Communications Specialists

The Position

LPI seeks two full-time Communication Specialists to join its team of research, policy, communication, and operations staff in advancing the organization’s mission to make education equitable for all children. The positions may be based in either our Palo Alto, CA or Washington, DC, office.  

Reporting directly to the  Chief of Strategic Communications and working closely with the Communications, Policy, Research and Finance and Operation teams, the Communications Specialists’s primary responsibilities are web development, event management, social media, media relations, project management, and/or strategic communications. The two positions will be configured to tap the strengths of successful candidates; it is not expected that one person will possess all of these skills, but rather will excel in several key areas listed below.

Major Responsibilities

Web content development and management: Under the supervision of the Web Manager, take a leading role in managing discrete parts of LPI’s web content, e.g., management of bios and blogs, both writing and editing content and uploading onto LPI’s website. Requires strong project management skills and ability to perform UX-informed updates, conduct analytics tracking, and support platform maintenance. 

Microsite and Web Interactive Project Management: LPI regularly produces microsites and numerous web-based interactives. This work requires project management involving outside contractors, LPI researchers, partners, and end users. A solid understanding of web development fundamentals, project management principles, and communication skills are required as well as familiarity with HTML and web content management systems (e.g., Drupal), understanding of high-quality UI and UX, and expertise in using diverse database software.

Social Media: Strategize, create, and manage content on social media platforms to enhance brand presence, engage and grow audiences, and further LPI’s reputation. Understand and maintain LPI’s journalistic voice to ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity in all social media content. Build relationships with followers, influencers, and other partners. Use analytics tools to monitor and analyze reach, engagement, and conversions. Plan and manage paid social media campaigns. Keep up with trends in digital marketing and the social media landscape.

Event Management: Plan, organize, and execute virtual events; manage technical, logistical, and creative aspects to ensure seamless and engaging virtual experiences. Support and/or lead the same for in-person events. Work with LPI’s research and policy teams to schedule and prepare speakers. Configure and manage event platforms, including registration, branding, and session layouts. Able to calmly and quickly troubleshoot, providing real-time support for technical issues during the event. Ensure compatibility with tools for polls, Q&A, networking, and other interactive features. Set up and monitor registration systems and ensure smooth attendee sign-ups. Work with outside contractors as needed. Coordinate with A/V vendors on video recording, live streaming, etc. Edit and share recorded sessions, slides, or other materials for continued audience engagement. Experience working with Zoom Events platform desired.

Content production: Collaborate with other members of the Communications team to write and distribute outreach materials for email, social media, and other channels. Able to develop and edit engaging, accurate, and comprehensive content for varying audiences.

Collaboration: All communications work at LPI is done collaboratively, in close coordination with other team members. Exceptional listening and communication skills are needed in order to produce high-quality content and events and to meet deadlines.

Qualifications and Experience

While not all qualifications are required for both positions, successful candidates will meet a large number of the criteria below.

• Please have at least 5-8 years’ relevant experience. 
• Demonstrated expertise in web development and UI/UX design principles
• Proficiency in WYSIWYG platforms, basic HTML, Drupal, and web analytics tools
• Analytics tracking and reporting
• Experience with database software
• Expertise in strategizing and creating content for platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook
• Familiarity with analytics tools for monitoring engagement and conversions (e.g., Loomly, Google Analytics)
• Experience building relationships with influencers and partners
• Knowledge of paid social media campaign planning
• Awareness of trends in digital marketing and social media
• Strong organizational and logistical planning skills
• Proficiency in virtual and in-person event platforms and tools, e.g., Zoom
• Experience troubleshooting technical issues during events
• Ability to integrate interactive features like polls, Q&A, and networking
• Skills in post-event content editing and distribution, including event videos
• Excellence in written communication and ability to maintain a consistent journalistic voice
• Ability to create engaging, accurate, and audience-focused content
• Knowledge of various outreach channels (e.g., email, social media)
• Strong project management skills with proven ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects involving multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines, including:
• Experience developing and maintaining workflows and SOPs
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong listening and interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate with contractors, researchers, and stakeholders
• Exceptional time management and deadline adherence
• Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Dispositions

• Passion for ensuring that all children receive empowering and equitable learning, especially historically underserved students. 
• Self-starter mentality and the ability to both work independently and foster collaborative working relationships and to work well in a team setting. 
• A demonstrated commitment to excellence and equity.  
• Ability to execute and exhibit good judgment. 
• An optimistic outlook and a flexible, innovative nature.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience, education, and expertise. Range is $60,000 to $110,000.

Location

This position is based in Palo Alto, CA, Washington, DC, or potentially remote.

To apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and any other relevant materials such as short writing samples, social media toolkits, examples of websites you have worked on, examples of past webinars or events managed, and any other relevant materials. Candidates invited to continue through the interview process will be asked to complete a job-related task/performance assessment at that time.