and contribute to statements, op-eds, press releases, policy briefs, talking points, blog posts, speeches, and other content advancing Common Sense Media’s policy positions and cross-organizational initiatives.
• Develop communications supporting advocacy goals and broader organizational communications, with the aim of increasing visibility and impact in key discussions.
• Position Common Sense Media and its leadership as thought leaders on children’s online safety and privacy, AI, and digital equity through talking points, positioning documents, and research-backed materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, Substackers, and other new media outlets, and secure coverage of organizational priorities.
• Monitor news developments in policy and advocacy areas and communicate important developments to the Advocacy team and other staff.
• Collaborate with the policy team to translate complex policy topics into clear, compelling, actionable messaging for media, lawmakers, parents, and the public.
• Respond promptly to breaking internal and external developments to help shape coverage of organizational priorities.
• Support the Advocacy campaigns leader and team in creating and executing campaigns that mobilize public support, resonate with diverse stakeholders, and extend the organization’s reach across platforms.
• Prepare senior leadership and staff for media appearances, policy briefings, and public speaking engagements by providing key messages and talking points.
• Source parent and teen advocates and support their preparation for media opportunities.
• Collaborate with coalition partners on events, campaigns, and press opportunities.

Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Collaborative, flexible work environment with meaningful leadership access and visibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level