Policy Communications Manager

Partnership for Public Service•Washington, DC

11h•$70,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Partnership for Public Service seeks a strategic, collaborative and highly organized Policy Communications Manager to elevate its policy, advocacy and research work in support of a more effective, responsible and accountable federal government. The position develops and implements communications strategies for policy priorities, including Government for a New Era and presidential transition efforts, and translates complex reform ideas into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences. The manager serves as a key liaison between the Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team and the Communications and Public Engagement team, aligning messaging, content production, timing and deliverables. Working across editorial, media relations, marketing, digital, social media, design and events functions, the manager leads projects from start to finish, manages shared planning tools and helps shape campaigns that position the Partnership as a national voice on government reform. The role is hybrid in Washington, DC, and requires permanent residence in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The employee is expected to work in the office an average of three days per week, with Wednesday as the required in-office day. The position is full-time and exempt, with regular Monday-Friday hours and schedule flexibility; occasional evening or weekend activities may be required. Very little out-of-area or overnight travel is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, political science or a related field, or equivalent professional work and/or military experience.
Five to seven years of experience in strategic communications, policy communications, public affairs, advocacy communications, journalism or a related field.
Experience developing communications strategies and content plans for policy, advocacy, research or public affairs initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy, research or technical material into clear content for public audiences.
Experience collaborating with policy experts, communications professionals, creative teams and senior leaders.
Strong strategic communications, writing and editing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex policy concepts into clear, accessible and compelling messages.
Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and a proven track record of cross-team collaboration.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify issues, propose solutions and move work forward independently.
Strong attention to detail, quality and consistency.
Ability to use data, audience insights and engagement metrics to inform communications strategy and improve campaign performance.
Flexibility, a can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in.
Commitment to public service values and the mission of the Partnership for Public Service.
Permanent residence in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area.

Nice To Haves

Experience using communications planning and project management tools such as Asana, shared calendars or similar systems.
Experience with digital, email and social media strategy, audience segmentation and engagement metrics.
Familiarity with AP style.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications strategies and tactics for the Partnership’s federal advocacy, policy development and research agenda, including Government for a New Era and presidential transition efforts.
Serve as the primary liaison between policy and communications teams, aligning messaging, content production, timing and deliverables.
Translate complex policy concepts into written materials such as articles, website content, social posts, video scripts, messaging memos and talking points; coordinate with policy experts and creative partners to ensure accuracy and adapt content across channels.
Develop and execute content plans that turn policy research and reform ideas, including white papers and briefs, into related content such as blog posts, social posts and newsletter features.
Oversee social media and promotional content in collaboration with the design and creative team.
Shape marketing plans with creative and digital teams to influence public policy debate around the Partnership’s core reform ideas.
Own the shared communications content calendar, setting ownership, timelines, priorities and workflows.
Design and maintain cross-department planning processes and tools, such as RACI frameworks, to clarify roles and coordinate communications work.
Manage and grow targeted email and social media audiences, using audience insights and engagement metrics to inform content strategy.
Assist the public engagement team with outreach strategies to build public support for Government for a New Era, including identifying publications, audiences and target markets.
Identify media and rapid-response opportunities in traditional and non-traditional outlets to position the Partnership on government reform and presidential transition.
Support the rapid response team during breaking news by providing policy expertise and guidance on statements, briefs, talking points and related materials.
Identify public-facing events that elevate the Partnership’s policy profile and work with the events team to plan and execute them.
Track and evaluate engagement metrics to guide strategy and improve future campaigns.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.