Communications & Advancement Manager

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

PAY RANGE: $80,000 - $85,000

SUMMARY

The Communications & Advancement Manager plays a leadership role within the Strategic Development Department at American Councils for International Education, shaping and executing the organization's communications, marketing, and brand advancement strategy. This position is responsible for building the organization's visibility, articulating its value and impact, and strengthening engagement among stakeholders, funders, alumni, and partners.

Working closely with the Senior Manager of New Business and senior departmental leadership, the Manager provides strategic direction for digital communications, storytelling, and audience engagement efforts across all channels. The Manager oversees the organization's digital and social media presence, guides content strategy, and ensures consistency of message and tone across internal and external platforms.

This role requires a communications professional with strong initiative, analytical thinking, and the ability to translate complex program work into compelling, accessible narratives. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in content strategy, brand positioning, stakeholder communication, and cross-cultural awareness.

Interfaces with: Program Staff, Country Directors, International Staff, External Partners, Funders, and Vendors

Reports to: Senior Manager of New Business

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA (30%)

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns with organizational goals, brand identity, and audience engagement objectives.
• Evaluate emerging channels and digital trends to recommend innovative approaches that expand reach and engagement.
• Oversee daily operations of social media channels, ensuring content is consistent, visually dynamic, and aligned with institutional messaging priorities.
• Analyze performance metrics to assess impact, inform strategy, and prepare regular reports for senior leadership.
• Lead internal coordination among program-level communications staff to ensure consistency in messaging, tone, and branding across the organization's digital ecosystem.
• Provide guidance, training, and consultation to field and program teams on communications best practices and digital engagement.
• Manage external vendors and consultants supporting social media, branding, and digital advertising initiatives.

CONTENT STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT (40%)

• Lead the creation and curation of high-quality, audience-focused content that highlights organizational impact, thought leadership, and program success stories.
• Serve as the primary editor and content strategist for the organization-ensuring clarity, coherence, and alignment with communications goals across all platforms (website, social media, newsletters, and press materials).
• Develop and maintain an annual editorial calendar integrating organizational milestones, program priorities, and global education themes.
• Collaborate with leadership, field offices, and program staff to identify stories that reinforce brand values and donor engagement objectives.
• Develop media strategies and press materials, manage relationships with press and media outlets, and proactively seek earned media opportunities.
• Oversee the production of the monthly organizational newsletter, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategic messaging.
• Contribute to the conceptualization and drafting of speeches, talking points, and executive messaging as needed.

WEBSITE & DIGITAL PRESENCE (15%)

• Serve as the strategic lead for website content management-ensuring the site reflects current priorities, maintains brand consistency, and enhances user experience.
• Collaborate with web developers and internal stakeholders on site structure, navigation, and visual design improvements.
• Monitor analytics to evaluate performance, optimize user engagement, and identify areas for continuous improvement.

MARKETING, ADVANCEMENT & EVENTS (10%)

• Partner with Strategic Development colleagues on donor, alumni, and partner engagement initiatives, including events, campaigns, and targeted outreach.
• Lead communications planning and execution for advancement events and campaigns, including social media promotion, messaging, and collateral development.
• Support the production of the annual report, organizational collateral, and other fundraising or institutional materials.
• Provide strategic input and project management for marketing and advancement initiatives across departments.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public affairs, with demonstrated success in leading multi-channel strategies.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic communications plans that drive visibility, engagement, and organizational reputation.
• Demonstrated expertise in social media management, content strategy, and analytics-ideally within an international, nonprofit, or mission-driven environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an ability to tailor tone and message for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing consultants, vendors, or creative teams.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms and tools such as WordPress, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Strong understanding of visual design, accessibility standards, and brand management.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively across departments and international teams.
• Creative, strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

BENEFITS

This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.

American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils' commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.