Communications Manager

COMMON SENSE MEDIA • San Francisco, CA

20d • $95,000 - $112,500 • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Manager shapes and communicates Common Sense Media’s messages on policy issues including children’s online safety and privacy, AI, and digital equity. The role develops strategic communications plans and works with media, policymakers, parents and caregivers, and advocacy partners to advance the organization’s initiatives and maintain its presence in public policy discussions.

The position creates content across formats, develops policy-focused messaging and thought leadership, manages media relationships and coverage, monitors relevant news, and supports advocacy campaigns and rapid responses. It also prepares senior leaders, staff, and parent and teen advocates for media and public engagements, and collaborates with coalition partners on events, campaigns, and press opportunities.

The role is full-time, exempt, and based in person in San Francisco, California, or New York. It reports to the Co-CEOs.

Requirements

• 4 to 6 years of journalism experience.
• Exceptional, fast, accurate, and compelling writing and editing skills, with experience developing messages across print, digital, and multimedia formats and platforms.
• Strong understanding of technology policy, including children’s online safety and data privacy, AI, and digital equity, and the 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 policy reporters and editors.
• Timeliness, adaptability, and the ability to rally stakeholders quickly during legislative sessions and 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

• Journalism experience in public policy, technology policy, and/or advocacy environments.
• Experience working in government, 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 supporting policy positions and cross-organization initiatives.
• Develop communications that advance advocacy goals and increase visibility and impact in key policy 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 the organization’s priorities.
• Monitor news developments in policy and advocacy areas and share important developments with the Advocacy team and other staff.
• Collaborate with the policy team to translate complex policy topics into clear, compelling, actionable messages for media, lawmakers, parents, and the public.
• Respond promptly to breaking internal and external developments to help shape coverage of the organization’s priorities.
• Support the creation and execution of advocacy campaigns to mobilize public support and reach diverse stakeholders across platforms.
• Prepare senior leaders and staff for media appearances, policy briefings, and public speaking engagements by providing key messages and talking points.
• Find and prepare parent and teen advocates 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.
• Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

What This Job Offers

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