Communication & Public Affairs Operations Manager

Eckerd Connects is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and action-oriented Communications & Public Affairs Operations Manager to serve as the operational leader of the Communications & Public Affairs department. We're looking for someone who can walk into a meeting, understand the objective, organize the next steps, coordinate the right people, keep momentum moving, and ensure the work gets done. If you're naturally organized, enjoy bringing structure to complexity, and are excited to learn and grow in communications and public affairs, we'd love to talk with you!

Make more than a Living, Make a Difference

Our Benefits 

• Low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 19 days of Paid Time Off the first year
• 11 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan with employer match up to 5%
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid short-term and voluntary long-term disability
• Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary term life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• PTO Exchange

Annual Salary: $95,000 - $103,000

Remote position with program specific travel as needed

Duties & Responsibilities

Department Operations & Strategic Execution

• This position serves as the department’s central coordinator, integrating communications, executive visibility, government relations, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, vendor management, and strategic initiatives into one cohesive operating system. 
• Coordinate and manage communications and public affairs projects from planning through execution.
• Develop and maintain integrated project plans, editorial calendars, communications calendars, executive visibility calendars, timelines, action-item trackers, and status reports.
• Ensure deadlines are met while maintaining accountability across internal teams, executive leadership, consultants, and vendors.
• Prepare weekly department dashboards, executive briefings, status reports, and priority updates.

Executive Visibility & Communications

• Assist in coordination of internal and external initiatives, including speaking engagements, conference participation, media opportunities, board service, thought leadership, LinkedIn content, executive correspondence, and strategic follow-up.
• Manage content production timelines across newsletters, social media, website updates, executive communications, speeches, presentations, and marketing campaigns.
• Coordinate photo, video, and storytelling opportunities that maximize organizational visibility and brand awareness.
• Draft, edit, and coordinate communications materials including briefing books, presentations, newsletters, talking points, executive correspondence, and organizational announcements.

Operations, Technology & Vendor Management

• Serve as a liaison with external communications consultants, creative agencies, technology vendors, and strategic partners.
• Oversee communications technology platforms, templates, documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain departmental operating manuals, workflow documentation, and institutional knowledge to ensure continuity and operational resilience.
• Coordinate annual planning, quarterly work plans, departmental dashboards, and performance tracking.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or progress toward certification preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, project management, public affairs, executive support, government relations, nonprofit operations, stakeholder engagement, or related field. Experience supporting senior executives and managing high-profile initiatives. Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders. Experience in a nonprofit, government, education, healthcare, or mission-driven organization preferred.
• Must successfully pass a background screening process, including, but not limited to, state, local, and funder criminal background check requirements.
• Must be able to meet Eckerd's Auto Insurance requirements and drive for business purposes. Must have and maintain an appropriate and valid state driver's license. Must be able to travel occasionally and overnight to program locations as required.
• Required to pass a drug screen in compliance with our Substance Abuse and Drug-Free Workplace policy.

About our Program

Eckerd Connects is a national non-profit dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through workforce development, child and family services, and Job Corps education and training. What began as a single therapeutic wilderness camp nearly 60 years ago has become a nationwide network of programs creating opportunities and lasting change. Each year, we help more than 250,000 children, youth, and adults build brighter futures.

Connect with Us video: https://vimeo.com/1170824876?fl=pl&fe=sh 

Eckerd Connects employees and applicants for employment are covered by federal, state, and local laws designed to safeguard employees and job applicants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Eckerd Connects is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws by providing reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.  If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact adarequest@eckerd.org.  Relay Services Dial 711.

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Eckerd Connects is a drug-free workplace and utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.