Communications Manager
About the role
The Communications Manager will serve as a key member of the NC Chamber's External Affairs team, leading communications strategy and execution for a portfolio of organizational priorities. This role will have primary responsibility for communications supporting the Infrastructure and Growth pillar and agriculture initiatives across the NC Chamber and NC Chamber Foundation, while also supporting broader Foundation communications and other strategic priorities. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and strategic communicator who can quickly understand complex research, policy, and business issues and translate them into clear, compelling communications. This individual is proactive, collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. A background in government affairs, public affairs, infrastructure, agriculture, or related policy areas is strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Strategic & Issue Communications
- Lead communications strategy and execution for assigned NC Chamber and NC Chamber Foundation priorities, with a focus on Infrastructure and Growth and agriculture.
- Develop messaging and communications plans that advance organizational priorities and elevate the NC Chamber's voice on issues affecting North Carolina's business community.
- Translate complex policy, research, and business issues into clear communications for diverse audiences.
- Develop content across channels, including articles, newsletters, talking points, web content, op-eds, news releases, media materials, and stakeholder communications.
- Identify opportunities to elevate priority issues, expertise, and impact through earned, owned, and digital communications.
- Executive & Media Communications
- Develop talking points, speeches, presentations, and briefing materials for organizational leaders.
- Support media strategy and outreach and prepare leaders for external opportunities.
- Build knowledge of relevant media outlets and reporters covering assigned issues.
- NC Chamber Foundation Communications
- Lead communications for Foundation research, initiatives, fundraising, events, and thought leadership.
- Translate research and data into compelling stories for employers, policymakers, and communities.
- Develop communications materials for research releases and identify opportunities to extend their reach and impact.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Digital Content Manager to amplify content across digital channels.
- Coordinate with Government Affairs, Foundation, membership, events, and other teams to ensure aligned communications.
- Support events with scripts, talking points, presentations, promotional content, and post-event communications.
- Write and edit content in accordance with AP Style and NC Chamber brand standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, political science, English, or related field.
- Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, journalism, government affairs, public policy, community relations, or a related field.
Skills
- Exceptional writing, editing, and strategic communications skills.
- Ability to quickly understand and communicate complex issues to diverse audiences.
- Creative, adaptable, and willing to test new approaches.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Quick study with intellectual curiosity and strong critical-thinking skills.
- Collaborative and effective at building relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.
- Familiarity with North Carolina's business landscape and/or legislative process preferred.
- Experience in government affairs, public affairs, infrastructure, agriculture, or related policy areas preferred.
- Working knowledge of graphic design and presentation tools preferred.
Travel
Travel required for meetings or events within NC a few times a year; typically, no more than one night at a time.