Communications Manager

Communications Manager

MISSION STATEMENT: To transform lives through love and service.

SUMMARY: The Communications Manager is the organization's sole communications professional and is responsible for planning, creating, managing, and executing all print and digital communications efforts. This is a hands-on, digital-first role that combines content writing, visual storytelling, photography and video production, fundraising communications, and media relations.

The Communications Manager balances strategy with execution, producing clear, compelling, and mission aligned communications that support fundraising, programs, and organizational goals. Success in this role requires strong judgment in prioritizing digital channels, managing scope, and delivering effective in-housework in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at this time.

Content Writing & Editing

• Write, edit, and publish physical and digital content across key channels, including:
• Newsletters and donor communications
• Website pages, blog posts, event announcements, and updates
• Social media content and campaigns
• Digital impact reports and storytelling pieces
• Internal staff and leadership communications
• Appeals and Acquisitions
• Ensure all messaging is clear, accurate, audience appropriate, and aligned with organizational voice and values

Graphic Design

• Design digital first visual assets using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), including:
• Social media graphics
• Email headers and digital layouts
• Presentations and reports
• Templates, flyers, and basic infographics
• Event Collateral (sponsorship packets, save the date, impact reports)
• Maintain brand consistency, accessibility, and visual standards across materials

Photography, Videography & Video Editing

• Capture and edit photos and videos to support digital storytelling and engagement, including:
• Photography for programs, events, staff, and campaigns
• Short-form and mid-length videos (interviews, grant submissions, highlights, recaps, social clips)
• Capture content from clients and staff as needed
• Edit content using tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva, or similar platforms
• Add captions, on-screen text, and branding to ensure accessibility and consistency
• Organize and maintain the organization's photo and video asset library

Communications Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute communications plans aligned with organizational priorities
• Advise leadership on messaging, channel strategy, and storytelling opportunities
• Maintain a content calendar and prioritize work based on impact, deadlines, and capacity
• Create marketing campaign strategy for agency growth
• Standardized SEO knowledge for Google Ads and Analytics Management

Fundraising & Program Communications

• Create and design donor facing communications supporting:
• Fundraising campaigns and appeals
• Donor stewardship and impact reporting
• Program updates and success stories
• Translate program results into compelling written, visual, and video based stories
• Write, edit, and review grant applications as needed

Media Relations, Measurement, Operations and Vendor Management

• Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries
• Draft press releases and pitch stories
• Track and report on digital performance metrics (email engagement, social reach, website traffic, video performance)
• Manage communications tools, platforms, templates, and vendor relationships
• Manage relationships with external vendors and freelancers supporting communications work, such as graphic designers, videographers, photographers, printers, or web developers
• Scope projects, request quotes, coordinate timelines, review deliverables, and ensure work aligns with brand standards, accessibility requirements, and organizational goals
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, ensuring clear communication, expectations, and follow-through
• Manage vendor invoices and track expenses within the communications budget
• Oversee printing and distribution of physical communications materials as needed

Other Responsibilities :

• Comply with all applicable training requirements
• Comply with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures
• Comply with work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team
• Actively participate in the PQI System
• Performs other duties as necessary to fulfill the mission of St. Vincent de Paul CARES

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 120 hours of PTO accrued biweekly starting at day 1 of employment
• 13 Paid Holidays to include Employee's birthday and Date of Hire
• 403(b) with employer match up to 3%

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

• Able to speak, write and understand English
• Excellent writing and editing skills for digital audiences
• Proven experience producing in-house digital design and photo/video content
• Working knowledge of Canva and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with basic videography and video editing tools
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Ability to balance quality, speed, and scope in a department-of-one environment
• Commitment to the organization's mission, values, and equity principles

Additional Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. )

• Experience supporting digital fundraising or advocacy campaigns
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (captions, alt-text, inclusive visuals)
• Basic photography experience beyond smartphone use
• Prior experience functioning as a solo communications professional
• Experience managing external vendors, freelancers, or contractors, including timelines, deliverables, and budgets

Education And Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Graphic Design, Media Production, or a related field
• 4–6 years of hands-on communications experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission driven organization

General Physical Demands: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be provided, if appropriate, to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions described in the job. Working in an office/site requires prolonged sitting at the computer workstation, standing, bending, reaching, lifting to 20 lbs. and some driving. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office