Manager, Policy Communications

The Rockefeller Foundation•New York, NY

2h•$130,100 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Policy Communications for U.S. Programs & Policy (USPP) plays a central role in shaping how strategy, impact, and learning are translated into compelling narratives that inform policy and influence practice. This role ensures that insights from community engagement, civic innovation, and field-building efforts are synthesized into clear, credible, and audience-specific communications that advance program objectives. Reporting to Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, and partnering closely with the Foundation’s Communications team, this position integrates communications strategy with program execution—ensuring that storytelling, policy positioning, and stakeholder engagement are aligned and mutually reinforcing. The role operates at the intersection of strategy, policy, and narrative influence, with responsibility for elevating proof points and amplifying impact at the local, state, and national levels.

Requirements

Generally expected to have 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in communications, policy communications, public affairs, or related fields.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, journalism, public affairs, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
Experience within philanthropy, nonprofit, public policy, government, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy or programmatic work into accessible, persuasive content.
Strong writing and editorial skills across formats and audiences.
Experience developing communications strategies that align with policy influence goals.
Familiarity with digital platforms, content management systems, and audience engagement tools.
Ability to manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
Strong judgment in navigating sensitive topics and aligning communications with institutional priorities.
Highly collaborative, with the ability to build trusted relationships across program, policy, and communications teams.
Ability to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and manage a yearly comprehensive communications and narrative strategy that aligns USPP program priorities with a broader policy and philanthropic vision, with clear mapping of opportunities for “tentpole moments,” digital campaigns, earned media plans, and thought leadership.
Translate complex programmatic work—including research, community partnerships, and grantmaking—into clear, persuasive messaging tailored to policymakers, partners, and philanthropic audiences.
Partner with program leads to identify proof points, elevate impact stories, and ensure coherence across initiatives and phases of strategy execution.
Produce and oversee development of high-quality communications assets, including briefs, memos, speeches, talking points, reports, digital content, and presentations.
Collaborate with the central Communications team to align messaging with brand standards, editorial guidance, and institutional priorities.
Support leadership visibility through preparation for convenings, media engagements, panels, and stakeholder meetings.
Manage project management systems to ensure effective tracking and delivery of priority projects.
Coordinate review processes for communications materials, including legal and policy review where required.
Manage external vendors and consultants (e.g., writers, designers, digital partners), ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with strategic goals.
Track and assess the effectiveness of communications efforts, using qualitative and quantitative insights to refine strategy and improve reach and influence.
Serve as a thought partner to program leadership on narrative positioning and opportunities to shape public and policy conversations.
Contribute to cross-foundation collaboration and shared learning on storytelling, audience engagement, and influence strategies.