Senior Manager, Communications

Role Overview

• Develop and implement an integrated communications plan aligning with CALSTART’s mission, programs, and policy initiatives.
• Establish and maintain a consistent brand voice and messaging for CALSTART and each program/initiative, ensuring alignment across all channels.
• Serve as a thought partner to program leads and policy teams to translate technical objectives into compelling, funder
• and stakeholder-ready narratives.
• Proactively secure media coverage across national, trade, regional, and digital outlets; build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors.
• Prepare press materials, talking points, op-eds, policy briefs, and briefing documents for leadership.
• Manage media inquiries, coach spokespeople, and arrange interviews or events as needed.
• Own creation of high-quality content (press releases, blog posts, newsletters, annual reports, impact dashboards, case studies, capability briefs).
• Oversee design and production of multi-channel assets (PPTs, fact sheets, social media, website content) in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.
• Lead storytelling for program successes, pilots, deployments, policy wins, and research findings.
• In conjunction with the web team, develop digital strategy for web presence on CALSTART.org that furthers the mission of the organization
• In collaboration with Integrated Marketing teams, develop strategies for social media engagement and email marketing that amplify our messages, and extend our reach.
• Monitor analytics, measure impact and adjust tactics to improve reach, engagement and message pull through.
• Plan and execute events, briefings, roundtables, and webinars that connect CALSTART with policymakers, funders, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare senior leadership for appearances and briefings; represent CALSTART at external events when appropriate.
• Coordinate with a small but mighty communications team and cross-functional partners.
• Roll up your sleeves to contribute directly to writing, editing, and project execution while fostering collaboration across departments.
• Develop and track KPIs for communications performance (media impressions, share of voice, website traffic, campaign engagement, donor/partner awareness).
• Ensure compliance with donor communications policies and appropriate disclosure for funded programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 7–10+ years in communications, public relations, or related roles; experience in automotive, clean transportation, or nonprofit sectors strongly preferred.
• Experience promoting policy initiatives as part of a broad communications portfolio at the Federal, State or Local level required.
• Exemplary writing and storytelling ability with a demonstrated portfolio of high-quality materials (press materials, op-eds, reports, briefs).
• Strong media relations instincts; proven success securing coverage and managing crises.
• Ability to translate technical topics into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; proactive, problem-solving mindset; hands-on “do-it Senior Manager, Communications
• Collaborative by nature with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence without formal authority.

Benefits

• 100% company paid comprehensive health benefits for Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement plan with generous company contributions
• FSA for Health and Dependent Care
• 3 weeks of vacation time in the first year of employment
• 11 paid company holidays
• paid sick time
• paid family leave
• more!