Fractional Communications Manager

Location

Los Angeles

Contract

Remote

Communications

Job Title: Communications Manager

Reports to: Strategic Communications Director

Works closely with: Brand Strategy, PR/Media Relations, Content, Community Storytellers, Field Teams

Work Capacity: 25 hours per week

Term: 3 month contract to hire, with intention to increase commitment if there is a mutual fit

Compensation: base rate of $80/hour with full time salary up to $130,000

Location: Remote, Los Angeles County-based is strongly preferred

Priority review date: January 30, 2026

Ideal start date: March 15, 2026

The Communications Manager drives implementation of Spherical's multi‑channel communications strategy, with primary focus on advancing the Living Infrastructure narrative and Field Kit platform as essential tools for community‑led climate resilience in L.A. County. This role blends hands‑on content production with strategic partnership—managing complex projects, writing compelling copy, running social channels, and translating performance data into actionable insights.

The Communications Manager is a hands‑on communicator who supports the Strategic Communications Director to drive campaign implementation, craft resonant copy, and amplify community voices. The role balances creative instinct with analytical rigor, and approaches communications as a means of creating conditions for meaningful exchange.

This role operates as the primary implementation partner to the Strategic Communications Director. The Director sets strategy; the Manager operationalizes it. Candidates should be comfortable with autonomy over day‑to‑day implementation while escalating strategic decisions (messaging frameworks, major campaign concepts, budget) to the Director.

We are invested in hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds and understand that not all candidates will meet every qualification listed. If you feel that you meet many of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

• Orchestrate communications campaigns across the strategic roadmap, coordinating internal teams and external partners

• Develop and maintain editorial calendars, workflow systems, creative briefs, and production schedules using Notion

• Track deliverables against milestones including op‑ed placements, Field Kit coverage, partner toolkit rollouts, and multimedia production

• Manage embargoed media outreach logistics and coordinate media demos

• Support up to three ARLA campaigns annually, ensuring compliance with client protocols

• Coordinate with contractors and cross‑functional team members to ensure cohesive implementation

• Produce, edit, and refine written content across formats: owned media articles, community stories, social posts, newsletter copy, and marketing materials

• Draft and shepherd op‑eds and thought leadership pieces through the pitch‑to‑placement process

• Lead social media strategy and day‑to‑day stewardship across Linked In, Meta, Bluesky, and emerging platforms

• Amplify local case studies, community voices, and partner stories to strengthen narrative impact

• Design and implement social rollouts for campaigns including Field Kit launches and out‑of‑home activations

• Ensure all content reflects brand voice, messaging frameworks, and narrative principles

• Monitor and report monthly on communications KPIs: earned media reach, social engagement, OOH performance, website analytics, and partner amplification

• Maintain the KPI dashboard for media and outreach performance

• Use digital performance data to optimize communications reach and inform strategic adjustments

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Strategic Communications Director, contributing ideas for campaign concepts and messaging refinements

• Track early implementer feedback on narrative clarity, inspiration to act, and ease of integration

• Build digital assets and campaign prototypes using Figma

• Participate in transdisciplinary Field Teams at Spherical focused on strategic sensing and stakeholder understanding

• Gather and synthesize insights from Los Angeles…