Strategic Communications Manager

Rochester Education and Development for Youth (READY)

Hybrid, Work must be performed in or near Rochester, NY

Details

Job Type:

Full Time

Start Date:

May 1, 2026

Application Deadline:

April 24, 2026

Education:

4-Year Degree Required

Experience Level:

Mid-level

Salary:

USD $80,000 - $90,000 / year

Cause Areas:

Children & Youth, Community Development, Education

Description

Position Overview

Rochester Education and Development for Youth (READY) seeks a strategic and community-centered Strategic Communications Manager to lead external communications, storytelling, and community engagement efforts. This role will elevate the organization’s mission by building strong relationships with families, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring consistent, culturally responsive messaging across all platforms.

This is a hybrid role based in Rochester, NY with a mix of in-office collaboration, community presence, and remote work.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Brand Management

Lead the development and execution of READY’s brand identity and visual standards
Design high-quality materials including pitch decks, reports, one-pagers, event collateral, and digital content
Ensure brand consistency and excellence across all visual and written communications

Content Creation & Storytelling

Craft compelling narratives that clearly communicate READY’s impact, strategy, and urgency
Translate data and complex ideas into clear, engaging, and accessible content
- Highlight student, family, and community success stories
Develop content across channels, including:
- Website copy
- Social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook)
- Newsletters and email campaigns

Community Engagement

Identify opportunities to elevate READY’s voice in the community and beyond
Serve as a key liaison between READY and the Rochester community
Build partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders
Plan and promote community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives

Digital & Media Relations

Manage social media platforms and engagement strategy
Track analytics and optimize performance across channels
Build relationships with local media and secure coverage opportunities

Internal Collaboration

Partner with leadership to shape messaging for public speaking, media, and stakeholder engagement
Support fundraising campaigns through communications and donor storytelling
Provide guidance to staff on messaging and communication best practices

Qualifications

Required:

Knowledge of Rochester K-12 education landscape
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field
4–7+ years of communications, community engagement, or nonprofit experience
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Advanced proficiency in graphic design (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and similar tools)
Strong portfolio showcasing visual design and written content
Experience managing social media and digital platforms
Demonstrated ability to engage diverse communities

Preferred:

Experience in education, nonprofit, or social impact sectors
Familiarity with data storytelling and translating insights into visuals
Experience supporting fundraising communications and donor engagement
Experience with CRM tools and email marketing platforms

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and execution
Cultural competence and community awareness
Relationship-building and partnership development
Data-informed decision-making
Project management and organization

Candidates are required to submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.

Work Environment

Hybrid schedule (3-4 days in office/community; remainder remote)
Occasional evenings/weekends for events

Benefits

Health

Dental

Retirement

Location

Hybrid

Work must be performed in or near Rochester, NY

ASSOCIATED LOCATION

250 E Main Street, Suite 2500, Rochester, NY 14604, USA

Rochester Education and Development for Youth (Ready) jobs

Strategic Communications Manager

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