Communications Manager

About the Organization 

The Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition (PIF) brings together leading advocates for immigrants, children, education, health, anti-hunger, anti-poverty groups, and community leaders lay the foundation for a future where everyone has access to the respect and care that they need, regardless of who they are or where they were born.   

The PIF Coalition was founded in 2017 in response to the Trump administration's racist “public charge' policy. Today, PIF unites close to 700 organizations across different sectors and in more than 43 states. Our coalition works to tear down systemic and cultural barriers, through power building, policy and systems change, coalition building, and narrative change so immigrant families can get the help they need when they need it. We’re building a better, more equitable future for immigrant families so together we can have a stronger, healthier country. 

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC), a 501(c)(3) organization, serves as PIF’s fiscal sponsor. For legal purposes, PIF staff are employees of NILC. This role is not a member of NILC’s Bargaining Unit.  

About the Position 

PIF is looking for a talented professional that is passionate about access to social support services for immigrant communities. The Communications Manager will provide strategic leadership and guidance on PIF’s narrative and communications functions, including managing the execution of a robust communications strategy using that is people- and community-centered and grounded on the intersectional rights and needs of immigrants in the US.  

The PIF Communications Manager is a new position for the organization and an essential member of the growing communications team. The Communications Manager will play a key role in advancing our mission through narrative building, traditional and new media, publications, newsletters, and events. 

The ideal candidate will have experience with narrative and messaging strategies, copywriting, document layout and publication, digital communication (social media and Wordpress websites), graphic design, e-newsletter platforms, as well as creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to teamwork. PIF does most of its work in English, but proficiency in a language other than English is preferred. An understanding of national or state government policymaking, healthcare, anti-poverty programs, or other social services programs is also preferred. Immigrants, People of Color, and people with lived immigrant experience are highly encouraged to apply. 

Specific Position Responsibilities:

•        Develop, plan, propose, and execute communications strategies in collaboration with the Director, Deputy Director, and communications consultant to ensure strategic and tactical coalition and campaign framework alignment across PIF, including new and emerging issues.  

•        Develop and lead the implementation of a national, complex communications strategy, including: collaborating with our internal teams and coalition partners across the country to elevate a positive narrative across traditional and social media platforms; developing and deploying creative communications content (written, graphic, and video) and campaigns; and overseeing day to day communications activities, both proactive and rapid response in collaboration with team members.

•        Manage execution of research and evaluation of strategic communication plans and narrative and messaging campaigns to advance our work.  

•        Develop effective communication systems and practices across teams, coordinating and connecting the dots through the various areas of work that team members are engaged in.  

•        Develop and maintain PIF’s editorial calendar and works to optimize communications flow, marketing content, and message integration across all communication platforms.

•        Conduct research, draft and edit content, and/or create graphics to support rapid response or issue-driven resources and content creation for PIF’s digital and social media platforms.

•        Coordinate the production of PIF’s weekly electronic newsletter

•        Edit external-facing materials prepared by staff with a communications eye for clarity and consistency.  

•        Develop Google Forms and other systems for tracking partner engagement

•        Work with Operations & Admin to integrate PIF’s contact database with its communication tools

•        Works with PIF’s communications consultant on earned media outreach, including but not limited to mainstream English-language media, trade media, and media outlets serving immigrant families in-language (sometimes called “ethnic” media)

•        Develop rapid response protocols for use in identifying specific moments in the news cycle where PIF can proactively reach out to reporters to comment in real-time.

•        Work with PIF team members to integrate effective communication in their federal advocacy, administrative advocacy, state policy, and community engagement strategies

•        Work with the communications consultant to support coalition members, allied organizations, policymakers, and other partners in communication efforts aligned with PIF priorities

•        Track communication metrics, sharing timely updates and producing reports to track key data points for leadership.

•        Supports fundraising and development initiatives as needed for the organization in partnership with the Development team including writing or reviewing proposals for grant funding, meeting with funders, and other development needs. 

•        Support the Development team to ensure a cohesive approach toward external communications with supporters to ensure brand consistency (voice, messaging, strategy, etc.). 

•        Serve as a spokesperson with the media, present at national conferences, and other public speaking engagements that further PIF’s mission.  

Supervisory Responsibilities

•        May manage temporary interns or fellows as needed

•        May manage outside vendors/consultants as needed

In recognition of the fluidity of the work and ecosystem that PIF operates in, other duties may be assigned depending on organizational need.

What We’re Looking for in This Role

•        Commitment to PIF’s mission and vision of advocating for immigrant families’ access to safety net services and laying the foundation for a future where everyone has access to the respect and care that they need, regardless of who they are or where they were born.

•        Understanding varied communication needs of a large coalition to amplify our reach, build a narrative around the core belief that immigrants and their families should have access to the safety net.

•        A collaborative, proactive, and action oriented, “doer” working style with a strong service mentality.

•        A team member who promotes mutual accountability and inspires trust and confidence from colleagues, other PIF team members, and PIF leaders alike.

•        Sound judgment in decision-making, high integrity, and utmost respect for confidentiality.

•        Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

•        Self-starter with a strong ability to move daily tasks forward in alignment with PIF’s broader organizational needs and goals.

•        Ability to work in a respectful, supportive, and collaborative manner externally with individual community members, community-based organizations, other advocates, legislative staffers and other stakeholders.

•        Exceptional project management skills; ability to respond timely to requests for assistance while balancing competing demands.

•        Ability to effectively prioritize tasks, work well under pressure, and deliver against tight deadlines

Qualifications Required

•        Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, media relations, public policy, or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience in the nonprofit, political, or social justice space.

•        Three or more years of communications or other relevant work experience

•        Strong project management and coordination skills

•        Experience working with both internal colleagues and external partners who may have divergent priorities

Preferred Qualifications

•        Experience working with immigrant families.

•        Experience working in the immigration rights, health equity, or anti-poverty movement

•        Proficiency in non-English languages spoken by Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, African, Caribbean, and Arab communities a plus. Fluency in more than one language is desirable.

At PIF/NILC, we know that talented people may have different backgrounds or experiences, and if your education and experience doesn’t exactly align with the above that’s okay! PIF/NILC believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. PIF’s/NILC’s goal is for our people to reflect the communities in which we live and serve and to ensure representation of people of color, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in our organization. We encourage you to apply and let us know in your cover letter why you are the right fit for this role.

Work Environment

•        All PIF staff members are 100% remote. For this role, up to 10% of overnight interstate travel may be required

•        Travel around the country and flexibility to accommodate work during evenings and weekends when warranted are key requirements for this role

• The starting salary range for this role is $73,100-91,400, dependent on skills and experience.

NILC's benefits philosophy is to provide a competitive offering in the nonprofit sector and ensure equity across the organization.

Physical Demands

•       Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods

•       Communicating with others to exchange information

•       Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

$73,100 - $91,400 a year

Equal Employment Opportunity

NILC is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. NILC does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.