Job Description
Department:
Center for Small Town Jewish Life
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Communications Manager leads the development and execution of communications strategies for the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College. This position is responsible for creating compelling content, managing digital platforms, and supporting storytelling efforts that elevate the Center’s programs, partnerships, and impact.
Working collaboratively with development, program staff, and Colby College partners, the Communications Manager ensures consistent messaging and brand alignment across all platforms. The role plays a key part in strengthening community engagement, supporting fundraising efforts, and expanding awareness of the Center’s mission through strategic communications and outreach.
The ideal candidate brings strong storytelling skills, digital communications experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Content Development and Storytelling
- Create written, visual, and multimedia content that highlights the experiences of program participants, partners, and staff
- Maintain a centralized story bank and photo library to support communication and fundraising efforts
- Produce marketing materials, including one-pagers, flyers, presentations, and social media graphics
- Support the design and production of the Center’s annual impact report
Digital Communications and Platform Management
- Manage and update the Center’s website and social media channels to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content
- Develop and execute email newsletters and campaigns to support engagement and donor cultivation
- Monitor and analyze digital performance metrics and prepare summary reports
- Ensure brand consistency across all digital and print communications
Communications Coordination and Collaboration
- Partner with the Director of Development to create fundraising materials and donor communications
- Collaborate with program staff to capture and share stories, photos, and program highlights
- Support promotion of Center events through digital campaigns, print materials, and media outreach
- Coordinate with Colby College’s communications and advancement offices to align messaging and leverage institutional resources
External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop communications materials that support board members, donors, and partners to serve as ambassadors of the Center
- Draft press releases, media advisories, and community updates to increase visibility and awareness
- Support outreach efforts that strengthen relationships with external stakeholders and audiences
Institutional Contribution and Professional Engagement
- Participate actively in Center staff meetings and contribute to cross functional collaboration
- Serve as a representative of the Center in communications related initiatives as needed
- Engage in ongoing professional development
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Relevant experience in communications, marketing, nonprofit communications, or a related field
- Experience managing organizational social media accounts, websites, and email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across digital and print formats
- Basic design and layout skills using tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, or similar platforms
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Familiarity with digital analytic tools and performance tracking
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging communications approach
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
- This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
- In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
- This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
- Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
- Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
- Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
- The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
- The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.
