Communications Manager (part-time, $2,000/month, 20 hours per week)

Communications Manager (P/T, $24,000/year, 20 hours per week)

coLAB Arts (www.colab-arts.org), engaging artists, social advocates, and communities to create transformative new work, is seeking out a Communications Manager for a rapidly growing arts organization in New Brunswick, NJ, located in the traditional territory of the Leni-Lenape called “Lenapehoking.” coLAB Arts produces high-quality work across creative disciplines and in response to local social issues, advocacy organizations, and communities of the greater New Brunswick, NJ area.

coLAB Arts’ vision is to create more livable, sustainable, and exciting environments through art. 

Current programming includes:

1. Project commissioning across creative disciplines including dance, public art, theater, and comic books, 
2. arts education programming including 7 weeks of free youth programming this summer, teacher professional development, and in-school residencies focused on racial and social justice curriculum integration,
3. oral history collection, research, and digital archive stewardship, and
4. launching a new studio and public event space in Downtown New Brunswick.

If you’d like to see examples of how coLAB Arts was producing through the pandemic, please check out some of our virtual programming:

Neilson Street Project - Stories from Elijah’s Promise

Alice Jennings Archibald Park virtual mural unveiling

Esperanza Neighborhood virtual mural unveilings

legacyNOW - Fighting for Equality. Baby Boomers to Gen-Z

The Communications Manager will provide oversight for all of coLAB Arts’ communications strategies including social media, press relations, website, newsletters, eblasts, social media, and promotional and special project content.

The Communications Manager is supported by a number of contractors, including graphic designer, Spanish translator, freelance photographers and videographers, and marketing interns, and reports to the producing director. The communications manager is an on-site, in-person position, including required attendance at community meetings and events, with some administrative work that can be accommodated remotely. This job is best suited for someone who is enthusiastic and fearless about connecting with people, and understands how to engage a diverse group of individuals. The successful candidate is driven to support artists and community organizers and help them thrive in creating high-quality work and real community impact.

Note on COVID-19: coLAB Arts operates and programs in accordance with State of New Jersey guidelines.

Position Responsibilities Include:

• Social media management including content creation and advertising buys for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Google, MeetUp, and Patreon
• Press relations, including drafting press releases, cultivating media contacts, calendar placements, and securing op-ed placement opportunities
• Partnership cultivation for project and community-based outreach including organizations, businesses, and influencers
• Special projects, such as promoting the Monthly Artist Grant and developing merchandise
• Coordinate the production of project flyers and posters for print and online distribution with graphic designer
• Monthly newsletter
• Manage website content
• Research and secure conference speaker opportunities for co-producers

Physical Expectations: 

• Personal computer
• Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
• Occasional early morning and/or evening/weekend work hours
• Candidates should be able to lift at least 25 lbs

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• B.A. degree or equivalent, with at least 3-5 years of professional communications experience for arts, nonprofit, boutique, or corporate agencies
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong computer skills
• Strong experience with G-Suite, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Canva, all social media platforms, Patreon, and Squarespace
• Detail-oriented with organization, project management, and time management skills
• Ability to perform a substantial number of tasks independently
• Ability to work cooperatively, foster team spirit, and maintain a positive demeanor
• Experience working with complex organizations
• Ability to solve problems and negotiate solutions with a wide variety of contractors and other project stakeholders
• Ability to manage and supervise people in a clear and professional manner and relay expectations concisely
• Commitment to the vision and values of coLAB Arts

Compensation: $24,000 per year, 20 hours per week

coLAB Arts does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, disability, national origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship or authorized alien status, or veteran status.

Please use the following links for further information about our organization:

Our response to recent xenophobic and anti-Muslim vandalism of one of our murals

coLAB Arts’ Anti-Racism Action Statement

Full Land Acknowledgment, accessibility information, and location directions

Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and three references, and should be submitted via coLAB Arts' website at www.colab-arts.org/were-hiring-1. Applications are now being accepted and the search remains open until the position is filled. coLAB Arts is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. You can visit our website, www.colab-arts.org, and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @colabarts.