Communications and Engagement Manager

AGENCY SUMMARY

West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC) administers foster care services to children and families in Kent County, MI in partnership with Bethany Christian Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett—St. Johns, Samaritas, and Wellspring Lutheran Services. WMPC executes an innovative performance-based funding model through a contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, utilizing a capitated allocation payment mechanism that allows for savings generated from practice and program improvements to be reinvested into the foster care system. WMPC utilizes software that allows predictive analytics to inform strategy and practice, and to flag cases that are at risk for further review.

WMPC’s mission is to empower communities to create better futures for children and families through innovation and collaboration and it does this through its core values of accountable, data-driven, innovative, trauma-informed, tireless collaboration, and social justice. WMPC is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), and its work is grounded in the principles of the Sanctuary Model—promoting safety, emotional intelligence, nonviolence, and shared responsibility.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications and Engagement Manager plays a vital role in shaping and sharing WMPC’s story. This position leads all aspects of internal and external communications, ensuring that the organization’s voice is strategic, inclusive, trauma-informed, and aligned with our mission and values. The Manager is responsible for executing WMPC’s communications strategy through the development and distribution of newsletters, social media content, website updates, media materials, and formal organizational communications. They will also support internal team communications and community engagement efforts, including events and storytelling.

This position requires strong writing and visual storytelling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex information into accessible and compelling content for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about using communications to advance outcomes for children and families.

JOB DUTIES

External Communications & Public Engagement

• Lead the creation and distribution of WMPC’s newsletters, social media content, press releases, and community updates using trauma-informed, inclusive, and strengths-based language.
• Develop clear, engaging, and inclusive messaging that communicates WMPC’s mission, services, and impact while honoring the dignity and experiences of children and families.
• Manage WMPC’s website content, ensuring information is current, accurate, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Promote WMPC’s Sanctuary commitments by highlighting stories of healing, growth, and positive systemic change.
• Promote events, initiatives, and achievements through communication channels, including visual and video content as appropriate.
• Collect and craft community stories that highlight the voices and experiences of youth, families, and providers.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and public officials to increase awareness of WMPC’s work and to amplify the voices of families and providers.
• Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries; coordinate interviews, draft press statements, and manage relationships with local outlets.
• Manage crisis communications in collaboration with the CEO and executive leadership, ensuring responses reflect the Sanctuary commitments of emotional intelligence and nonviolence.

Internal Communications

• Partner with leadership to design and implement internal communications that foster psychological safety and emotional intelligence.
• Strengthen WMPC’s culture of transparency and belonging through timely and mission-aligned communication with team members.
• Coordinate internal storytelling that celebrates staff contributions, promotes resilience, and reflects a learning organizational culture.

Strategic Branding & Collaboration

• Maintain WMPC’s brand guidelines to ensure consistency in voice, tone, and visuals across all communication channels.
• Support advocacy and awareness efforts by tailoring messaging to diverse audiences including legislators, partners, and funders.
• Champion DEIB principles in all communications and visual materials, ensuring inclusive language, imagery, and narratives.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to grow intercultural competence and contribute to WMPC’s learning organization culture.

Measurement, Evaluation & Continuous Learning

• Track communication metrics (engagement rates, media impressions, community feedback) to assess impact and inform strategy.
• Use a continuous quality improvement approach to evolve communication methods based on data, feedback, and changing community needs.
• Support Sanctuary Model implementation by integrating communication strategies that reinforce safety, collaboration, and systemic change.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED

None

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level

High school diploma with commensurate experience of a bachelor’s degree required, or a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field preferred.

Field of Study/Specialty

2–4 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to write for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience managing social media, newsletters, and website content.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple deadlines.
• Understanding of and commitment to WMPC’s values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and trauma-informed care.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn Sanctuary Model principles and apply them to communication practices.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with communications in a non-profit organization or human services setting.
• Proficiency with design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe), email platforms (e.g. Mailchimp), and website CMS (e.g. WordPress or similar).
• Awareness of culturally responsive communication strategies and inclusive design principles.
• Experience developing and managing brand guidelines.