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Senior Manager, External Communications

New York, NY

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

  1. Continuously learn.
  2. Act with intention.
  3. Champion difference.
  4. Inspire change.
  5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are 

To advance our mission and deepen our impact, we’re hiring a Senior Manager, External Communications to develop and execute external communications strategies that elevate Understood’s voice, strengthen our reputation, and drive awareness and action among key audiences.

The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller and skilled communicator who can translate complex ideas into compelling narratives, build relationships with media and partners, and collaborate across teams to amplify Understood’s message. 

This role will work alongside a Senior Manager focused on corporate and executive communications.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

What you’ll do

  • Partner with the Director of External Communications to design and implement integrated communications strategies that align with Understood’s goals.
  • Build and maintain relationships with media, PR agencies, partners, and key external stakeholders.
  • Lead storytelling initiatives that increase awareness of Understood’s mission and impact.
  • Oversee development of media materials, talking points, and creative assets for campaigns, partnerships, and events.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for external communications inquiries and requests.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to gather proof points, data, and stories that strengthen external narratives.
  • Monitor and measure communications outcomes, including coverage, message pull-through, and sentiment.
  • Identify real-time storytelling opportunities by staying on top of emerging trends and industry news.

Focus Area: Campaigns & Storytelling

  • Lead communications strategy and execution for integrated awareness campaigns (e.g., ADHD Awareness Month) and product or content launches.
  • Drive creative storytelling and messaging across channels to inspire families, educators, and consumers to engage with Understood’s resources.
  • Manage media outreach and relationships to secure coverage that builds issue and brand awareness.
  • Work closely with spokespeople and experts for storytelling ideation and execution.
  • Oversee campaign measurement, tracking reach and impact against defined KPIs.
  • Build and nurture relationships with journalists, influencers, and partners within consumer and education sectors.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to source proof points and data that enhance campaign storytelling and demonstrate impact.

Must-haves 

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in external communications, public relations, journalism or a related role.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
  • Proven track record of securing and managing thought leadership opportunities (e.g., media interviews, speaking engagements, etc.) and working closely with senior executives/experts to oversee engagements from start to finish.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for various audiences.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Proficient in Cision, MuckRack, Meltwater or other similar PR measurement platform.
  • Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice-to-haves

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
  • Experience working at or with external PR agencies and managing external relationships (e.g. partners, external spokespeople).
  • Experience building executive social media strategies, primarily for LinkedIn.
  • Crisis communications experience.

The base salary range for this role is minimum $110,000 - $120,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with OPT extensions.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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