Communication Manager Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Job Brief
Senior Communication Manager, Food Policy Program
Vital Strategies is an international public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world's leading causes of illness, injury and death. We currently work in 73 countries, supporting data-driven decision making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies' priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include non-communicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, obesity prevention, overdose prevention, environmental health, and vital statistics systems building. Our programs are primarily concentrated in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.
We believe our programs are strengthened when they are developed and supported by people with diverse life experiences whose understanding of social and cultural issues can help make our work and workforce more inclusive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin, ancestry, actual or perceived age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for those seeking employment.
Job Purpose:
Vital Strategies is a leading technical partner for the Food Policy Program. Through strategic media campaigns and partnerships, Vital Strategies provides support to partners to introduce policies aimed at creating a healthier food environment.
The Senior Communication Manager is a new role within the Food Policy Program. The Senior Communication Manager will lead the development and implementation of a communication strategy across digital channels, social media, and earned media in the US.
This is afull-time positionbased in our New York office, where a hybrid, 2-day-per-week office schedule is in place. We offer highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this position is $104,000 to $114,000 USD. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategy & Leadership -
• Lead the development and implementation of a public accountability communication strategy focused on exposing and countering harmful food and beverage industry practices.
• Advise leadership on emerging industry tactics, reputational risks, and advocacy opportunities.
• Support risk assessment and mitigation for politically sensitive or industry-opposed advocacy activities and coordinate rapid response communications when appropriate.
Campaign Development & Execution -
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of high-impact communication campaigns designed to increase public awareness and accountability pressure.
• Establish and oversee social media, digital engagement, and influencer partnerships to expand campaign reach and audience engagement.
• Collaborate with communications agencies and external consultants to deliver integrated digital and media campaigns.
Content Development & Messaging -
• Translate complex evidence and research into accessible public-facing content, including reports, briefings, digital assets, and campaign messaging.
• Ensure messaging consistency and alignment across partner organizations, campaigns, and communication channels.
Media Relations & Public Engagement -
• Prepare PR materials, including press releases, newsletter copy, and fact sheets; monitor news and pitch story ideas, interviews, and statements from key spokespeople.
• Organize spokesperson trainings.
• Manage and participate in events, including workshops, trainings, conferences, campaign launches, and press conferences.
Partnerships & Stakeholder Coordination -
• Work closely with academic partners, civil society organisations, media stakeholders, and colleagues to ensure strategic alignment and coordinated delivery.
• Manage stakeholder engagement to ensure successful execution of strategy objectives.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) -
• Monitor campaign performance, audience engagement, and narrative penetration, and provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to increase public mobilization and media attention around accountability and food policy issues.
• Provide regular reports on the progress of activities and developments related to program objectives.
Knowledge Management & Intelligence -
• Develop and manage systems for collecting, archiving, and curating industry-related materials, including media coverage and industry-led campaigns.
Project & Program Management -
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful execution of strategy objectives.
• Support other programs as needed.
Qualifications:
Education and Degree -
• Bachelor's degree
Skills and Abilities -
• Strong project management skills
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across time zones and platforms
• Ability to effectively address multiple complex activities and tasks concurrently and to work under the pressure of deadlines
• Strong skills in organizing resources and establishing work priorities and timely meeting of deadlines and milestones
Experience:
Required -
• Minimum of 8 years work experience with at least five years of job-related experience in advertising, digital marketing, strategic communications and/or public relations, preferably in public health
• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically, to lead and work within diverse teams, to work in multi-cultural settings and with a high degree of independence
• Advanced-level proficiency with Microsoft Office packages
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing productive relationships, partnerships and collaborations
Preferred -
• Experience in communicating complex concepts for non-technical audiences
• Experience in communication and government relations
• Familiarity with public health and advocacy work
• Experience working with NGOs and public interest groups on public policy initiatives
• Experience working in cross-cultural settings
• Experience in working with donors, multilateral organizations, foundations, and technical assistance agencies
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
• Travel within US or internationally as needed (up to 20% of the time).
#LI-Hybrid