Manager of Strategic Communications

To apply, please complete our application form here:

Reports To:

VP of Strategic Communications & Brand Management

Salary: USD $50,000 - $53,000 / year

BLAQUE KC (Black Leaders Advancing Quality Urban Education) is a grassroots education advocacy organization working to improve educational outcomes for Black students in Kansas City and beyond. We operate at the intersection of community, policy, and school quality—partnering with families, educators, and leaders to build a more equitable and high-performing education ecosystem.

To learn more about our team and programs, visit our website,

BLAQUE KC is seeking a passionate and mission-driven Manager of Strategic Communications to lead the execution of the organization’s storytelling, narrative development, and integrated communications campaigns. This role is responsible for translating organizational priorities into compelling, high-impact communications that elevate BLAQUE KC’s voice, advance public understanding of our mission, and support signature programs and tentpole initiatives throughout the year.

Working under the direction of the Vice President of Strategic Communications & Brand Management, the Manager of Strategic Communications will oversee editorial planning, execute communications campaigns for major programs and initiatives, and support the execution of media relations efforts. This role serves as a creative thought partner on messaging, public engagement, and campaign execution, and blends strategic judgment with hands‑on work, including writing press materials, pitching stories in alignment with strategic direction, and ensuring consistency across platforms.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer and editor with multimedia fluency, experience supporting earned media efforts, excellent project management skills, and a deep commitment to racial equity and educational justice. They bring a strong understanding of the evolving communications landscape, including digital storytelling, media trends, and audience engagement best practices.

This role executes communications strategy under the leadership of the Vice President and collaborates closely with external partners on specialized production needs.

• Execute integrated communications campaigns for BLAQUE KC’s signature programs and tentpole initiatives in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic direction set by the Vice President of Strategic Communications & Brand Management
• Draft and edit op-eds, opinion pieces, and executive bylined content in alignment with strategic direction, supporting leadership voice and public engagement goals
• Translate programmatic, advocacy, and organizational goals into compelling stories and campaign-ready messaging across digital, media, and multimedia platforms
• Serve as a creative thought partner on messaging, narrative development, and public engagement strategies

• Own and manage the organization-wide editorial calendar, ensuring timely, coordinated, and high-quality content across platforms
• Draft and edit external-facing content, including press releases, talking points, newsletters, and campaign copy
• Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all communications materials

• Support the execution of media relations efforts, including drafting press materials, pitching stories, and coordinating media outreach in alignment with established strategy
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and community partners, particularly within the nonprofit, education, and advocacy ecosystem
• Monitor media coverage and support rapid-response communications as needed

• Concept, script, and direct multimedia content, including videos and digital storytelling assets, in collaboration with contracted producers and internal partners
• Review and provide feedback on video edits and multimedia assets to ensure alignment with messaging, brand standards, and campaign goals
• Stay informed on emerging trends in digital…