Communications & Marketing Mgr

University of South Florida•Tampa, FL

12d

About The Position

The Communications and Marketing Manager for the Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is responsible for leading comprehensive strategic communications and marketing initiatives that advance FCAN’s mission to dramatically increase college and career readiness, access, and completion for all Florida students. This position plays a critical role in supporting FCAN’s collective impact approach through strategic storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and coordinated communications that build public will and drive systemic change toward the goal of 60% of working-age Floridians holding a high-quality postsecondary degree or credential by 2030. This position typically reports to the FCAN Executive Director or designated senior administrator. As FCAN operates as an independent collective impact collaborative hosted by the University of South Florida, this role requires expertise in both traditional communications and collective impact methodology. The Communications and Marketing Manager serves as the primary communications strategist for a statewide network of diverse stakeholders including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, nonprofits, businesses, and government entities. The position requires a sophisticated understanding of systems change communication, including the ability to translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives, coordinate messaging across multiple organizations, and measure communications impact on both awareness and behavioral outcomes. This role differs from traditional university communications positions in its focus on facilitating network-wide communications, building public will for education access and success, and supporting collective action among diverse partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, digital media, or related field, with 4 years of experience in strategic communications, preferably in education, nonprofit, or public sector environments; OR master’s degree in related field and 2 years of relevant experience.
Valid Florida driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Florida.
Advanced proficiency in content management systems (WordPress)
Email marketing platforms (MailChimp)
Social media management tools and analytics platforms
Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
Basic graphic design capabilities (Adobe Creative Suite preferred)
HTML/CSS knowledge preferred
Database management and CRM systems
Web analytics tools (Google Analytics, etc.)
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities with demonstrated experience creating content for diverse audiences
Collaborative leadership style with experience facilitating multi-stakeholder initiatives
Project management skills with ability to coordinate multiple campaigns simultaneously
Strong understanding of systems change communications
Experience with media relations, crisis communications, and public affairs
Creative problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking
Self-directed with strong initiative and ability to work independently
Knowledge of Florida’s education landscape, including K-12, workforce, and higher education systems
Understanding of collaboration frameworks and approaches
Experience in education sector communications, policy advocacy, or nonprofit management
Knowledge of grant compliance and reporting requirements
Understanding of college access and completion initiatives

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive annual communications plans that align with FCAN’s strategic priorities and collective impact framework
Content Creation and Storytelling: Create compelling content across multiple platforms including websites, newsletters, social media, blogs, annual reports, and multimedia materials that elevate partner stories and demonstrate collective impact
Media Relations and Public Affairs: Serve as primary media contact, develop relationships with education reporters, and coordinate media strategies that advance policy and systems change goals
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate communications with and among diverse network partners including school counselors, college access professionals, higher education leaders, policymakers, and community organizations
Digital Strategy Management : Oversee FCAN’s digital presence including website management, social media strategy across multiple platforms, email marketing campaigns, and online community building
Event Communications: Lead communications strategy for major events including the annual FCAN Talent Strong Florida Summit, statewide campaigns, and partner convenings
Campaign Development: Design and implement statewide awareness campaigns such as the Florida FAFSA Challenge, College Application Week, and other initiatives that drive student action
Partnership Communications : Coordinate messaging and communications support for Local College Access Networks (LCANs) and other partner organizations
Research and Analysis: Track, measure, and report on communications effectiveness through analytics, surveys, and impact assessment aligned with collective impact measurement practices
Resource Development : Create communications tools, templates, and resources that can be utilized by network partners to amplify shared messaging
Grant Compliance: Ensure communications activities meet funder requirements and support grant reporting with relevant metrics and outcomes data
Performs other duties as assigned to advance FCAN's mission