Manager II, Digital Communications

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

EdTrust seeks a Manager II, Digital Communications to join our National Communications team. The Manager II will join a staff committed to fulfilling the mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. 

The Manager II, Digital Communications serves as a content expert in digital communications strategy for EdTrust, driving a digital-first approach that transforms policy expertise into compelling, audience-centered communications that expand EdTrust's influence and advocacy impact. This position combines creativity, strategic thinking, analytics, and deep platform expertise to grow EdTrust's digital presence while positioning the organization as a trusted national voice on education equity. The successful candidate is both a strategist and practitioner — someone who understands emerging digital trends, continually studies platform algorithms and audience behavior, embraces experimentation, and knows how to translate complex policy issues into engaging, accessible content that inspires action. The Digital Communications Manager II will play an important role in advancing EdTrust's mission by building public will for education equity through innovative, data-informed digital communications.  

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive. 

This role, available immediately, is based in our Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework up to 3 days a week per our current policy. The Manager II, Digital Communications reports to the Director of Communications and manages a Digital Communications Associate.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Social Media Expertise

• Lead a digital-first, platform-specific communications strategy that integrates social media, website, email, advocacy, and earned and owned media into cohesive campaigns that maximize engagement and align with EdTrust's organizational priorities, advocacy, and brand
• Continually evaluate platform algorithms, audience behaviors, and emerging features to optimize content performance against clear metrics, drawing insights that contribute to shaping engagement and storytelling approaches 
• Build and manage an editorial calendar that balances planned campaigns with real-time opportunities, elevating EdTrust experts through timely digital content and amplification
• Contribute to paid social media and digital advertising strategies to increase reach, influence, and advocacy engagement
• Anticipate emerging digital trends and platform changes, adapting strategies to maximize visibility, engagement, and organizational impact
• Identify opportunities to position EdTrust as a leading voice during key education policy moments through proactive and rapid response digital communications
• Manage a direct report, interns, and contractors, including delegating tasks, providing coaching and development, and assessing performance — while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture

Digital Campaigns & Advocacy

• Design and execute integrated digital advocacy campaigns that move audiences from awareness to engagement and action
• Translate complex policy research into compelling digital storytelling through short-form video, graphics, animations, carousels, interactive content, and emerging digital formats
• Contribute to cross-functional planning to ensure digital communications are integrated into major initiatives from the outset
• Partner with policy, government affairs, communications, development, and state teams to amplify priority campaigns
• Support digital advocacy efforts that mobilize supporters around legislative and policy priorities

Audience Growth & Community Building

• Develop strategies that grow EdTrust's digital audiences and deepen engagement across key stakeholder groups through experimentation, A/B testing, and applying emerging technologies such as AI-enabled tools 
• Foster meaningful two-way engagement through active community management and conversation
• Cultivate relationships with influencers, creators, advocacy organizations, journalists, and mission-aligned partners to expand EdTrust's reach
• Build digital communities that strengthen advocacy and public understanding of education equity issues

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving education equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment
• A strategic thinker who understands how digital communications can advance organizational goals
• Data-driven, using analytics to inform decision-making
• Exceptionally organized and able to manage projects and multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously using project management tools like Asana
• A strong writer with attention to detail, capable of translating complex policy into accessible, engaging language
• Thrives in a fast-paced advocacy environment requiring frequent rapid response

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field
• Significant (e.g., at least 5 years) experience managing digital communications, advocacy campaigns, and/or integrated marketing strategies for advocacy organizations, nonprofits,
• Experience using analytics tools (Sprout Social, Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn Analytics, etc.) and KPIs to inform strategy and measure success
• Experience producing compelling multimedia content, including short-form video, graphics, photography, and platform-native storytelling, using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite and video editing
• Experience supervising staff, contractors, interns, or agency partners
• Familiarity with education policy, issue advocacy, or mission-driven communications

COMPENSATION

This position falls in Level D of our salary structure. The new hire salary range for this position is $81,970 - $102,460.  New hire offers are commensurate with candidate skills, experience and internal equity. 

EdTrust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

To apply: Please provide an updated resume and an example of a successful social media campaign.