Common Sense (commonsense.org) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Every day, millions of families turn to Common Sense for trusted advice and unbiased ratings. We offer the largest library of independent, age-based, and educational ratings and reviews for everything your kids want to watch, play, read, and learn. Our movie and TV show ratings are available on Target.com, Xfinity, Apple TV, and many other partner platforms, helping families make smart media choices. Through our schools program, we provide educators with a curriculum that teaches the essential digital citizenship and literacy skills every student needs to succeed. We also work with policymakers, industry leaders, and concerned parents, caregivers, and teachers to improve the media and education landscape for kids, families, and schools.

The Manager, External Affairs will report to the Head of Public Affairs and support both the Executive and Advocacy teams on a variety of projects related to the impact of tech and media on kids and families. 

The ideal candidate is creative, takes initiative, is passionate about our mission, and, of course, is an excellent overall communicator. They will understand how to leverage Twitter, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms. Success in this role will include the ability to measurably demonstrate growth in Common Sense's Advocacy presence on social media to advance our broader goals. They will be interested in spending their days scripting tweets, blog posts, op-eds, press statements, and talking points, as well as iterating on new strategies to get our messages out to the world.

LOCATION: San Francisco, CA; in-office role 

REPORTS TO: Head of Public Affairs

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time

SALARY RANGE: $85,600–$101,650

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and execute a social media strategy for the Advocacy team, in partnership with the Chief Advocacy Officer and Communications team.
• Supports the external affairs team using social media, events, and other high-profile opportunities to amplify our advocacy messages and campaigns. 
• Create prep materials for executive interviews and form tight media relationships of your own.
• Work closely with the Common Sense Media Marketing and Communications teams to create social media messaging and help ensure that it is consistent with the Common Sense brand across teams. 
• Support with in-person events and speaking opportunities for our executives and drive media attendance where appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 5+ years of marketing and/or communications experience, including in social media.
• Passion for the Common Sense mission and youth mental health more broadly.
• Excellent written and verbal communicator. Experience with short-form, concise writing for external audiences and ability to translate complex policy issues into relatable and compelling messages.
• Experience managing social media for a major organization or campaign, and demonstrated experience building and growing a brand or personal profile.
• Some familiarity with policy communications, government relations, politics, or the nonprofit sector is preferred.
• Fast learner; ability to quickly familiarize yourself with Common Sense's positions and adopt the unique voice of our Founder & CEO.
• Ability to work well under pressure and fast deadlines.
• Appreciation for human relationships and coordinating teams across all levels of an organization.

Common Sense values the diversity of its employees and is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on our values, please visit our statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Common Sense will consider employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment.