Senior Communications Campaign Manager

THE ORGANIZATION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to support and safeguard the apolitical civil service, the backbone of our democratic system that ensures the federal government meets its mandate to serve the public good. We prepare federal employees to navigate threats to the nonpartisan workforce, and we educate and engage the public about why the government matters and what is at stake for everyone if it is undermined. We also aim to help state and local governments deliver for those they serve, applying our 20-plus years of experience working in the federal sector to reinspire faith in government at all levels.

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive.

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values :

Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government

People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect

Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results

Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership for Public Service seeks a Senior Communications Campaign Manager to lead high-impact public campaigns that mobilize communities, shift narratives and drive measurable changes. As the only nonprofit dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy, this new position will play a key role in advancing the Partnership’s efforts to engage the public about the value that the federal scientific community and its services provide to the American public.

Reporting to the Communications Director and working collaboratively with a highly matrixed team, the Senior Communications Campaign Manager will lead the development of the initiative’s narrative change approach, public outreach strategies, stakeholder management and engagement plans and strategic communications campaigns. The role requires a capacity for collaboration and complex relationship-building and strong interest in the challenges, purpose and future of our federal government and the federal scientific community.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative thinker with a proven ability to use narrative storytelling to focus target audiences’ attention on nuanced messages and to develop and execute public awareness campaigns that influence public opinion, motivate action and shift perceptions.

The Senior Communications Campaign Manager will work as part of an interdisciplinary communications team of marketing, graphic design, social media, editorial, researchers, media, and programs and events staff, and as a result should be able to collaborate with others and contribute ideas. This person must be able to manage relationships and lead assigned projects from start to finish.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, launch and manage high impact messaging campaigns to improve the narrative about the impact of the federal scientific community on the American public.

Build and drive transformative advocacy campaign strategies aimed at educating the American public and persuading them to act.

Lead multi-channel communications efforts across the team that combine earned media, digital content and grassroots storytelling.

Work closely with the Partnership’s press team and the Social Media Strategist & Content Creator to identify interesting intersections, narratives and themes across federal scientific issue areas and incorporate them into strategic communications campaigns and content.

In collaboration with the Partnership’s storytelling team, create engaging content that demonstrates the impact of federal science on individuals and communities.

Create and execute a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy. Cultivate and manage relationships with a broad range of organizations and constituency groups that can engage their communities, amplify our message and demonstrate support for campaign goals.

Work in close collaboration with other national organizations and coalitions that are mobilizing behind the effort to raise awareness about the value of the federal scientific community. Expand campaign impact by proactively identifying opportunities to co-develop engagements, content and campaigns.

Develop toolkits and other materials in support of campaign objectives and stakeholder partnerships.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Excellent Planning and conceptualization skills; ability to set goals, assess risks, measure impact and lead campaign development and implementation

Str ong campaign planning and implementation skills, with the ability to move targets, build coalitions and integrate organizing with communicatio ns and advocacy.

Superior written and verbal communications skills and attention to detail.

Skilled relationship-builder and organizer who can connect diverse stakeholders, collaborate across teams and translate advocacy priorities into meaningful public action.

A critical thinker with outstanding judgment and political savvy.

Flexible and collaborative with an ability to work well across different teams and departments and excel in a matrix management environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 8-10 years’ work experience within the social impact, democracy and / or political space.

Experience successfully developing, leading and implementing communications, issue and / or narrative strategies and campaigns, with a proven track record of increasing reach, engagement and changing public perception.

Expertise using storytelling and narrative shifting strategies to influence and move targeted audiences to greater understanding and related solutions.

Experience using research and public opinion polling to inform messaging and campaigns.

Demonstrated track record of successfully recruiting, building and maintaining ongoing relationships with external stakeholders.

Track record of successful engagement with and management of campaigns, working groups and coalitions.

Knowledge of the federal scientific community and the current political landscape, a plus.

A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, communications or similar field or combination of experience and education in professional work or military experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY / REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to the Communications Director. The position may supervise junior staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer / scanner and MS Office.

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values.

POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is an at-will, term position starting November 2025 and running through May 2027. This position is full-time and classified as exempt from overtime pay. Official business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, though the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules. Occasional evenings or weekend activities may be required.

TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Some out of the area and / or overnight travel may occasionally be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $90,000-$125,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility.

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.