Senior Manager, External Communications

Join to apply for the Senior Manager, External Communications role at Understood.org
.

About Understood
Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive.

About Our Values
Having a Shared Commitment To Our Values Is a Key Factor In Any Hire We Make. We Have Five Core Values:

• Continuously learn.
• Act with intention.
• Champion difference.
• Inspire change.
• Grow together.

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential.

To learn more about Understood, please visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

To advance our mission and deepen our impact, we’re hiring a Senior Manager, External Communications to develop and execute external communications strategies that elevate Understood’s voice, strengthen our reputation, and drive awareness and action among key audiences.

The ideal candidate is a strategic storyteller and skilled communicator who can translate complex ideas into compelling narratives, build relationships with media and partners, and collaborate across teams to amplify Understood’s message.

This role will work alongside a Senior Manager focused on corporate and executive communications.

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of three (3) days a week in our NYC office, with a focus on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

• Partner with the Director of External Communications to design and implement integrated communications strategies that align with Understood’s goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, PR agencies, partners, and key external stakeholders.
• Lead storytelling initiatives that increase awareness of Understood’s mission and impact.
• Oversee development of media materials, talking points, and creative assets for campaigns, partnerships, and events.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external communications inquiries and requests.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to gather proof points, data, and stories that strengthen external narratives.
• Monitor and measure communications outcomes, including coverage, message pull-through, and sentiment.
• Identify real-time storytelling opportunities by staying on top of emerging trends and industry news.

• Lead communications strategy and execution for integrated awareness campaigns (e.g., ADHD Awareness Month) and product or content launches.
• Drive creative storytelling and messaging across channels to inspire families, educators, and consumers to engage with Understood’s resources.
• Manage media outreach and relationships to secure coverage that builds issue and brand awareness.
• Work closely with spokespeople and experts for storytelling ideation and execution.
• Oversee campaign measurement, tracking reach and impact against defined KPIs.
• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, influencers, and partners within consumer and education sectors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to source proof points and data that enhance campaign storytelling and demonstrate impact.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in external communications, public relations, journalism or a related role.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Proven track record of securing and managing thought leadership opportunities (e.g., media interviews, speaking engagements, etc.) and working closely with senior executives/experts to oversee engagements from start to finish.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for various audiences.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater or other similar PR measurement platform.
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism,…