Communications Manager

Communities in Schools of Tennessee

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Job Summary

ABOUT COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS 

Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) is a nonprofit that partners with K-12 public schools to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. With a budget of almost $12 million, we support 80 employees in 61 schools that serve more than 28,000 students and families across Tennessee.

As part of the CIS national network, CISTN achieves this mission by placing program managers in schools across the state to provide school-wide interventions and case managed services for students in need.

To best support the students, families, schools, community partners, and our staff members involved in this work, CISTN staff and board members center all decisions, actions, and services on the following core values:

1. Integrity – We openly share how our work is done, and we hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make.

2. Empathy – We intentionally build relationships so we can learn about people’s stories, validate their experiences, and deepen our understanding of situations different from our own.

3. Equal Opportunity – We identify and work towards removing barriers, so everyone has the opportunity to achieve.

4. Authenticity – We create space for the people we work with, and for, to be their truthful, complete selves without judgement.

5. Collaboration – We bring people together to plan and take action in our work, understanding we make lasting change in partnership with one another.

Job Responsibilities

The Communications Manager will collaborate with the CAO and to develop and execute the annual statewide communications plan to increase brand awareness, revenue, and programmatic growth. A member of the Advancement Team, the Communications Manager will report to the Chief Advancement Officer and work in collaboration with an external public relations firm and the Advancement Committee.

Content Development and Social Media Management 

• Collaborate with the CAO to develop all agency communications for both fundraising and general branding purposes; including creating collateral materials and messages for segmented audiences such as donors (foundations, individuals, corporate donors, etc.), community partners, families and students, school leaders, and internal staff. All messaging and materials are consistent, impactful, and align with brand standards.

• Develop and maintain a digital library of stories and brand/visual assets, working collaboratively and closely with Program Managers on compelling and accurate content.

• Compose and edit original content, messaging, and campaigns that are engaging, audience-appropriate, and grammatically correct across multiple content development and delivery platforms. Generate fresh ideas aligned with organizational goals and current communication trends.

• Produce and manage all external communications including (but not limited to) designing and delivering e-news/blasts through Constant Contact, social media posts/promotions, and managing website content.

• Manage and maintain website and social media platforms, including content creation and scheduling content publication. Identify and track metrics that support continued growth and engagement.

• Monitor and analyze the organization’s online presence to ensure accuracy, brand consistency, and positive public perception, responding to opportunities and addressing issues as needed.

• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases to highlight organizational news, initiatives, and achievements; ensuring accuracy, alignment with brand voice, and appeal to media outlets.

Staff Training 

• Design, disseminate, and share print materials and CISTN collateral pieces with staff. Ensure that all materials present a clear, unified message and follow National CIS branding guidelines. Ensure that all materials present a clear, unified message and follow National CIS branding guidelines.

• Orient new hires to communications resources and storytelling, provide communications training to staff during annual onboarding, and additional training as needed during professional development sessions.

Organizational Leadership 

• Attend CIS National’s monthly communications calls. Report out to appropriate staff members and/or external stakeholders when necessary.

• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to ensure staff are informed, engaged, and that are aligned with organizational goals, using channels such as newsletters, team meetings, and staff announcements.

• Support implementation of crisis communication plan.

• Collaborate with external PR counsel on media stories.

• Ensure that messaging and storytelling is reflective of CISTN values.

Currently, the Communications Manager is based in Nashville. The CAO and the Communications Manager will work together to determine the work arrangements for both in-person and remote work, considering the season of work and organizational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  Other duties may be assigned by the CEO and CAO as required.

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES    

The core competencies for the Communications Manager include, but are not limited to:

• Messaging: Crafts compelling and coherent messaging that effectively communicate the organization’s mission, goals, and impact to diverse stakeholders. Ensures messaging aligns with the organization’s values and resonates with target audiences to inspire engagement and support. Tailors’ communication strategies to different stakeholders and ensures messages are clear, consistent, and culturally responsive.

• Creative Thinking & Innovation: Demonstrates originality in messaging and campaign development; generates fresh ideas  and brings creative energy to content and campaigns.

• Trend Awareness & Adaptability: Stays current with communication, social media, and design trends; adapts strategies to remain engaging, relevant, and impactful. Anticipates and responds to cultural shifts and digital trends; integrates timely, resonant content into communications strategy.

• Editorial Excellence: Demonstrates mastery of grammar, punctuation, and style; ensures all communications meet high standards of quality and professionalism.

• Administrative Proficiency: Navigates internal systems, software, and databases efficiently, with minimal intervention. Consistently completes data entry and reporting accurately and on time. Manages department budgets effectively.

• Time Management and Planning: Appropriately prioritizes workload and manages multiple projects simultaneously. Sets objectives, develops schedules, and anticipates and addresses challenges to ensure timely and effective project completion.

• Relationship Building: Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Utilizes effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders and advance the organization’s mission.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE  

• Associate degree or credential in communications; bachelor’s degree preferred.

• 3-5 years of professional experience in a communications role, such as Digital Content Specialist or Marketing & Communications Coordinator

• Work experience can be substituted for those without formal education, requiring two or more years of direct experience.

• Experience with Squarespace or other content management system, Canva, and Adobe InDesign is preferred.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, submit your resume via email to operations@cistn.org by September 10, 2025, and include “Communications Manager” in the subject line of the email. Applicants who are invited to advance in the application process will be asked to submit a portfolio of 3-4 existing work products; examples may include a newsletter, social post, press release, client story, or similar materials.

A criminal background check is required for any candidates who are offered a position with CISTN and will be administered after an offer for employment is made.

 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY  

We value your lived experience and those that have lived or live in the communities that we serve. Should you not meet all of the listed qualifications but feel that this position is the perfect one for you, please apply! You could be what we are looking for and we would not want to miss the chance to meet you!

CISTN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Details

• Date Posted: September 3, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Communications / Marketing / PR
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Salary Range: 58700-67098