Manager, Content & Storytelling

Description:

The Manager, Content & Storytelling leads GMHC's content production across channels. This senior, hands-on role owns the editorial calendar and writes and edits high-visibility content, including newsletters, blogs, marketing emails, fundraising appeals, direct response campaigns, press materials, and website copy.

This role also leads content for the website redesign, working closely with Digital & Social, Creative Strategy, and Development teams. A key responsibility is bringing fundraising and direct response writing in-house, partnering with Development on donor communications, appeals, and campaign narratives.

This is a hands-on writing role. It requires strong judgment, comfort with approvals, and the ability to bring ideas forward and execute quickly.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Content Writing and Production

• Write and edit content on a monthly and weekly cadence, including:

? Organization newsletter

? Website blogs and feature stories

? Marketing emails and campaign copy

? Direct response fundraising appeals

? Donor communications and stewardship content

? Program impact content

? Event recaps and promotions

? Leadership communications (remarks, bylines, LinkedIn drafts)

• Draft op-eds or thought leadership pieces when appropriate.
• Turn complex program updates into clear, people-centered stories.
• Ensure content is accurate, sensitive, and aligned with GMHC values.

Press Materials and Media Support

• Write press releases for organizational announcements, events, and campaigns.
• Draft media pitches and talking points as needed.
• Support VP Communications with media materials and rapid-response content.

Direct Response and Fundraising Content

• Write direct response fundraising copy for mail and digital campaigns.
• Partner with Development on appeal strategy, messaging, and donor segmentation.
• Draft development emails including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship sequences.
• Write campaign narratives for major fundraising initiatives including AIDS Walk New York.

Editorial Leadership and Calendar Management

• Own and maintain editorial calendar across web, email, newsletter, and major campaigns.
• Coordinate inputs from across the organization to keep content moving.
• Edit and strengthen draft content from other writers to ensure one consistent voice.
• Build light templates and tools to make content intake easier for staff.

Website Redesign Content Ownership

• Lead the content side of the website redesign.
• Conduct a content audit to identify what to keep, cut, or rewrite.
• Draft and revise copy for core pages (About, Programs, Services, Get Involved, Events, Donate, FAQs, etc.).
• Create clear copy decks for review and approvals.
• Partner with Digital & Social on SEO basics and page structure.
• Support content migration and QA before launch.

Collaboration and Integration

• Work with Digital & Social to package long-form content into social and email formats.
• Partner with Creative Strategy to align copy with visuals and brand voice.
• Collaborate with Development on appeals, donor updates, and campaign narratives.
• Coordinate with Programs and other relevant departments to surface stories and ensure accuracy.

Approvals and Quality Control

• Manage review and approval workflows.
• Apply stigma-free, people-first, and inclusive language in all content.
• Maintain accessibility and clarity standards across formats.

Supervision and Project Management

• Supervise interns or contractors as needed, with clear feedback and support.
• Manage multiple projects at once and meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Communicate timeline risks early.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Bring forward story ideas and content opportunities proactively.
• Stay current on content trends and nonprofit best practices.
• Recommend simple improvements to strengthen reach and clarity.

Requirements:

SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• 6-8 years of professional writing and editing experience, ideally in nonprofit, public health, or social justice settings.
• Strong portfolio showing range across web, email, newsletter, and fundraising content.
• Demonstrated experience writing direct response fundraising copy.
• Proven ability to own deadlines and produce high-quality work with minimal oversight.
• Experience leading content for a website redesign or major web refresh.
• Excellent editorial judgment and comfort giving and receiving feedback.
• Ability to interview staff, clients, and partners and turn conversations into stories.
• Clear, direct writing style that avoids jargon and centers the reader.
• Commitment to inclusive, stigma-free, and people-first communication.
• Deep awareness of and alignment with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Content management systems (WordPress or similar).
• Email platforms (Constant Contact, Bonterra suite, or similar).
• Basic SEO and web writing best practices.
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace.
• Project management tools (Asana or equivalent).
• Familiarity with Canva or Adobe tools is a plus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & SCHEDULE

This is a hybrid position requiring a mix of:

• Hybrid role with regular on-site presence for meetings and key events.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours during campaigns or events.
• Participation in AIDS Walk NY is mandatory for all staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:

• Prolonged sitting and use of computer equipment.
• Regular communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ability to attend events and gather content on-site as needed.

Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially and gender-diverse environment and to contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that we serve.

GMHC is committed to fostering an inclusive, racially, and gender-diverse workplace and seeks candidates dedicated to promoting equity and social justice within our community.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 (DOE)