Communications Manager

Job Overview The Communications Manager is responsible for managing and executing every part of Now + There’s digital and print marketing from conceptualization to implementation and, as necessary, oversees contract labor to make sure N+T’s brand is consistent in voice and look across all media and platforms. The Communications Manager develops and executes an annual communications plan with the goal of stimulating a deeper understanding and appreciation of N+T Signature Projects, Accelerator Projects, and supplemental programming by amplifying artists’ voices, demystifying contemporary art practices, and engaging audiences in conversations about the role of public art in sparking a more vibrant and equitable future. Ultimately, as part of a collective organizational effort, the Communications Manager ensures N+T is always inclusive, responsive, and proactive in the messaging of public art commissions to co-create diverse audiences and build toward more openness in Boston.

The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Curatorial Department (Curator and Community Partnership Manager). They do not have supervisory responsibilities to begin.

Hours and Location This is a part-time, 30-hour/week position with paid time off. There is an opportunity to transition to full-time after 6 months. (Currently, team members may work remotely and we anticipate a staggered return to the office in the summer.)

Job Mission Embody the personality of the organization — bold, open, and sharp — while bringing their unique sensibilities to all aspects of the position to develop and implement messaging strategies that effectively broadcast the work of Now + There in a consistent and approachable public voice across all media and platforms. inviting all Bostonians, regardless of race, economic status, or understanding of public art to embrace contemporary, temporary public art facilitating N+T’s vision to create an open public art city.

Key Behaviors The Communications Manager practices above all else sharp, consistent, honest, empathetic, and open communication. They are collaborative and flexible in developing project messaging and enjoy helping contemporary artists translate their work for a wider public audience. They likewise assist N+T board and staff in communicating our goals to multiple audiences, including the general public, program partners, and funders. They are organized, a self-starter, and not afraid to steer themselves and others around them to accomplish challenging goals under tight deadlines. They are sociable and enjoy conversing with others, learning new points of view, and amplifying voices or practices that may not yet be mainstream. They are up for any challenge, brave of heart and mind, and committed to upholding N+T’s equity and justice values at every turn.

Primary Responsibilities

• Co-create with the Executive Director an annual Communications Department plan in alignment with N+T’s Strategic Plan and initiatives, and with all staff:
• Hone and oversee the standardization and use of N+T’s brand and voice across all platforms with the unifying message of openness
• Make sure voice is inclusive, responsive, and proactive in supporting racially and culturally diverse points of view
• Set and track reasonable quarterly KPIs for reach and engagement
• Dimensionalize Signature Projects with digital engagement and assist with in-person events to make projects more publicly accessible and further the agendas artists and community are exploring in their artworks
• Review all outward-facing messaging created by N+T employees and develop goals for implementation. Messaging includes but is not limited to Signature Project public artworks, fundraising campaigns, and press.
• Working with the Executive Director, develop the value proposition for two annual fundraising campaigns and translate them for both print and digital platforms
• Working with the Curator, help refine annual curatorial theme, develop messaging tables for each of N+T’s 4-6 annual Signature public art projects, and translate to print and digital platforms
• Participate in preliminary conversations with artists to help refine the message, agenda, or goal of the work
• Working with the Executive Director and a contract PR company, maintain N+T voice in press releases and media pitches
• Manage and execute all digital media communications, including but not limited to:
• Content and deadlines for Signature Project communications and supplemental programming
• Digital Engagement campaigns for each project
• Regular social media
• Full website management, including new page creation, events and blog postings, corrections, updates, and functionality monitoring
• Monthly e-News production
• N+T Journal production
• Map platform
• SMS text message platform
• Manage all print media communications using existing templates and/or new designs for but not limited to:
• Project signage
• Event signage and flyers
• Fundraising campaigns and donor communications
• Support Development Communications. Working closely with the Executive Director:
• Assist in developing the value proposition for two annual fundraising campaigns and translate them for both print and digital platform
• Serve as copy editor for all fundraising campaign emails and letters
• Draft and update copy used on digital donation pages
• As needed, hire and manage contract designers
• Work with video contractor to manage the production of one promotional and one archival video for every N+T Signature Project plus annual campaign videos
• Contribute 4 hours of mentoring and/or messaging table review for four annual Accelerator artists

Qualifications

7+ years progressive experience in communications and marketing roles OR Bachelor's Degree and 4+ years professional experience in a communications or marketing role.

• A keen understanding of brand management best practices
• Demonstrated management capability with vendors, contractors, and interns
• Expert knowledge of Hootsuite, Facebook Business pages, Twitter, Instagram for Business, and Mailchimp with hands-on experience in day-to-day social media and email marketing management
• Strong understanding of digital analytics and KPI tracking and reporting
• Experience collaborating with a fundraising/development team
• A robust portfolio of social media, email, and other marketing and fundraising content pieces
• Working knowledge of Squarespace website platform and the Canva graphic design tool
• Hands-on experience with project management software (e.g., Wrike, Asana)
• Experience in arts and culture organizations and/or the non-profit sector strongly preferred.
• Facility with Adobe Creative Suite a plus.

Compensation Compensation is commensurate with experience ($40,000) and will be discussed with applicants who are invited to interview. Now + There is committed to offering health care for all employees by mid-2021 but at this time, benefits are not available.

Now + There is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Now + There is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on the needs of the organization, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal or local law. Now + There will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We encourage applicants of all ages.