Strategic Communications Manager

Crosscut Strategies; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and sick leave

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Crosscut Strategies in Washington, DC seeks a Strategic Communications Manager to oversee client projects, manage accounts, and help execute our communications strategies—including writing, media relations, and social media.

You will work closely with senior colleagues, edit junior staff work, and ensure deadlines are met while delivering clear, persuasive messaging for high-growth tech and health care clients.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic communications or related field.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; able to write quickly.
• Proven experience with reporters; strong media pitching.
• Experience managing complex assignments and junior staff.
• Knowledge of federal/state policymaking processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee client projects and account management.
• Draft and edit client materials; lead on writing and messaging.
• Lead media relations, press outreach, and social media strategies.
• Coordinate team workflow and ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Writing & editing

Media relations

Project management

Client relationships

Team leadership

Agentic AI

Tools

Agentic AI

Graphic design

Video creation

Social media tools

Job description

Crosscut Strategies — a Washington DC-based strategic communications firm working primarily with high-growth start-ups in tech, health care, and other sectors — is seeking a Strategic Communications Manager to join our team. The Strategic Communications Manager will be responsible for overseeing client projects and initiatives, playing a critical role in managing our accounts, working directly with clients, and helping to execute on our communications strategies – including writing, media relations, and social media.

About the Role

A Strategic Communications Manager is the deputy on Crosscut account teams. You will work closely with a senior team member as a thought partner and implementer. You need to be inquisitive, motivated, creative and nimble, and be able to write well under tight deadlines. You must be equally comfortable offering strategic counsel to senior client decision makers as you are rolling up your sleeves to get a job done. A key part of this role is to manage the entire team’s workflow – from making assignments to making sure deadlines are met – and editing junior team members’ work. Being organized and having an attention to detail is a must.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant experience in strategic communications at a firm or in‑house.

Skills and Qualifications

At least 5 years of experience in relevant communications and management roles in strategic communications or a related field.

Excellent writing and editing skills. Being able to write fast and well is critical.

Proven experience pitching and developing relationships with reporters, including on‑record experience. Also, you need to be able to identify media opportunities for clients.

Able to efficiently research issues, policy developments, and media coverage of targeted topics, and distill this research into clear, concise memos and reports for clients.

Experience managing complex assignments and working with clients or other top‑level stakeholders.

Experience managing junior staff, and leading them and colleagues toward a goal.

Knowledge of and experience with federal and/or state policymaking processes.

Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.

Advanced proficiency with all standard business software.

Experience with digital media including graphic design, video creation, social media content and strategy, digital marketing, online campaigning, or a related field preferred.

Experience with Agentic AI is preferred.

Strong familiarity with and/or interest in health care and technology preferred.

Crosscut operates as a hybrid workplace with an office in the heart of the Dupont/Farragut North area that has easy access to Metro, buses, and bikeshare. While employees are not required to come into the office every day, we are together on set days, and must live within the DC‑metro area to be available for meetings, collaborations, and team‑building occasions that occur in‑person on other days.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base salary range for the manager position is $80,000 to $100,000 with a comprehensive benefits package, great team, and a working environment committed to fostering staff growth and leadership. Employee benefits include an employer‑matched 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, paid time off and sick leave, and paid parental leave.

Crosscut Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.