Communications Director

Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.

Job Overview:

The Communications Director will serve as a strategic communications leader responsible for elevating organizational visibility, managing complex media relationships, and implementing sophisticated public relations campaigns that advance our mission across national platforms. This position will orchestrate our earned media strategy, serve as a trusted communications advisor to executive leadership, and translate complex policy positions into compelling public narratives. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications, this role requires a seasoned communications professional who can maximize organizational impact.

Location: San Francisco, California
Reports To: Vice President, Communications
Salary: $111,200–$132,050
Type: Full-time, exempt

What You'll Do:

• Architect and execute sophisticated PR campaigns that amplify Common Sense Media's brand presence and advance key initiatives across traditional and digital media landscapes.
• Develop Common Sense Media outreach to podcasts, substacks, and other evolving communications platforms to reach new audiences.
• Identify, secure, and prepare the CEOs and executive team for high-impact speaking engagements that strategically position Common Sense Media as the authoritative voice on children's digital well-being and tech policy.
• Craft compelling news narratives and thought leadership positioning that resonates with diverse audiences, including parents, educators, policymakers, and industry partners.
• Spearhead a proactive media relations strategy, including developing newsworthy angles, cultivating journalist relationships, securing high-impact placements, and preparing executives for media opportunities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with influential journalists, industry analysts, and key media outlets covering technology, education, and family issues.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to transform research findings, policy positions, and educational initiatives into newsworthy stories that generate meaningful coverage.
• Develop comprehensive crisis communication protocols and serve as strategic counsel to leadership during sensitive public issues.
• Identify and secure speaking opportunities, awards, and recognition that position Common Sense Media executives as authoritative voices in the digital well-being conversation.
• Measure and analyze PR effectiveness through comprehensive media monitoring, coverage analysis, and message penetration metrics.
• Direct external communications agencies and contractors to extend organizational reach and amplify campaign impact.

What We're Looking For:

• 6+ years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Strong background in nonprofit, education, child advocacy, or technology sectors.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies.
• Strong project management abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
• Understanding of the digital media landscape and content strategy.

Our Benefits:

• The chance to work with talented, passionate professionals.
• A great health and welfare benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a matching 401(k), and other key benefits.
• An organization that offers work/life balance.
• The opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of kids and families!

Common Sense Media provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected classification or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Common Sense Media will also consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. However, job offers are made on the condition that the applicant subsequently passes a criminal background check. If the background check indicates a prior criminal conviction, we will conduct an individualized assessment to determine whether the conviction should result in denial of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.