Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager

🔹 Company: DC Fiscal Policy Institute

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Public Policy

🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading communications strategies to raise DCFPI's visibility and drive narrative
• Collaborating with teams to develop and implement communications plans
• Monitoring news and social media to identify opportunities for engagement
• Managing media outreach and supporting staff with interview preparation
• Writing and editing content, including emails, blogs, and website copy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, strong writer with experience in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with Mailchimp, Action Network, Google Analytics, and WordPress is preferred.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development of communications plans to increase DCFPI's visibility and reach

✅ Monitor news, social media, and related activity surrounding key advocacy issues

✅ Lead DCFPI's media outreach, including maintaining media lists, drafting press releases, and supporting staff with interview prep

✅ Write and edit content, including emails, blogs, infographics, and website copy

✅ Support the DCFPI production process by ensuring publications are accurate, accessible, and consistent with brand voice and style

✅ Assist in the development of messaging and talking points informed by messaging research

✅ Collaborate with colleagues to plan and execute virtual and in-person events

✅ Represent DCFPI at coalition meetings and work collaboratively with external partners

✅ Occasionally assist with event planning and execution, and work with consultants and vendors

✅ Support administrative tasks, including creating PowerPoints, data entry, and fact checking

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to inhabit a brand voice and distill complex topics for general audiences in accessible, inclusive language.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience working in communications, marketing, or three years of experience and a Master’s degree

Experience: Five years of experience in communications, marketing, or related fields, including internships. Volunteer experience may be considered.

Required Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise with Mailchimp, Action Network, Google Analytics, and WordPress or similar systems
• Ability to proactively and independently manage projects with regular support and input from supervisor and other colleagues
• Understanding of racial equity and structural racism and its impact on policy
• Ability to build and sustain strong, productive working relationships with colleagues across race, class, and other group identities
• Keen awareness of multiple group identities and their attendant dynamics and ability to consistently bring a high level of self-awareness, empathy, and social skills to work and interpersonal interactions

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Microsoft Office

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice, as well as a deep understanding of tax, budget, and economic policy.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,500 - $91,875 depending on experience

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Care
• Vision Care
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement
• Generous Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Schedules

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the organization's self-reported data and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: DCFPI operates in the public policy sector, focusing on tax, budget, and economic policy research and advocacy.

Company Size: DCFPI is a small nonprofit with 11-50 employees, providing a close-knit work environment with opportunities for impact.

Founded: DCFPI was founded in 2001 and has since grown to be a leading voice in shaping racially-just policies in the DC area.

Company Description:

• DCFPI shapes racially-just tax, budget, and policy decisions by centering Black and brown communities in its research and analysis, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts
• The organization aims to advance an antiracist, equitable future through its work
• DCFPI is committed to racial, gender, and economic justice in all its initiatives

Company Specialties:

• Tax policy research and advocacy
• Budget and economic policy analysis
• Community engagement and partnerships
• Advocacy and communications strategies

Company Website: http://www.dcfpi.org

ASSUMPTION: DCFPI's mission and values are deeply rooted in racial justice, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about equity and social change.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level position, requiring significant experience in communications and a strong commitment to the organization's mission.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Manager reports directly to the Senior Director of Communications and External Affairs and works closely with the Digital Communications Associate.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work for events and meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding skills in policy research and advocacy
• Developing leadership skills through managing projects and teams
• Gaining experience in nonprofit communications and advocacy
• Potential career advancement within the organization or related fields

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader public policy sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: DCFPI's office is located in a professional setting, providing a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Office Location(s): 820 1st Street NE, Suite 460, Washington, DC 20002, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse communities
• The city offers numerous cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and historic sites
• DCFPI's office is located in the NoMa neighborhood, providing easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities

Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend events or meetings.

ASSUMPTION: DCFPI's office location and work environment provide a supportive and engaging space for employees to thrive and make an impact.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and writing samples
• Understanding of DCFPI's mission and values
• Experience with relevant tools and software
• Problem-solving and project management abilities

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of DCFPI's mission and commitment to racial justice in your application materials
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showcasing your interest in the organization and the role

ATS Keywords: communications, marketing, writing, media outreach, project management, racial equity, collaboration, event planning, social media monitoring, content creation, data entry, fact checking, brand voice, Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, Mailchimp, WordPress

ASSUMPTION: DCFPI's application process is designed to assess candidates' qualifications and cultural fit, with a focus on their commitment to the organization's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Mailchimp
• Action Network
• Google Analytics
• WordPress
• Microsoft Office

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and software is preferred but not required. DCFPI provides training and support to help employees develop the necessary skills.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Racial justice and equity
• Collaboration and partnership
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and supportive
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Committed to continuous learning and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you incorporate a racial equity lens into your communication strategies?
• Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to changing priorities or circumstances in a previous role?
• How do you approach learning new tools or software to improve your work?

ASSUMPTION: DCFPI values candidates who are passionate about its mission, committed to its values, and eager to contribute to its ongoing efforts to advance racial justice and equity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Navigating complex policy issues and communicating them effectively to diverse audiences
• Occasional evening and weekend work for events or meetings

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to DCFPI's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other communications manager roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on policy research and advocacy, as well as a deep commitment to racial justice
• DCFPI's focus on centering Black and brown communities in its work sets it apart from other organizations in the public policy sector
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the organization and the broader public policy field

ASSUMPTION: Candidates interested in policy research and advocacy, as well as a strong commitment to racial justice, will find this role particularly appealing.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications plan to launch a new policy report
• Writing and designing an infographic to illustrate complex policy data
• Planning and executing a virtual event to engage stakeholders and promote DCFPI's work

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the diverse range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning to creative content development and event management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does DCFPI approach centering Black and brown communities in its research and advocacy efforts?
• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
• How does DCFPI support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing DCFPI's communications efforts, and how can this role address them?
• How does DCFPI foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand DCFPI's mission, values, and work environment, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showcasing your interest in the organization and the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.