Head of External Affairs

Common Sense Media • San Francisco, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Head of External Affairs is a senior, hands-on communications leader who partners with Common Sense Media’s leadership to shape the organization’s public presence, guide communications through critical moments, and build visibility and credibility in support of its mission. The role develops strategy, writes, builds relationships, and responds in real time, communicating the importance of the organization’s research, partnerships, and ideas. It requires strong narrative instincts and the ability to coordinate internal experts so the organization can respond clearly to time-sensitive issues.

The position leads narrative development, media relations, major announcements and events, media training and visibility, and stewardship of the organization’s brand and values. The Head works with executive leadership and teams across Common Sense Media to make complex ideas compelling, advance the organization’s position, increase the visibility of its experts, and ensure communications reflect its mission and values.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of senior-level communications leadership experience, either in-house at an organization or at a top-tier agency doing strategic work.
• Proven experience developing and executing strategic communications plans at the national or global level, with measurable results in advocacy and brand elevation.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and content development skills across print, digital, and multimedia formats.
• Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong relationships with top-tier media and a track record of securing high-impact placements across diverse platforms and publications.
• Hands-on experience in rapid-response communications.
• Ability to connect communications strategy to organizational outcomes and measure results.
• Understanding of modern communications platforms and tools, including analytics platforms, social management, monitoring software, and PR databases.
• Lean operating mentality, high agency, low ego, curiosity about technology, awareness of the policy environment, and comfort learning as work evolves.
• Comfort building the function pragmatically as the work grows, with strong judgment and a bias toward action.
• Understanding of the media, technology, and child development landscapes sufficient to contribute strategic thinking.
• Creative and innovative use of social media and emerging media technologies to reach key audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop an integrated communications strategy with the executive leadership team that reflects the organization’s work.
• Identify compelling ways to tell the organization’s stories and describe its impact; shape breakthrough stories and thought leadership.
• Cultivate journalist relationships, pitch stories that advance the organization’s position, and secure coverage that advances its goals.
• Build media relationships and determine which outlets and reporters can best support organizational goals.
• Facilitate decision-making during high-stakes moments, including determining when to speak, when to hold, and when an issue should become a narrative the organization owns.
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson when appropriate.
• Lead communications for significant moments, including new research, major funding, partnerships, and policy positions.
• Frame and implement national and global events with the Senior Director of Strategic Events, coordinating timing, messaging, and visibility across teams.
• Coach leadership team members and spokespeople on messaging, media training, and presence on relevant channels.
• Raise the profile of organizational experts so they become trusted voices.
• Ensure consistency in communications and that internal and external channels reflect the organization’s values, impact, and mission-driven work.

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 kids and families.
• Mission-driven team with a 23-year track record of impact for families and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed