Strategic Communications Manager

About Us

Issue One is a cross-partisan 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organization fighting to protect American democracy. We don't just sound the alarm when democracy is under threat. We mobilize action to fight back. Since 2014, we've worked to pass game-changing reforms that increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and secure our elections. When threats emerge, we move fast to educate the public, pressure Congress, and organize citizens to defend the democratic systems that make self-government possible. Our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires constant vigilance and that protecting it demands both policy reform and grassroots action.

Position Summary

The Strategic Communications Manager operationalizes Issue One’s communications strategy – translating the VP’s strategic direction into daily execution across owned platforms. The role has direct ownership of the organization’s website, messaging asset library, style guide, and cross-pollination strategy, and plays a key role communicating our message on LinkedIn and shaping messaging in rapid response content production.

Reporting to the VP of Communications, the Strategic Communications Manager is a peer to the Senior Communications Manager and the Digital Content Manager, and helps shape messaging guidance as the communications team moves quickly across priorities. The VP sets overall communications strategy; this role translates it into execution and deployment – owning the library of approved messaging that equips staff to speak in one voice, driving the execution pipeline when rapid response opportunities arise, and ensuring our content gets amplified across channels (including staff and partners). This position plays a key role in elevating Issue One’s thought leadership by owning specific LinkedIn content strategy. 

The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, a strong and versatile writer, proficient in WordPress and Notion, and energized by LinkedIn as a platform. They’re comfortable adapting content for different audiences and channels, have a sharp eye for voice and style consistency, move quickly under rapid-response pressure, and have the judgment to know when to execute independently and when to escalate.

Responsibilities

Rapid Response Production & Cross-Pollination (25%)

Own the Rapid Response Production & Turnaround pipeline. Shape IO’s rapid response program protocols, ensuring Communications Team is in sync in times of breaking news and relevant stakeholders are included in approvals 

Lead Cross-Pollination Plans: build and maintain systems to ensure Issue One content — reports, council activity, media hits — gets amplified across all owned platforms and channels for maximum impact

Drive content across WordPress, LinkedIn, cross-pollination channels, and partner-facing materials on a tight clock. 

Produce short after-action notes documenting what went out, how it performed, and what we’d do differently

Back up the VP on Crisis Communications Playbook maintenance — keeping playbooks current, documenting learnings after events, and ensuring the team knows which playbook applies when

Website Management & Digital Presence (20%)

Own day-to-day Wordpress management and content updates for Issue One’s 501(c)(3) website

Work with the VP and additional IO staff to refine strategy for our website ecosystem of microsites

Coordinate website content pipeline and ensure site remains current and accurate

Work with internal teams to identify content that needs to be added, updated, or archived

Maintain website organization, navigation, and user experience

Ensure brand consistency across all web properties

Coordinate with external web developers on technical updates and special website updates as needed

Track website performance and flag issues or opportunities to the VP

LinkedIn Strategy & Cross-Platform Support (20%)

Lead content strategy and execution for Issue One’s LinkedIn presence, including content aimed at donors, staff, partners, and other LinkedIn amplifiers

Partner with the Digital Content Manager on the organization-wide social media content calendar, contributing LinkedIn content and coordinating with broader comms priorities

Serve as backup on Bluesky/X, Instagram, and Facebook — stepping in on content, scheduling, or posting as capacity requires

Support the Digital Content Manager on social media reporting and analytics; help compile learnings for the team

Messaging Asset Library & Brand Voice Stewardship (20%)

Own and maintain Issue One’s Messaging Asset Library — a living internal repository of approved talking points, FAQs, fact sheets, key statistics, and evergreen leadership quotes, organized by issue area — in Notion. Keep materials current, add new assets as campaigns launch, retire stale content, and ensure staff across IO can easily find what they need

Own and maintain Issue One’s Style Guide, including language, grammar, and voice standards; facilitate staff training and refreshers as needed

Serve as admin for shared writing tools (e.g., Grammarly Pro) where applicable

Coordinate proofreading needs across the organization, including managing external vendors (e.g., Bulletproof) as needed

Ensure accuracy and message consistency across all materials

Provide staff guidance on maintaining organizational voice while adapting tone for different audiences

Communications Operations & Systems Support (15%)

Manage the communications team shared drive and file organization

Keep messaging documents, templates, and boilerplate language current

Coordinate with external vendors and consultants as assigned

Support the VP and Senior Communications Manager with drafting copy, translating complex policy and advocacy priorities into clear, accessible language for varied audiences

Ensure team has access to necessary tools, platforms, and resources

Document processes and maintain institutional knowledge

Develop adaptable content templates that can be quickly customized for different uses

Backup Senior Communications Manager on media tracking platform (MuckRack) and press inquiries when the news cycle demands

Backup Digital Content Manager on copy support for social media, where needed

Required Skills and Experience

3-5 years of experience in communications and/or operations, preferably in advocacy, campaigns, or nonprofit environments

Proficiency with WordPress and website content management

Demonstrated experience creating content for LinkedIn as a professional/organizational channel

Strong writing and editing skills with ability to adapt content for different audiences and maintain consistent organizational voice

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

Experience with social media scheduling tools and platforms

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external vendors

Comfort with fast-paced environments and shifting priorities

Familiarity with Muck Rack or similar reporter databases a plus

Proactive problem-solver with good judgment about when to escalate issues

Eye for style, voice, grammar consistency; comfortable with being the team’s “voice steward”

Ability to move quickly under rapid response pressure and produce polished materials on tight deadlines

Structure and Location

This full-time, salaried, fully benefited position requires 40 hours per week. While it’s preferred for this role to be based in the Washington, D.C. area, it could become remote if the selected candidate is highly qualified. If based in DC, all staff are required to come to the office twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). 

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance: 

All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 

Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 

Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.

Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before. 

All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

April 23-May 4:  Position posted; applications and resumes accepted

May 5-11: Application review and interview scheduling

May 12-29: Candidate interviews conducted

May 29: Offer extended

June 16: Anticipated start date (flexible)

Special Note: This timeline is subject to change based on organizational needs and candidate availability.

In addition, while resumes may be submitted after May 4, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.