Public Affairs Manager

Michigan Afterschool Partnership•Lansing, MI

2d•$60,000 - $65,000•Remote

About The Position

The Public Affairs Manager supports the development and execution of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership’s public affairs communications to advance its mission, programs, and policy goals. The role translates state budget information, program data, and out-of-school-time provider experiences into compelling communications for policymakers, media, members, and partners. Working closely with the Director of Public Affairs, the manager helps implement advocacy, digital, media, and event priorities across Michigan and supports policy and legislative communications and media and stakeholder relationships. This is a remote position requiring travel and in-person meetings. The role is grant-funded and dependent on annual grant allocations. The position develops digital content and materials, maintains the organization’s website and communications assets, plans social media and email campaigns, and contributes to communications planning and reporting. It also supports media relations and storytelling, policy and legislative communications, stakeholder engagement, and events. The manager tracks lobbying activity and expenditures consistent with applicable 501(c)(3) limits, prepares grant reports, and may perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in public affairs, government relations, advocacy communications, public relations, journalism, legislative staff work, or a closely related field.
Proficiency in graphic design and content production, including the ability to independently create professional, brand-consistent materials.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Squarespace, and digital marketing tools, including social media platforms and SEO.
Skill in developing and managing digital content across websites, email campaigns, and social media to support organizational goals.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling, and accurate communications materials.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex public policy, legislative, and budget information clearly to diverse audiences.
Understanding of state legislative and budget processes, including legislative procedures and appropriations.
Ability to engage with legislators, legislative staff, or government agencies and build and maintain bipartisan relationships.
Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling sensitive policy matters and representing the organization publicly.
Commitment to equity and expanding out-of-school-time access for Michigan youth.
Willingness, availability, and ability to travel statewide and nationally as needed.

Responsibilities

Design and produce published and supporting materials, including one-pagers, reports, infographics, presentation decks, event collateral, media kits, promotional content, talking points, and social graphics.
Maintain and improve the MASP website, including page builds, content updates, advocacy landing pages, and basic analytics.
Plan, write, and schedule social media content and coordinated campaigns around budget moments and field events.
Write and send email communications to members, partners, and advocates, and track performance.
Build and maintain a library of templates, photography, data visuals, and brand assets for partner use.
Maintain consistent tone, voice, and visual identity across platforms.
Contribute to the annual communications and public affairs plan and maintain its schedule and calendar.
Report on reach and engagement to inform future decisions.
Maintain accurate records of lobbying activity and expenditures in accordance with applicable 501(c)(3) limits.
Prepare grant reports and related narratives about organizational activities, outcomes, and impact in collaboration with MASP staff.
Serve as a point of contact for reporters; pitch stories, place op-eds and letters, prepare spokespeople, and respond to inquiries promptly and accurately.
Develop storytelling about the effects of afterschool and summer programs on students, families, and communities, centering youth voice and the communities MASP serves.
Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and regional media outlets and journalists.
Write and edit issue briefs, fact sheets, budget summaries, legislative testimony, sign-on letters, action alerts, and comment letters.
Translate state budget and program information, including appropriations and participation and outcome data, into plain language for legislators and staff.
Work with the Policy Coordinator to track bills, budget targets, committee calendars, and administrative actions affecting out-of-school time, and keep staff, board, and network partners informed.
Prepare members and providers to testify and meet with legislators by providing talking points, district-level data, and day-of logistics.
Staff and support MASP’s presence at legislative hearings, advocacy days, and meetings with legislative and executive branch offices.
Build and maintain working relationships with legislative staff in both chambers and parties, departmental staff, and coalition partners.
Represent MASP at coalition meetings, conferences, and partner convenings, and share relevant updates and opportunities with staff.
Support signature events, including Lights On Afterschool, Afterschool at the Capitol Day, MAC Conferences, advocacy days, and community showcases, through promotion, materials, and day-of communications.
Develop outreach materials and communications tailored to business leaders, community partners, and public officials.
Support outreach and engagement strategies that mobilize public support for afterschool programs and policy change.
Perform other duties as needed and assigned.