Social Media Manager (Vertical Video Focus, Atlanta Based)

Position Overview

We are seeking a creative, strategic, and data-driven Social Media Manager with a strong focus on vertical video content. This role will lead the development, production, and distribution of content that communicates our mission, news, events, and other communications to broad and diverse audiences.

The ideal candidate understands both the science communication landscape and the fast-paced dynamics of political media, and can transform complex topics into compelling, shareable stories.

Key Responsibilities

Content Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute a social media strategy centered on short-form vertical video.

• Align content with organizational policy priorities and campaign objectives.

• Identify trending topics, audio, and formats relevant to science and political discourse.

Content Creation & Production

• Script, shoot, and edit high-quality vertical videos optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

• Translate scientific research, news, and policy analysis into engaging, accurate, and accessible video narratives.

• Collaborate with researchers, policy experts, and communications staff to ensure factual accuracy.

• Maintain a consistent brand voice and visual identity.

Platform Management

• Manage day-to-day posting, scheduling, and community engagement with support from current team.

• Monitor comments and messages, responding appropriately and escalating when necessary.

• Optimize content using analytics insights (engagement, retention, shares, conversions).

Growth & Analytics

• Track performance metrics and prepare regular reports.

• Run A/B tests on hooks, captions, thumbnails, and formats.

• Identify opportunities for audience growth and engagement through partnerships and influencer collaborations.

Rapid Response

• Create timely content responding to breaking news, scientific developments, and political events.

• Ensure all content remains aligned with organizational messaging and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of experience managing social media accounts, preferably in politics, advocacy, journalism, or science communication.

• Demonstrated success growing audiences through short-form vertical video.

• Strong video editing skills (e.g., CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).

• Deep understanding of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts algorithms and trends.

• Ability to simplify complex scientific or policy issues without compromising accuracy.

• Strong writing and storytelling skills.

• Experience working in fast-paced, politically sensitive environments.

Preferred

• Background in science, public policy, political science, or communications.

• Experience with paid social campaigns and digital fundraising.

• Familiarity with compliance guidelines for political content.

• On-camera experience or comfort directing talent.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinker with creative instincts

• Strong news judgment

• Data-driven decision maker

• Collaborative and cross-functional communicator

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Adaptable under tight deadlines

What Success Looks Like

• Significant audience growth across vertical video platforms

• High engagement rates and strong retention metrics

• Clear alignment between social content and policy impact

• Increased visibility of science-based policy perspectives in public discourse

Communications Director & Press Liaison (DC, NYC, or remote)

Position Overview

The Communications Director & Press Liaison leads the organization’s strategic communications, media relations, and public messaging efforts. This role is responsible for shaping the organization’s public voice, building relationships with journalists, managing press strategy, and ensuring accurate and compelling communication of science-based policy priorities.

The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and an effective operator—capable of managing high-level messaging while responding quickly to breaking news and political developments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.

• Craft clear, persuasive messaging that translates complex scientific research into accessible public narratives.

• Maintain message discipline across all platforms and spokespeople.

• Provide communications guidance to senior leadership and policy teams.

Media Relations & Press Strategy

• Serve as primary press liaison when appropriate.

• Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, and specialized reporters covering science, policy, and politics.

• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and statements.

• Prepare leadership and subject-matter experts for interviews, panels, and public appearances.

• Proactively pitch stories and secure earned media placements.

Rapid Response & Issues Management

• Monitor news cycles and policy developments relevant to the organization’s priorities.

• Develop rapid-response messaging and media statements.

• Manage crisis communications and reputation strategy when necessary.

Content & Messaging Oversight

• Oversee external communications including website content, newsletters, digital campaigns, and social media messaging.

• Ensure factual accuracy and scientific integrity in all public materials.

• Collaborate with digital and creative teams to align media outreach with broader campaign initiatives.

Stakeholder & Coalition Communications

• Coordinate messaging with partner organizations and coalitions.

• Support policy campaigns through coordinated communications strategies.

• Provide talking points and briefing materials for board members and external advocates.

Qualifications

Required

• 3-5+ years of experience in communications, media relations, political advocacy, journalism, or public affairs.

• Demonstrated success securing earned media coverage.

• Strong understanding of the political landscape and media environment.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.

• Ability to translate complex scientific or policy content into clear, compelling language.

• Experience working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

• Strong media relationships (national or issue-specific preferred).

Preferred

• Background in science, public policy, political science, or related field.

• Experience working for a nonprofit, advocacy organization, campaign, or legislative office.

• Crisis communications experience.

• Familiarity with nonprofit compliance and political communication regulations.