Senior Manager, Communications

CALSTART

3d • $95,000 - $113,000

About The Position

CALSTART is seeking a seasoned communications professional to lead public relations and strategic communications for the organization and its diverse programs and policy initiatives. This role combines hands-on writing and media outreach with cross-functional collaboration to advance CALSTART's mission to accelerate clean transportation technology deployment and policy progress. The Senior Manager, Communications leads the development and execution of integrated communications for CALSTART's brand, the organization, and its programs and policy initiatives. This role requires strong writing and strategic thinking, hands-on implementation, and the ability to collaborate across teams, with a focus on media relations, content strategy, digital, events, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in automotive, clean transportation, or nonprofit sectors is strongly preferred. Experience promoting policy efforts is also valuable as a complement to core brand communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 7–10+ years in communications, public relations, or related roles
• Experience promoting policy initiatives as part of a broad communications portfolio at the Federal, State or Local level required.
• Exemplary writing and storytelling ability with a demonstrated portfolio of high-quality materials (press materials, op-eds, reports, briefs).
• Strong media relations instincts; proven success securing coverage and managing crises.
• Ability to translate technical topics into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; proactive, problem-solving mindset; hands-on “do-it” attitude.
• Collaborative by nature with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence without formal authority.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in automotive, clean transportation, or nonprofit sectors strongly preferred.
• Experience promoting policy efforts is also valuable as a complement to core brand communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated communications plan aligning with CALSTART’s mission, programs, and policy initiatives.
• Establish and maintain a consistent brand voice and messaging for CALSTART and each program/initiative, ensuring alignment across all channels.
• Serve as a thought partner to program leads and policy teams to translate technical objectives into compelling, funder- and stakeholder-ready narratives.
• Proactively secure media coverage across national, trade, regional, and digital outlets; build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors.
• Prepare press materials, talking points, op-eds, policy briefs, and briefing documents for leadership.
• Manage media inquiries, coach spokespeople, and arrange interviews or events as needed.
• Own creation of high-quality content (press releases, blog posts, newsletters, annual reports, impact dashboards, case studies, capability briefs).
• Oversee design and production of multi-channel assets (PPTs, fact sheets, social media, website content) in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Lead storytelling for program successes, pilots, deployments, policy wins, and research findings.
• In conjunction with the web team, develop digital strategy for web presence on CALSTART.org that furthers the mission of the organization.
• In collaboration with Integrated Marketing teams, develop strategies for social media engagement and email marketing that amplify our messages, and extend our reach.
• Monitor analytics, measure impact and adjust tactics to improve reach, engagement and message pull through.
• Plan and execute events, briefings, roundtables, and webinars that connect CALSTART with policymakers, funders, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare senior leadership for appearances and briefings; represent CALSTART at external events when appropriate.
• Coordinate with a small but mighty communications team and cross-functional partners.
• Roll up your sleeves to contribute directly to writing, editing, and project execution while fostering collaboration across departments.
• Develop and track KPIs for communications performance (media impressions, share of voice, website traffic, campaign engagement, donor/partner awareness).
• Ensure compliance with donor communications policies and appropriate disclosure for funded programs.

Benefits

• 100% company paid comprehensive health benefits for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement plan with generous company contributions
• FSA for Health and Dependent Care
• 3 weeks of vacation time in the first year of employment
• 11 paid company holidays
• paid sick time
• paid family leave

What This Job Offers

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