Communications Manager

Position Title Communications Manager Position Level Manager Reports to Sr. Director of Development + Communications Status Salary, Full‑Time Hiring Range $44,000-$47,000 Prepared Date June 2026 About WMCAT The West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT) provides a culture of opportunity for people to make social and economic progress in their lives and community. We fulfill our mission through visual arts and tech engagement and workforce development. Position Description The Communications Manager is an integral member of communications efforts at WMCAT, leveraging WMCAT's digital channels, communications assets, key messaging, and student stories to highlight and elevate WMCAT's mission‑based programming and community‑facing work. Through project management and content creation, the Communications Manager advances and implements WMCAT's annual communications plan while working across teams in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is adept at managing projects and campaigns from start to finish, eager to engage internal and external stakeholders through meaningful communications, and committed to our organizational voice and asset‑framing language. Essential Duties + Responsibilities Strategic Communications + Branding Adhere to WMCAT's brand standards and organizational voice, with a commitment to asset‑framing language and student‑centered storytelling; support internal and external stakeholders in brand and messaging application. Maintain the integrity of WMCAT's brand and ensure cross‑organization alignment with brand standards on all collateral and external presentations of note, including board meetings, community partner presentations, and WMCAT events. Manage and contribute to WMCAT's annual communications plan through efforts including print collateral, e‑newsletters, website, social media, awards nominations, supporting and preparing colleagues for external engagements, and fund development communications. Collaborate with the Senior Director of Development + Communications to implement updated messaging or communications strategies. Content Creation Coordinate content for WMCAT's print newsletter, sent 2‑3 times each year, working in collaboration with a writing consultant and graphic designer. Develop and implement engaging social media campaigns for a variety of WMCAT programs and events to advance and grow engagement around programming, events, fundraising, and messaging goals. Manage WMCAT's website, ensuring accurate, timely, and data‑driven engagement with a focus on audience growth. Draft and disseminate press releases. Asset Management Coordinate with the Senior Director of Development + Communications for photography and videography (stock, project, social media, program, event coverage, etc.) and make plans for capturing with internal colleagues. Organize WMCAT's print and digital assets (i.e., newsletters, photography, video) and connect colleagues to needed resources. Manage in‑house design needs; by creating presentations, flyers and postcards, event collateral, graphics, etc., and supporting colleagues with brand application and logo use. Coordinate when there is a need for external vendors to support busier seasons or specialized work. Communications Oversight Manage the communications budget responsibly and in alignment with WMCAT's strategic goals. Track monthly reach and engagement data for reporting to leadership. Actively contribute to organizational planning and goal setting. Align with organizational policies and ethical business practice standards. Be part of an environment that fosters open communication within and across the organization. WMCAT Mission + Organizational Expectations Maintain a commitment to the mission and vision of WMCAT. Demonstrate a willingness and desire to grow professionally, learn new skills, and contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity. Represent WMCAT at occasional designated events throughout the year, which may occur outside of standard scheduled hours. Desire to align with WMCAT's values (listed below). Requirements Preferred Experiences + Skills Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field. Two or more years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing. Record of impactful written and digital communications. Strong written and verbal communication skills to connect with a diverse group of people. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and desire to maximize efficiency in the role. High proficiency in computer skills, and experience with Microsoft Office 365, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software. Experience in creating and implementing brand‑aligned messaging for different audiences and channels. Proficiency with various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Cultural competency and emotional intelligence to work with individuals from varied backgrounds and foster open communication among diverse stakeholders. Ability to work independently and with initiative while regularly collaborating with and across teams. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel, and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to sit, walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, climb or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move from 15–45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Additional Details Recognizing that there is leadership in every community, WMCAT is seeking candidates with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We are dedicated to hiring employees that reflect the communities we serve across race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and socioeconomic status. No person shall be excluded from WMCAT services, employment or volunteer participation because of ethnicity, race, national origin, age, height, weight, genetic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, economic circumstance, veteran status, physical and/or mental abilities/characteristics, philosophy/religion, or any other status that is protected by State of Michigan or federal law or by local ordinance for those jurisdictions where WMCAT operates. Values Design for Equity: Creating a world that works for all of us. Rooted in an understanding that systemic oppression is perpetuated by design, we center marginalized voices, consciously co‑create solutions, and challenge unjust systems to provide equitable access to opportunity. Pursue Learning: Engaging the experiences and expertise around us. Acknowledging that we never "arrive" in our understanding, we engage each other, ourselves, and our community with curiosity and appreciation for diverse lived experiences, seeking out new ideas, more robust context, and opportunities for growth. Build Community: Curating belonging for collective good. Grounded in the belief that our humanity, prosperity and futures are interconnected, we intentionally create space for belonging, build authentic relationships, seek partnership in our collective work, and respect our shared context. Center People: Leading with empathy. Guided by the mindsets of equitable human‑centered design, we seek the perspectives of and create solutions with those most affected, embracing the inherent value of each individual and prioritizing whole‑person thriving. Transportation Consistent personal transportation will be necessary. In‑person, full‑time at WMCAT This position is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The candidate should be comfortable working in‑person as responsibilities necessitate, with flexibility for remote work at other times. WMCAT's regular office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. COVID‑19 Vaccination Policy All WMCAT employees are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID‑19. Benefits Pay Compensation within the listed hiring range is based on experience and nonprofit industry standards. Competitive Benefits Package 15 days of PTO 15 paid holidays Birthday day off Half‑day Fridays during the summer Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3% Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision), premium 65% (average) paid by employer Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D) Paid Family Leave Professional development and opportunities for personal growth Resume and cover letter are required for application. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning July 13, 2026 until candidates are identified. Interviews will begin July 16, 2026. Candidates invited to interview for the position will be asked to provide work samples. #J-18808-Ljbffr