Communications Manager

U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Vision insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Job summary

USADA is seeking a Communications Manager to lead the agency’s organic social media strategy and digital marketing programs, driving engagement and stakeholder trust. The role requires strong writing, strategic thinking, and collaboration across teams to translate complex sport governance topics into accessible messaging.

The position emphasizes content development, events coverage, media monitoring, and analytics to inform decisions, with opportunities for leadership and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with ability to adapt tone for diverse audiences.
• Experience developing and executing social media strategies across multiple platforms.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content.

Responsibilities

• Develop the organization’s organic social media strategy and identify trends.
• Create, curate, edit, and share daily social media content.
• Develop monthly social media content calendars.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to capture strategic content at events.
• Maintain media monitoring programs and leverage insights for strategy.
• Oversee influencer and paid social media strategies.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Proofreading

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Master’s degree in communications

Tools

Canva

Adobe Suite

MS Office

Job description

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule

Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing the agency’s organic social media strategy, driving monitoring and engagement efforts, and overseeing digital marketing programs to advance organizational priorities, strengthen brand credibility, and drive stakeholder trust and engagement. The manager will also support content development and communication efforts across the organization. This position calls for a dynamic self-starter and proactive communicator who can work both independently and with teams, identify and solve complex problems, and ideate in a quickly evolving and mission-driven environment.

To be successful, this position requires an avid consumer of media, social media, and sport content, with a sharp eye for creative opportunities that add value to both stakeholders and the brand. The Communications Manager is a skilled writer and strategist with strong judgment, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex or technical information into accessible messaging for diverse audiences. In addition, this role requires exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, allowing the manager to sensitively navigate conversations on social media, confidently interact with stakeholders, and respectfully coach fellow team members while producing content.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop the organization’s organic social media strategy. Identify trends and innovatively propose strategic and tactical shifts based on the evolving social and industry landscape.
• Create, curate, edit, and share daily social media content in alignment with the larger social media strategy while also identifying and capitalizing on ongoing opportunities to create and share trending, partner, and inbound content.
• Develop monthly social media content calendars that reflect organizational priorities and support department goals.
• Create on-brand digital assets, including videos, graphics, and other materials, that reflect platform best practices and brand standards.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to capture strategic and engaging content in different environments, including at internal and external events.
• Maintain a comprehensive and daily media monitoring program to ensure staff are immediately aware of stories, articles, and trends affecting the organization. Leverage this information to identify and advance social media, media, and content opportunities.
• Maintain a comprehensive and daily social media monitoring program to identify storylines to share both internally and externally to ensure maximum awareness of industry sentiment and relevant developments, as well as detect partnership and collaboration opportunities. Evaluate and seize opportunities to join conversations online to build awareness, humanize the brand, and educate stakeholders.
• Manage the strategy and execution of the organization’s influencer program to ensure that USADA and TrueSport reach new audiences with important messages delivered by influential athletes, caregivers, and coaches.
• Oversee the strategy and execution of USADA’s paid social media strategy to support organizational goals and meet performance metrics.
• Oversee the strategy and execution of USADA’s Google Ad grant to ensure the funds are effectively leveraged to support organizational goals and meet performance metrics.
• Collaborate on website management, search and AEO best practices, and vendor management efforts.
• Collaborate on internal communications and education initiatives.
• Collaborate on in-house and outsourced video and graphic design development, as well as brand and trademark maintenance.
• Support both proactive and reactive media relations efforts as needed.
• Contribute to organizational content development and quality control processes.
• Compile reports and decipher data to help inform social media, digital marketing, engagement, and communication strategies.
• Conduct research and compile memos, briefings, and other materials to support leadership.
• Champion new workflows, tools, and processes to support the continuous improvement of the organization’s content and brand presence.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a self-starter and demonstrate the ability to take initiative yet also work effectively as a member of a team which manages competing priorities with an entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative mindset.
• Must possess knowledge of sport culture, including key stakeholders (athletes, parents, coaches) and trends in the sport ecosystem.
• Must be able to identify content needs and create, curate, and edit content for brand consistency and engagement.
• Must possess knowledge of analytics and evaluation methods to assess performance and inform strategic recommendations.
• Manage, share, and relay relevant information across internal teams.
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to engage with constituents, partners, and athletes.
• Must have strong organizational skills and an ability to effectively manage a variety of projects and schedules.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external partners through clear communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Projects and other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing people, strategy, and execution in communications, social media management, public relations, media relations, or a related field. Informal leadership in these areas can be considered as well.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing social media strategies across multiple platforms and brands.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences.
• Ability to simplify complex information into clear, accurate, and engaging content.
• Experience creating digital assets such as graphics, short-form video, and presentation materials.
• Moderate proficiency in Canva and the Adobe Suite.
• Experience monitoring social media and media coverage and using insights to inform communications strategy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Moderate proficiency in MS Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed, and travel up to 15% of the time.
• Values integrity, justice, and respect, among internal and external constituents.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a regulatory, public policy, nonprofit, sports governance, public health, or mission-driven organization.
• Experience supporting executive leadership with briefing materials, talking points, and public remarks.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive communications.