Executive Thought Leadership & Content Manager

Organization

The Partnership for Public Service is a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to build a better government and a stronger democracy. 

Building on over 25 years of experience, we inform and engage the public about why we need effective government, develop and champion bold reform to make our government work better, and support, develop and train federal, state and local government leaders as they work to meet the unique responsibilities of public service. 

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. 

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: 

• Passion for public service and our work toward a better government 

• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect 

• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results 

• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible 

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process. 

Position Overview

The Partnership for Public Service is seeking an exceptional writer, editor and content strategist to serve as Executive Thought Leadership & Content Manager. This role will help shape and amplify the voice of the Partnership’s President and CEO, translating ideas, priorities and conversations into compelling thought leadership that advances the organization’s mission to build a better government and a stronger democracy.

This position will own and grow the CEO’s editorial platforms, including launching a new Substack and growing an established LinkedIn page. This position will also develop content that reflects the CEO’s voice, perspective and leadership. The manager will interview the CEO and other leaders, turn conversations into articles, notes, social posts and scripts, and use audience insights and performance analytics to strengthen reach and engagement over time.

Working closely with the Communications and Public Engagement team and colleagues across the organization, this person will also contribute to Partnership editorial priorities, including content for the organization’s reform agenda, executive-level pieces, short reports, scripts and other written materials that strengthen the organization’s voice and editorial quality.

Essential Functions/Primary Responsibilities

CEO Thought Leadership

• Launch the CEO’s Substack and establish the editorial strategy, cadence and production process needed to sustain it as a core thought leadership platform.
• Own the CEO’s Substack strategy and editorial execution, including writing at least one substantial article each week and developing regular notes that reflect the CEO’s voice, priorities and perspective.
• Write and manage CEO LinkedIn content, including posts, engagement opportunities and timely commentary aligned with organizational priorities.
• Interview the CEO and other internal leaders and translate conversations into clear, compelling thought leadership content.
• Maintain a CEO editorial calendar that establishes clear topics, deadlines, formats and distribution plans.
• Engage with relevant Substack, LinkedIn and other thought leadership conversations to identify timely opportunities and strengthen the CEO’s presence.
• Develop and implement subscriber and audience growth strategies, using data and engagement metrics to inform content decisions and improve performance.

Partnership Editorial Strategy and Content Development

• Develop and repurpose content across channels, adapting long-form ideas into articles, newsletters, social posts, talking points, scripts and other formats.
• Help strengthen the Partnership’s organizational voice, editorial quality and consistency across public-facing content.
• Collaborate with communications, policy, research, digital, marketing, design and events colleagues to ensure content is accurate, engaging and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Edit short reports and other written materials for clarity, structure, tone, accuracy and audience relevance.

Planning, Analytics and Continuous Improvement

• Use audience data, content performance metrics and engagement trends to evaluate what is working and recommend adjustments to strengthen future content.
• Build efficient editorial workflows that support high-quality content development, review and publication.
• Track deadlines, approvals and distribution plans to ensure timely execution across platforms.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Key Competencies

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, including demonstrated ability to write in an executive’s voice.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible and compelling content.
• Experience developing thought leadership, newsletters, articles, social content and other public-facing materials.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to use analytics, audience insights and performance data to shape editorial strategy and improve engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working across teams and with senior leaders.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, tone and consistency.
• Flexibility, sound judgment, a can-do attitude and willingness to pitch in.
• Commitment to the values of public service and the mission of the Partnership for Public Service.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, public policy, political science or related field, or equivalent professional work and/or military experience.
• Five to seven years of experience in journalism, editorial, executive communications, political or public policy communications, high-level content strategy or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing executive-level content, including the ability to capture and sustain a distinct voice.
• Experience running a leadership, executive or organizational Substack or similar editorial platform required.
• Experience ghostwriting LinkedIn or other social media content for executives or senior leaders strongly preferred.
• Experience developing audience growth strategies and using engagement analytics to guide content decisions preferred.
• Experience working collaboratively with senior leaders, communications professionals, policy experts, creative teams and editors.
• Familiarity with AP style preferred.

Reporting and Supervision

This position reports to the Director of Media Relations and External Communications. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities of full-time staff.

Work Environment

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must reside in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.     

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is an at-will, one-year term position. This position is full-time and classified as exempt from overtime pay. Official business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, though the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules. Occasional evenings or weekend activities may be required.   

Travel

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Very little out of the area and/or overnight travel will be required.   

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000 - $95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility. 

EEO Statement

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state, and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.