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.
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)