Responsibilities

• Develop and lead SJLI’s comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and programmatic initiatives.
• Shape and steward SJLI’s institutional narrative, ensuring that the organization’s work is communicated in ways that are clear, compelling, and rooted in community voice.
• Translate complex programmatic work into accessible public messaging that reflects the depth and impact of SJLI’s initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to position SJLI within broader public conversations related to education equity, community health, youth leadership & advocacy, and systems change.
• Work closely with executive leadership to align communications priorities with organizational strategy, fundraising goals & aspirations and external engagement.
• Establish messaging frameworks that ensure consistency across all public communications.
• Serve as the steward of SJLI’s brand identity, ensuring that messaging, tone, and visual presentation remain consistent and aligned across all platforms and materials.
• Guide the ongoing development of SJLI’s brand presence as the organization grows in scale, influence, and public visibility.
• Oversee the development of major communications materials including reports, presentations, publications, and campaign assets.
• Maintain and evolve brand guidelines, messaging frameworks, and communications templates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or related fields; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible narratives.
• Experience managing media relationships and securing press opportunities.
• Ability to translate complex ideas and programmatic work into compelling narratives.
• Experience leveraging data to drive program improvements and demonstrate impact.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience leading or collaborating within small communications teams.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and community-centered storytelling.
• Strong emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.

Preferred

• Experience working within nonprofit, advocacy, or youth-serving organizations.
• Experience supporting executive communications or public-facing leadership.
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms and campaign strategy.