Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Storytelling and Social Media Engagement

at United Way of Northern New Jersey

🏢 About United Way of Northern New Jersey

United Way of Northern New Jersey is a purpose-driven nonprofit that champions ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households—those working hard but struggling to make ends meet. By turning data into action through its United For ALICE research arm, the organization has sparked a national movement across 41 states, making it a unique place to work where your storytelling directly impacts policy and community change.

About This Role

As the Manager of Storytelling and Social Media Engagement, you'll be the voice behind the ALICE movement, transforming data and lived experiences into compelling narratives across social platforms. Your work will humanize statistics, amplify the voices of ALICE households, and inspire audiences to take action, making this role pivotal in advancing the organization's mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start by reviewing social media analytics and planning content for the week, then interviewing an ALICE household to capture their story. You'd collaborate with the research team to turn new data into a compelling infographic, and end the day by engaging with your online community and brainstorming ideas for an upcoming campaign.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who United Way of Northern New Jersey Is Looking For

  • A creative storyteller with a knack for finding the human angle in data and turning it into shareable content.
  • A social media strategist who knows how to grow and engage audiences across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, using analytics to refine content.
  • A collaborative communicator who can work with researchers, program staff, and community members to gather and craft authentic stories.
  • Passionate about social impact and familiar with issues like financial hardship, poverty, and community development.

📝 Tips for Applying to United Way of Northern New Jersey

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of storytelling projects that have driven engagement or action, especially in a nonprofit or mission-driven context.

2

In your cover letter, mention ALICE by name and show you understand the concept—this proves you've done your homework.

3

Include a portfolio or links to your social media work that demonstrates your ability to craft compelling narratives and grow audiences.

4

Use your application to tell a story about yourself—show, don't just tell, your storytelling skills.

5

Research United Way of Northern New Jersey's recent campaigns and mention one in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for giving a voice to underrepresented communities and using storytelling to drive social change.', "Specific examples of how you've used social media to build a community and engage audiences around a cause.", 'Your ability to translate complex data or research into accessible, emotional stories.', "Why you're drawn to United Way's ALICE movement specifically and how your skills align with their mission."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read the latest ALICE reports and familiarize yourself with the key data points and stories they feature.
  • → Explore United Way of Northern New Jersey's current social media channels to understand their tone, content mix, and engagement patterns.
  • → Look into the history and impact of United For ALICE, including how it has grown to 41 states and what that means for the movement.
  • → Check out any recent news or blog posts about the organization to stay updated on their initiatives and priorities.
Visit United Way of Northern New Jersey's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach telling the story of ALICE through social media? What platforms would you prioritize and why?
2 Can you share a time you turned a dry statistic into a compelling narrative? What was the outcome?
3 How do you measure the success of your social media efforts? What metrics do you focus on?
4 Describe a campaign you've worked on that involved collaborating with multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure everyone's voice was represented?
5 How do you handle sensitive stories, like those of individuals in financial hardship, with empathy and respect?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ALICE or the company's specific work—this shows a lack of genuine interest.
  • Focusing only on your creative skills without demonstrating an understanding of the nonprofit sector or the audience you'd be serving.
  • Neglecting to provide examples of measurable results from your past social media efforts, as the role requires strategic thinking.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to United Way of Northern New Jersey!

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