Director OF Communications

Shape the voice of a dynamic arts organization, connecting young people and families with transformative creative experiences while expanding its visibility, reach, and community impact.The following information provides an overview of the skills, qualities, and qualifications needed for this role.The Institute is seeking a Director of Communications and Marketing to develop and lead integrated strategies that drive program enrollment, deepen family engagement, strengthen donor and stakeholder relationships, and bring the organization's mission to life through compelling storytelling.The ideal candidate brings at least ten years of professional experience—including five or more years in marketing or communications—and a strong command of digital campaigns, content creation, photography and video, public relations, and cross-functional leadership. A passion for the arts, youth development, and equity-centered work is essential.This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable shaping strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute it. The Director is a creative implementor with high standards for design and storytelling, and the drive to build something meaningful.Key responsibilitiesThe Director of Marketing and Communications develops, implements, and tracks the Institute's short- and long-term communications and marketing strategies. The role leads program enrollment, increases the Institute's visibility, supports donor and sponsorship development, and communicates directly with Institute families.The Director oversees the Institute's external communications, public relations, and marketing functions, including:Enrollment Marketing and Family EngagementDevelop and implement enrollment campaigns for the Institute's Afterschool, Summer, and Community Arts Institute programs.Promote programs through digital marketing, paid digital advertising, email marketing, social media, and other appropriate channels.Use direct marketing and relationship-based outreach—including phone calls, emails, and follow-up communications—to build relationships with prospective and current families and support enrollment and retention.Serve as a point of contact for families, responding to questions and communicating important program information throughout the enrollment process.Work closely with program staff to ensure that families receive timely, accurate, accessible, and consistent information.Digital Marketing and CommunicationsMaintain the Institute's digital marketing platforms and collateral, including its website, program webpages, e-newsletters, email campaigns, and social media accounts.Keep website content current and publish monthly blog posts.Write, design, and distribute the Institute's monthly e-newsletter and other email communications.Manage the Institute's social media presence, including content planning, production, and scheduling.Create and maintain print and digital marketing materials using Canva or comparable graphic design software.Track campaign performance, enrollment inquiries, audience engagement, and other relevant analytics, using findings to improve future marketing efforts.Content Creation and StorytellingDocument the Institute's programs, events, students, staff, and community through high-quality photography and video.Photograph and record routine Institute activities and coordinate with professional contractors when projects require advanced production support.Interview students, Youth Leaders, families, staff, donors, and community partners to develop written, photographic, and video testimonials.Organize, maintain, and regularly update the Institute's digital media library.Development and Stakeholder CommunicationsPartner with the Director of Development and Board of Directors to support the Imagine 2026 Capital Campaign.Support donor solicitation and stewardship through email campaigns, stories, presentations, and other communications, including the development of the Annual Impact Report.Support special events and fundraisers through marketing plans, promotional campaigns, event communications, and audience outreach.Build and maintain relationships between the Institute and identified community leaders, organizations, schools, funders, and other strategic stakeholders.Leadership and CollaborationCollaborate with program, development, and administrative staff to maintain consistent messaging and coordinate organization-wide communications.Supervise and mentor staff, interns, or young adults supporting the Institute's communications work and help them explore career pathways in marketing and communications.Job QualificationsThe successful applicant must have at least ten (10) years of professional experience, including at least five (5) years of direct experience in communications or marketing, preferably within nonprofit organizations.The applicant must also have demonstrated experience supervising staff or contractors, managing projects, and coordinating work across multiple departments or stakeholders.Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.Experience with digital marketing, paid advertising, email marketing, websites, social media, and campaign analytics.Intermediate photography and videography skills, including interviewing community members and producing testimonials.Graphic design experience, preferably using Canva.Comfort communicating directly with families and stakeholders by phone and email.Professional working fluency in Spanish, preferred.A passion for the arts and youth development and a commitment to working within an equity framework.CompensationThe anticipated annual salary range for this position is $70,000–$80,000. The range provided will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits include medical and dental coverage, employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance, two weeks of paid vacation, a paid holiday closure, and a semi-hybrid work schedule. The Institute is located in Elizabeth, New Jersey.How to ApplyInterested candidates may apply through LinkedIn using theEasy Applyoption (preferred) or email their application materials to with "Director of Marketing and Communications" in the subject line. Please include:Cover letterResumePortfolio (writing samples, video and graphic design)(Please submit your application through only one of the methods above.)If this opportunity resonates with you and you're excited to use your creativity and communications expertise to advance arts access and youth development, we'd love to hear from you!About the Institute of Music for ChildrenThe Institute is a community-centered arts organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality creative learning experiences for young people and families. xhyhwjd Through its Afterschool, Summer, and Community Arts Institute programs, it nurtures artistic expression, supports youth development, and builds meaningful connections across the community—all through a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts. INSTITUTE OF MUSIC FOR CHILDREN INC