Communications Manager

What You’ll Do

• Translate complex operational and clinical work into compelling, human-centered narratives that resonate with external audiences such as families, schools, funders, policymakers, and prospective employees.
• Develop messaging frameworks, talking points, and narrative guides that keep Aspire’s story consistent across departments and channels.
• Proactively identify positioning gaps and help shape external narratives before they’re defined for us.
• Manage media relations, including drafting press releases, pitching stories, and responding to inquiries.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and outlets across Aspire’s footprint, with emphasis on Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maryland.
• Support thought leadership by helping identify opportunities and preparing Aspire spokespeople for interviews, panels, and speaking engagements.
• Draft op eds, bylines, and award submissions that elevate Aspire’s reputation in human services, behavioral health, and education.
• Monitor emerging industry conversations and help insert Aspire’s perspective with clarity and confidence.
• Partner with the marketing team to amplify Aspire’s external visibility through digital and content channels.
• Draft and refine leadership messaging, all staff updates, and executive talking points aligned with Aspire’s voice and values.
• Serve as a communications resource for cross-functional initiatives that require timely, consistent messaging.
• Participate in training and assigned skill-building opportunities as delegated by management.

Our Ideal Candidate

• 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Strong writing skills across formats, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, and leadership communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience (or strong familiarity) with nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or behavioral health communications preferred.
• Familiarity with multi-state media markets and regional press relationships is a plus.
• Comfortable working independently, juggling multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills across cross-functional teams.

Working Conditions

• Remote role with professional, office-based work.
• May involve occasional travel and infrequent day and/or overnight trips.
• Some evening or weekend work may be needed to meet deadlines.
• Potential exposure to confidential employee information.

Compensation

Pay range: $80,000–$85,000 (DOE)

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

About the Role

At Aspire Living and Learning, we support neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland, providing person-centered services in education, behavioral health, residential support, and community-based services.

Qualifications

• Strong writing skills across formats, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, and leadership communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience (or strong familiarity) with nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or behavioral health communications preferred.
• Familiarity with multi-state media markets and regional press relationships is a plus.
• Comfortable working independently, juggling multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills across cross-functional teams.

Skills

• Strong writing skills across formats, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, and leadership communications.
• Proven ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience (or strong familiarity) with nonprofit, healthcare, human services, or behavioral health communications preferred.
• Familiarity with multi-state media markets and regional press relationships is a plus.
• Comfortable working independently, juggling multiple priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills across cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance - Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options - Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON - Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match - A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off - Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities - Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!