Communications Manager

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Manager is an integral member of communications efforts at WMCAT, leveraging WMCAT’s digital channels, communications assets, key messaging, and student stories to highlight and elevate WMCAT’s mission-based programming and community-facing work. Through project management and content creation, the Communications Manager advances and implements WMCAT’s annual communications plan while working across teams in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is adept at managing projects and campaigns from start to finish, eager to engage internal and external stakeholders through meaningful communications, and committed to our organizational voice and asset-framing language.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.
• Record of impactful written and digital communications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to connect with a diverse group of people.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and desire to maximize efficiency in the role.
• High proficiency in computer skills, and experience with Microsoft Office 365, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software.
• Experience in creating and implementing brand-aligned messaging for different audiences and channels.
• Proficiency with various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Cultural competency and emotional intelligence to work with individuals from varied backgrounds and foster open communication among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative while regularly collaborating with and across teams.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move from 15-45 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Consistent personal transportation will be necessary.
• The candidate should be comfortable working in-person as responsibilities necessitate, with flexibility for remote work at other times.

Nice To Haves

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel, and is frequently required to talk or hear.
• The employee regularly is required to sit, walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, climb or crouch.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to WMCAT’s brand standards and organizational voice, with a commitment to asset-framing language and student-centered storytelling; support internal and external stakeholders in brand and messaging application.
• Maintain the integrity of WMCAT’s brand and ensure cross-organization alignment with brand standards on all collateral and external presentations of note, including but not limited to: board meetings, community partner presentations, and WMCAT events.
• Manage and contribute to WMCAT’s annual communications plan through efforts including but not limited to: print collateral, e-newsletters, website, social media, awards nominations, supporting and preparing colleagues for external engagements, and fund development communications.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development + Communications to implement updated messaging or communications strategies.
• Coordinate content for WMCAT’s print newsletter, sent 2-3 times each year, working in collaboration with a writing consultant and graphic designer.
• Develop and implement engaging social media campaigns for a variety of WMCAT programs and events to advance and grow engagement around programming, events, fundraising, and messaging goals.
• Manage WMCAT’s website, ensuring accurate, timely, and data-driven engagement with a focus on audience growth.
• Draft and disseminate press releases.
• Coordinate with the Senior Director of Development + Communications for photography and videography (stock, project, social media, program, event coverage, etc.) and make plans for capturing with internal colleagues.
• Organize WMCAT's print and digital assets (i.e. newsletters, photography, video) and connect colleagues to needed resources.
• Manage in-house design needs; by creating presentations, flyers and postcards, event collateral, graphics, etc., and supporting colleagues with brand application and logo use.
• Coordinate when there is a need for external vendors to support busier seasons or specialized work.
• Manage the communications budget responsibly and in alignment with WMCAT’s strategic goals.
• Track monthly reach and engagement data for reporting to leadership.
• Actively contribute to organizational planning and goal setting.
• Align with organizational policies and ethical business practice standards.
• Be part of an environment that fosters open communication within and across the organization.
• Maintain a commitment to the mission and vision of WMCAT.
• Demonstrate a willingness and desire to grow professionally, learn new skills, and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity.
• Represent WMCAT at occasional designated events throughout the year, which may occur outside of standard scheduled hours.
• Align with WMCAT’s values.

Benefits

• 15 days of PTO
• 15 paid holidays
• Birthday day off
• Half-day Fridays during the summer
• Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3%
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision), premium 65% (average) paid by employer
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)
• Paid Family Leave
• Professional development and opportunities for personal growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager