Social Media & Communications Manager

Charitable Independence Initiative

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to christopher.merriman@charitableindepence.org

About the Charitable Independence Initiative

The Charitable Independence Initiative (CII) is a national, nonpartisan effort dedicated to strengthening the independence and public standing of the nonprofit sector. We help local charitable organizations build constructive relationships with public officials and improve how they communicate their impact to the communities they serve. CII is launching a multi-state pilot focused on nonprofit communications, storytelling, and relationship-building, with a particular focus on federal policymakers.

Position Summary

The Social Media & Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in amplifying CII’s mission and work through strategic partnerships with digital influencers, content creators, community voices, and local media outlets across target states.

This position is responsible for developing and executing influencer and media engagement strategies that elevate the visibility of partner nonprofits, strengthen positive narratives about the charitable sector, and build public trust—particularly among federal public officials.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative digital strategist, skilled relationship-builder, and compelling storyteller with a strong understanding of how social media, influencer collaborations, and earned media can work together to shape perception and inspire civic engagement.

This position will report to the CEO and will also work closely with 

the Chief of Staff, Senior Director of Nonprofit Capacity & Public Sector Engagement, and Development Officer. 

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Development & Training Delivery

Design a training curriculum—including modules, guides, slide decks, and handouts—on:

Impactful nonprofit storytelling

Effective relationship-building with social and traditional media

Understanding the evolving U.S. media landscape

Pilot, refine, and scale the curriculum across targeted states.

Deliver multi-session workshops, virtual convenings, and individualized coaching for nonprofit leaders with diverse backgrounds and needs.

State-Level Engagement & Capacity Building

Build and maintain relationships with influencers, content creators, local media, and community leaders who can authentically communicate about nonprofits’ impact—especially to their federal elected officials.

Conduct in-state trainings, facilitate peer-learning sessions, and provide one-on-one coaching.

Support nonprofits in developing compelling narratives and identifying community-based influencers.

Coordinate interviews, social campaigns, and media appearances involving nonprofit partners and influencers.

Research & Field Intelligence

Conduct targeted research on traditional media outlets and social media accounts that influence target lawmakers.

Produce accessible background materials, influencer/media target lists, and strategic recommendations for nonprofit partners.

Project Planning, Evaluation & Knowledge Management

Collaborate with evaluation partners on baseline and endline assessments.

Document lessons learned and contribute to a scalable replication toolkit (e.g., checklists, templates, and training guides).

Ensure alignment with state strategies, funder expectations, and internal planning processes.

Contribute to the preparation of reports required by funders.

NOTE: Some responsibilities may be shared across team members.

Qualifications

Required

Mid-level experience in communications, influencer marketing, or social media strategy (nonprofit or mission-driven experience preferred).

Demonstrated success building partnerships with creators, influencers, and/or media contacts.

Strong writing, editing, and digital storytelling skills.

Excellent project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Proficiency with major social platforms and influencer management tools.

Collaborative mindset and comfort working across teams and with external partners.

Preferred

Experience in nonprofit, civic engagement, or advocacy communications.

Experience working with public officials.

Experience in conservative-leaning states, rural communities, or politically diverse regions.

Familiarity with digital advertising, analytics, and content creation platforms (e.g., Canva, Meta Business Suite, Sprout Social).

Understanding of audience segmentation, campaign measurement, and message testing.

Comfortable representing CII.

Travel Requirements

Moderate travel to pilot states.

Consulting Fee Range

$105,000 – $115,000 for a one-year, full-time consulting engagement.

This role is funded for one year; should additional funding be secured, the engagement may be extended.

Issue One serves as the fiscal sponsor for the Charitable Independence Initiative, a 501(c)(3) organization.