Communications Manager

Aspire Employment Opportunities•Barre, VT

13d•$80,000 - $85,000•Remote

About The Position

The Communications Manager supports and elevates Aspire Living & Learning's external presence, media relationships, and organizational reputation. This role executes public relations strategy, develops compelling narratives across channels, and ensures Aspire's voice is clear, consistent, and credible with external audiences. The Communications Manager also supports executive leadership with messaging for internal communications, serving as a connective thread between how Aspire presents itself to the world and how it communicates across the organization.

Requirements

3-5 years of proven experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
Strong writing skills across formats, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, and leadership communications.
Experience translating complex or technical subject matter into clear, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
Familiarity with multi-state media markets and regional press relationships.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Must have satisfactory background checks
Bachelor's in Marketing, Communications, or another related area of study.

Nice To Haves

Background in nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or behavioral health communications preferred.

Responsibilities

Translate complex operational and clinical work into compelling, human-centered narratives that resonate with families, schools, funders, policymakers, and prospective employees.
Develop messaging frameworks, talking points, and narrative guides to ensure consistency across departments and channels.
Identify gaps in positioning and proactively shape external narratives before others define them for us.
Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, and responding to inquiries.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists and outlets across Aspire's five-state footprint, with particular attention to Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maryland markets.
Identify and develop opportunities for thought leadership through PR channels.
Prepare designated Aspire spokespeople for media interviews with talking points and messaging guidance to ensure consistent, on-brand representation.
Support the positioning of Aspire leaders for interviews, panels, speaking engagements, and award opportunities.
Draft op-eds, bylines, and award submissions that elevate Aspire's reputation in human services, behavioral health, and education.
Monitor emerging industry conversations and proactively identify opportunities to insert Aspire's perspective.
Collaborate with the marketing team to amplify external visibility through digital and content channels.
Draft and refine leadership messages, all-staff updates, and executive talking points that reflect Aspire's voice and values.
Support change communication planning in partnership with senior leadership and People & Culture, ensuring messaging maintains trust and transparency during periods of organizational transition.
Serve as a communications resource for cross-functional initiatives that require consistent, well-timed messaging across audiences.
Cultivate a positive and productive workplace atmosphere to enhance team morale and productivity.
Participate in and complete training sessions as delegated by management to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
Conduct training as required and assigned.
Perform any additional job responsibilities assigned by supervisors or team leaders to support the organization's smooth operation.
Accept reassignment as required.