Communications Manager
Organization
Common Sense Media
Department/Program
Executive Office
Reports To
Co-CEOs
Location
In person – San Francisco, CA or New York
Classification
Salary Range
Full-time, Exempt
$95,000–$112,500
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Communications Manager will play a crucial role in shaping and communicating Common Sense Media's messages around key policy issues, including children's online safety and privacy, AI, and digital equity.
They will be well-informed in current tech policy debates and the tech media landscape, and will develop and write strategic and creative communications plans to amplify the organization's initiatives, working with media, policymakers, parents and caregivers, and advocacy partners to ensure that our voice remains at the forefront of public policy discussions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Strategy & Media Engagement- Cross-Organization Content Creation and Support: Write and contribute to the development of statements, op-eds, press releases, policy briefs, talking points, blog posts, speeches, and other content that advances Common Sense Media's positions on policy and other cross-org initiatives.
- Policy-Focused Communications: Craft Common Sense Media's advocacy and broader communications goals, driving visibility and impact in key discussions.
- Thought Leadership: Position Common Sense Media and its leadership as thought leaders with a focus on children's online safety and privacy, AI, and digital equity by creating talking points, positioning documents, and research-backed materials.
- Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, Substackers, and other new media outlets. Secure consistent media coverage in outlets around Common Sense Media's priorities. Regularly monitor news developments in our policy and advocacy spaces and communicate important developments with the Advocacy team and other staff.
- Message Development: Collaborate with the policy team to translate complex policy topics into compelling, clear, and actionable messaging for multiple audiences, including the media, lawmakers, parents, and the broader public.
- Rapid Response: Stay abreast of breaking internal and external developments and be prepared to respond on a timely basis to help shape the news on our priorities.
- Advocacy Campaigns: Work with the Advocacy campaigns leader and other team members to support the creation and execution of advocacy campaigns to mobilize public support for key policy issues, ensuring that messages resonate with diverse stakeholders and expand Common Sense Media's reach on multiple platforms.
- Spokesperson Preparation: Prepare senior leadership and other staff for media appearances, policy briefings, and public speaking engagements by providing key messages and talking points.
- Advocate Engagement: Source and support preparation of parent and teen advocates for media opportunities. Collaborate with coalition partners on events, campaigns, and press opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Exceptional Writing Skills: Fast, accurate, and compelling writing and editing skills, with experience developing messaging across multiple formats and platforms, including print, digital, and multimedia.
- Experience: 4 to 6 years of journalism experience, preferably in public policy, tech policy, and/or advocacy environments. Experience working inside government, with policy organizations, think tanks, media outlets, or nonprofit advocacy groups, is a plus.
- Policy Knowledge: A strong understanding of tech policy issues, including children's online safety and data privacy, AI, and digital equity, and a demonstrated ability to communicate these issues effectively.
- Media Savvy: Strong knowledge of the policy media landscape, from traditional media to blogs, podcasts, and social media. Proven success in securing media coverage and building relationships with key policy reporters and editors.
- Responsiveness: Timeliness, adaptability, and the ability to swiftly rally stakeholders during real-time legislative sessions and in response to breaking news.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or a related field.
- Mission Aligned: We are looking for someone who is passionate about Common Sense Media's mission and values to support children and families in a complex digital environment.
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!
- A mission-driven team with a 23-year track record of impact for families and children.
- Competitive nonprofit compensation and comprehensive benefits.
- A collaborative, flexible work environment with meaningful leadership access and visibility.
ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA
Common Sense Media is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and trusted voice they need to thrive in the age of AI. Through our Youth AI Safety Institute, media ratings, advocacy campaigns, and Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum, we protect and prepare kids, reaching 150 million families and more than 90K schools worldwide. Learn more: https://about.commonsensemedia.org
Skills Required
- 4 to 6 years of journalism experience, preferably in public policy, technology policy, or advocacy environments
- Exceptional writing and editing skills across print, digital, and multimedia formats
- Strong understanding of technology policy, including children’s online safety, data privacy, AI, and digital equity
- Strong knowledge of traditional and emerging policy media, including blogs, podcasts, and social media
- Proven success securing media coverage and building relationships with policy reporters and editors
- Timeliness, adaptability, and ability to respond during legislative sessions and breaking news
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy, or a related field
- Experience working inside government, with policy organizations, think tanks, media outlets, or nonprofit advocacy groups
- Passion for Common Sense Media’s mission and values
What We Do
Common Sense is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives. Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Our Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age. Common Sense Education provides teachers and schools with free research-based classroom tools to help students harness technology for learning and life. Our K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum and interactive games teach students how to make safe, smart, and ethical decisions in the digital world. And our revolutionary educational rating system, Graphite, helps educators discover, use, and share high-quality digital products that propel student learning. Common Sense Kids Action has a mission to make kids and education our nation’s top priority. Kids Action works with policymakers, industry leaders, legislators, and a grassroots community of concerned parents and teachers to promote access to high quality digital learning experiences with well-trained teachers; ensure all kids are able to harness the power of technology, while also keeping their personal information private and protected; advocate for access for all children to high quality early education and early childhood services; and fight to reduce the highest rate of childhood poverty in 40 years.
