SALARY RANGE:
$65,000 – $75,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
LOCATION:
90% Remote; 10% in Office with travel, preferably within 1 hour of Knoxville, TN. Eligible candidates may reside in TN, MI, OH, IN, FL, WV, NC, TX, PA
DESCRIPTION:
IACMI is seeking a highly strategic and skilled Strategic Narrative Lead to define, develop, and scale the overarching narrative for national workforce initiatives, including METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning), ACE (America’s Cutting Edge), and other IACMI-led programs. This role will shape how IACMI communicates the importance of workforce development and advanced manufacturing to diverse audiences, including government leaders, industry partners, educators, and the public.
The Strategic Narrative Lead will translate complex technical programs and policy priorities into clear, compelling, and emotionally resonant messaging that drives understanding, alignment, and action. This role reports to the IACMI Senior Communications Manager.
Success in this role requires exceptional writing ability, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to connect workforce initiatives to broader national priorities such as economic competitiveness and national security.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and maintain a cohesive narrative framework that aligns IACMI’s workforce programs under a unified national story
- Be proactive in finding and writing stories through attending national conferences and connecting with IACMI members and stakeholders
- Write and edit core communications materials, including speeches, talking points, website copy, campaign messaging, and long-form content (case studies, white papers)
- Support executive communications, including messaging for leadership, presentations, and external engagements
- Ensure consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all communications channels and programs
- Collaborate with marketing, content, design, and program teams to align messaging with campaigns and content execution
- Identify opportunities to elevate program stories, case studies, and milestones into broader narrative-driven communications
- Support media relations efforts by developing messaging frameworks, quotes, and positioning
- Contribute to thought leadership content that positions IACMI as a national leader in workforce development and advanced manufacturing
- Continuously refine messaging based on audience insights, feedback, and evolving strategic priorities
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field OR 5–7 years of professional experience in strategic communications, messaging, or content leadership roles
- Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and formats
- Strong experience developing messaging frameworks, narratives, or brand positioning
- Ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, engaging, and persuasive content
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to connect communications to organizational goals
- Ability to collaborate across teams
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Enthusiasm for IACMI’s mission and interest in manufacturing, workforce development, and national security
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in manufacturing, workforce development, public policy, or defense-related communications
- Familiarity with StoryBrand or similar narrative frameworks
- Experience working in multi-stakeholder or grant-funded environments
BENEFITS:
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaborative and supportive work environment fostering growth and innovation