Specialist, External Communication
About StriveTogether
StriveTogether is a national movement with a clear purpose: helping every child succeed in school and in life from cradle to career, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance. We work to break down barriers, change systems and improve outcomes with the Cradle to Career Network, made up of nearly 70 communities across the country. StriveTogether provides resources, best practices and processes to give every child every chance for success.
The StriveTogether team is passionate, talented and dedicated to achieving our mission. We seek and value all kinds of diversity and work hard to eliminate inequities in ourselves, our organization and our communities. Our goals are bold, so we support each other to try new things, have tough conversations and push for change. As we work, we share learning and progress, use data to make decisions and celebrate our wins.
About you
You are a champion of equity in opportunity, committed to ensuring all children succeed regardless of race, socioeconomic status or zip code. You are a talented writer and storyteller who pays attention to the big picture and the small details, from messaging and themes to grammar and style. You understand how to adapt messages to connect with the right audience and are adept at writing in a variety of formats, including incorporating video, audio and visual media when effective.
You can translate complex information and data into engaging insights that drive readers to act. On top of being an exceptional communicator, you’ve got a track record of taking initiative and delivering on commitments.
About the position
Reporting to the Director, Communication, the Specialist, External Communication will collaborate across departments to create content that builds awareness and support for StriveTogether’s mission. This role will create tailored content for external audiences, including investors, policymakers, nonprofit professionals and StriveTogether’s partners, and the general public. The Specialist will develop a keen understanding of the interests of each audience to adapt messaging and stories to be most effective.
In particular, the Specialist will partner with the Development Team to play a key role in investor-facing communications. In addition to writing blog posts, case studies, two-pagers and more, the Specialist will also leadStriveTogether’s podcast and partner with the Marketing Team to develop content for newsletters, social media and other channels.
Responsibilities
External Content Development (40%)
- Ideate, write and edit content for StriveTogether’s external audiences, including blog posts, case studies, two-pagers, annual report stories and more
- Collaborate with the Director of Marketing on a blog strategy and editorial calendar in coordination with SEO efforts and StriveTogether’s overall content strategy
- Partner with the Marketing Team to develop content strategy for newsletters and social media
- ManageStriveTogether’spodcast,Together for Change, including planning episodes, recruiting and scheduling guests, writing episode scripts, editing transcripts and collaborating with the Marketing Team on promotion
- Create other multi-media content, including potential video production in partnership with external video/photography consultants.
Investor Content and Communications (30%)
- Partner with the Development Team to co-create and implement a targeted and universal investor communication strategy for current and prospective investors
- Create investor-facing materials to showcase StriveTogether’s work and investor interests (e.g., impact summaries, case studies, bright spot stories, pitch decks)
- Review, edit and adapt existing organizational content to meet the needs and expectations of investor audiences
Policy Communication (20%)
- Partner with Policy Team to develop content to support StriveTogether’s policy advocacy efforts by creating marketing and other support materials and sharing success stories.
General Marketing & Communication Responsibilities (10%)
- Act as a brand and messaging steward, ensuring that all content and communications reflect StriveTogether’sstrategic messaging, valuesand mission
- Monitor data and feedback to implement strategy improvements across external communications
- Support other Marketing and Communication Team members to create exceptional products by providing feedback, editing and other support as needed
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Two to four years of experience in communication, writing, content creation, marketing or a related field, or the equivalent relevant lived and professional experiences
- Commitment to StriveTogether’s mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance
- Excellent communication skills and a talent for storytelling, including the ability to clearly communicate complex topics to a range of audiences
- Experience creating compelling reports, presentations and briefs that combine quantitative data, qualitative insights, and stories to drive understanding and action
- Strong time management, organization and prioritization skills to deliver high-quality content under tight deadlines
- Effective collaboration skills to integrate diverse thinking and feedback across multiple teams
- Strong Microsoft Office skills: Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related field
- Experience editing and producing video content
- Experience creating content and communications for investor audiences
Location and Work Requirements
- Ability to effectively use remote work technology, including Slack, Zoom and other technology
- This role has the opportunity to be fully remote, or based out of StriveTogether’s downtown Cincinnati headquarters.
- Cincinnati employees have a hybrid work schedule and come into the office three times per week, with days chosen based on the needs of the role and team member preferences. The dog-friendly office features company-paid parking, a rooftop deck, and snacks and beverages.
- Fully remote team members have access to DeskPass for community desk and meeting room options.
- Approximately 15% travel, with a minimum of 1-2 trips per quarter for internal and external meetings and events
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000 - $85,000. The salary range accounts for Cincinnati-similar geographic regions and will be adjusted based on geographic market. StriveTogether also provides competitive benefits and professional development opportunities including:
- Fifteen days paid time off with four personal days, eleven holidays and a five-day break at the end of the year. PTO increases to twenty days after five years, and staff members are able to apply for sabbatical in their seventh year of employment
- Competitive health and dental with up to $2,500 contribution from the organization for HSA for HDHP participants
- Automatic 3% employer contribution to retirement plan and up to another 1% based on a total of 5% employee contribution
- Options for professional development internally and externally including webinars, conferences and trainings
- Paid parental leave
- 100% paid vision, short-term and long-term disability, basic life insurance and access to Employee Assistance Program
- Cell phone, internet and $250 yearly home office stipend
Application and Interview Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a target start date in February 2025. The process below is reflective of the typical process but may adjust slightly based on need and timing.
- Phone Screen
- Hiring Manager Interview
- Performance Task
- Panel Interview
- Reference Checks
We encourage candidates to apply by January 2, 2024 to be considered. If you need any accommodations during the application process, please contact us at px@strivetogether.org.
Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
StriveTogether seeks to disrupt inequitable practices that impact historically marginalized individuals and communities. We recognize that you may not have an exact match with every qualification for this role, and that's okay — we encourage you to apply. Research indicates that individuals from marginalized groups, particularly women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, often hesitate to apply unless they meet all criteria. We value diverse experiences and perspectives, and we welcome your application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
StriveTogether provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
