Senior Manager, Communications

Job Summary & Key Priorities

The Senior Manager, Communications will develop and keep Active Minds content relevant and true to our brand guidelines and help channel the voice of our mental health advocates while also amplifying our organization’s expertise in changing the social norms of mental health. This position will report to the Director, Marketing & Communications and will oversee the Senior Associate of Communications & Storytelling, in addition to collaborating with other staff to tell the Active Minds story.

About Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization mobilizing youth and young adults to change the culture around mental health. Through our presence in more than 1,000 high schools, colleges, and communities, and with a wide-reaching public audience, Active Minds is creating communities of support and saving lives.

Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon after the tragic suicide of her brother, Brian, Active Minds is dedicated to supporting a new generation in ending the silence, helping to make mental health as highly valued as physical health. We approach our work with a racial equity lens and are committed to the continued process of being and becoming a more antiracist and inclusive organization. Through our many programs, we are changing social norms and behaviors related to mental health across the country.

Key Responsibilities

Network Communication & Engagement (45%)

• Manage the editorial calendar strategy for the organization, with a focus on content strategy, creation, and distribution for organizational and program-specific goals (e.g., email, blog, social media).

• Manage a team of up to two communications professionals responsible for content production and distribution to timely and rigorous deadlines.

• Bring thought leadership to the segmentation of Active Minds’ audience, ensuring purposeful content delivery to meet their mental health culture-changing interests, needs, and capacities.

• Lead on creating and perpetuating strong and audience-appropriate voices for Active Minds, keeping the organization true to our reputation for communicating in an approachable way.

• Incorporate data-driven strategies to ensure effective development and dissemination of information.

• Develop clear, coordinated processes for the execution of team responsibilities and accountability.

• Stay current on best practices, trends, and technologies related to content strategy and communications. Train and inform direct reports and colleagues accordingly.

Project Management / MarComm Liaison (40%)

• Serve as the MarComm lead for cross-team projects, campaigns, and events, including developing and executing a comprehensive strategy.

• Represent the team in all relevant meetings and coordinate deliverables with MarComm team members.

• Partner with the Director and CMO to support the successful completion of organizational priorities and goals.

• Lead and execute issue campaigns in partnership with other departments.

• Represent Active Minds with external stakeholders as needed.

• Maintain and update the editorial portion of the Active Minds style/brand/MarComm guides.

Executive Communications (10%)

• Partner with the Senior Manager, PR to position Active Minds as an industry thought leader, including content drafting for senior leaders on storytelling platforms (e.g., Medium, LinkedIn).

• Support crisis response efforts alongside the Senior Manager, PR.

• Draft the annual Impact Report with support from the Development team.

• Draft speaking points for executive leadership when requested.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Participate in Active Minds’ Anti-Racism and Inclusion plan, including committee work and personal development.

• Collaborate across Active Minds’ Leadership Team.

• Create and maintain a central repository of organizational stories for use in donor communication, media, and more.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of nonprofit marketing and communications experience, including at least 1–2 years of direct management experience.

• Experience in managing nonprofit communications, social media, and storytelling.

• Existing media/marketing relationships or a willingness to build them.

• Fully digitally literate, including Microsoft and Google products, social media platforms, and online meeting tools.

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is a plus.

About You

• A natural people person who values meaningful storytelling.

• Talented writer and creative communicator who can develop and maintain Active Minds’ voice.

• Experienced with managing multiple complex projects and timelines.

• Strong communicator in person, via phone, and in writing.

• Passionate about equity and social justice and committed to ongoing learning.

• Detail-oriented and quality-driven.

• Familiar with AP style.

• Proactive and positive self-starter.

• Believer in youth-led social change and mental health advocacy.

Our Culture

Active Minds is a place where every employee matters. We value diverse perspectives, radical authenticity, and a community-driven approach. We dream big, offer flexibility, and maintain a strong commitment to life/work balance.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to racial equity and social justice in a multicultural world. We value a range of experiences and identities and strongly encourage individuals from marginalized communities to apply.

Compensation

• Salary range: $77,000–$87,333 with potential to grow to $108,000.

• FLSA Status: Exempt.

• Robust benefits package includes:

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance

  • Paid vacation and sick leave

  • Paid holidays and company-wide mental health days

  • 401(k) matching

  • HSA and FSA options

  • Life insurance

  • Short- and long-term disability

  • Fully paid parental leave

  • Wellness reimbursement

  • Professional development stipends

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter through this application form.

Active Minds Recruiting Protocols

• We will never ask for or send a check, gift card, or item of value during the interview or onboarding process.

• We will never ask for personal information like Social Security or bank info until onboarding.

• We will never make a job offer without at least three video interviews.

• All job offers are extended verbally by the HR/People & Culture Team.

• All legitimate emails from Active Minds will come from @activeminds.org (no variations).

• For tips on avoiding employment scams, review the FTC’s consumer advice.