Manager of Strategic Communications

Location: Kansas City, MO (Hybrid)

Reports To: VP of Strategic Communications & Brand Management

Salary: USD $50,000 - $53,000 / year

About BLAQUE KC

BLAQUE KC (Black Leaders Advancing Quality Urban Education) is a grassroots education advocacy organization driven by community, powered by people, and committed to justice. We elevate Black voices, invest in high-quality schools, and build bold coalitions to ensure Black students in Kansas City—and beyond—receive an education that affirms, equips, and liberates. We drive change by:

• Supporting Diverse Leadership: Identifying and developing diverse talent to lead in schools, serve on charter boards, and run for elected office

• Investing in School Quality: Providing funding and strategic support to schools to expand access to high-quality education for children in Kansas City, especially the most marginalized

• Elevating Community Voice: Helping families and communities organize and advocate for the educational experiences they want to see

To learn more about our team and programs, visit our website, www.blaquekc.com.

Position Summary

BLAQUE KC is seeking a passionate and mission-driven Manager of Strategic Communications to lead the execution of the organization’s storytelling, narrative development, and integrated communications campaigns. This role is responsible for translating organizational priorities into compelling, high-impact communications that elevate BLAQUE KC’s voice, advance public understanding of our mission, and support signature programs and tentpole initiatives throughout the year. 

Working under the direction of the Vice President of Strategic Communications & Brand Management, the Manager of Strategic Communications will oversee editorial planning, execute communications campaigns for major programs and initiatives, and support the execution of media relations efforts. This role serves as a creative thought partner on messaging, public engagement, and campaign execution, and blends strategic judgment with hands-on work, including writing press materials, pitching stories in alignment with strategic direction, and ensuring consistency across platforms.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor with multimedia fluency, experience supporting earned media efforts, excellent project management skills, and a deep commitment to racial equity and educational justice. They bring a strong understanding of the evolving communications landscape, including digital storytelling, media trends, and audience engagement best practices.

This role executes communications strategy under the leadership of the Vice President and collaborates closely with external partners on specialized production needs.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Campaign Execution

• Execute integrated communications campaigns for BLAQUE KC’s signature programs and tentpole initiatives in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic direction set by the Vice President of Strategic Communications & Brand Management

• Draft and edit op-eds, opinion pieces, and executive bylined content in alignment with strategic direction, supporting leadership voice and public engagement goals

• Translate programmatic, advocacy, and organizational goals into compelling stories and campaign-ready messaging across digital, media, and multimedia platforms

• Serve as a creative thought partner on messaging, narrative development, and public engagement strategies

Editorial Planning & Content Oversight

• Own and manage the organization-wide editorial calendar, ensuring timely, coordinated, and high-quality content across platforms

• Draft and edit external-facing content, including press releases, talking points, newsletters, and campaign copy

• Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all communications materials

Media Relations & Public Engagement 

• Support the execution of media relations efforts, including drafting press materials, pitching stories, and coordinating media outreach in alignment with established strategy

• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and community partners, particularly within the nonprofit, education, and advocacy ecosystem

• Monitor media coverage and support rapid-response communications as needed

Multimedia & Digital Storytelling

• Concept, script, and direct multimedia content, including videos and digital storytelling assets, in collaboration with contracted producers and internal partners 

• Review and provide feedback on video edits and multimedia assets to ensure alignment with messaging, brand standards, and campaign goals

• Stay informed on emerging trends in digital storytelling, media, and communications to inform content development and execution

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management

• Collaborate with internal teams to support communications needs for programs, events, and organizational initiatives

• Manage timelines, deliverables, and workflows for communications projects to ensure alignment and on-time execution

Reporting & Performance Support

• Support tracking and analysis of communications performance in partnership with the Vice President and Communications Coordinator

• Contribute to monthly and quarterly reporting on campaign performance, media placements, and audience engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field preferred

• 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or storytelling roles; nonprofit, advocacy, or education experience strongly preferred

• Strong writing and editing skills, with experience producing social-first content, campaign copy, and executive or bylined content

• Experience supporting earned media efforts, including drafting press materials and pitching stories under strategic direction

• Experience managing editorial calendars and executing multi-channel communications campaigns

• Multimedia fluency, including experience with video production, editing software, and digital storytelling tools

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and serve as a thoughtful, solutions-oriented partner

• Awareness of emerging trends in communications, media, and digital platforms

• Familiarity with the nonprofit and education media landscape

• Commitment to BLAQUE KC’s mission, values, and work advancing racial equity and educational justice

Compensation & Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous PTO, holiday, and wellness days

• Hybrid work model (Mon–Wed in office / Thurs–Fri remote)

• Professional development opportunities

• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture committed to joy, excellence, and equity

We Encourage You to Apply

We know that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed above. If you are excited about this role, passionate about education and equity, and eager to grow your skills in nonprofit communications, we encourage you to apply—even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our application form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewTZb3eIdWA4aPdxp1IJBEx7RqArsCFWGe299Xy17TJ2s6ww/viewform?usp=header

BLAQUE KC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.