Communications Manager

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications + Branding
  • Adhere to WMCAT's brand standards and organizational voice, with a commitment to asset-framing language and student-centered storytelling;
  • Maintain the integrity of WMCAT's brand and ensure cross-organization alignment with brand standards on all collateral and external presentations of note, including but not limited to: board meetings, community partner presentations, and WMCAT events;
  • Manage and contribute to WMCAT's annual communications plan through efforts including but not limited to: 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
  • Cook 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;
  • Cook with 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.
• Communications Oversight
  • Be part of an environment that fosters open communication within and across the organization

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience could include: 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.

Additional Details

• Recognizing 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.
• WMCAT's Values
  • Design for Equity: Creating a world that works for all of us.
  • Pursue Learning: Engaging the experiences and expertise around us.
  • Build Community: Curating belonging for collective good.
  • Center People: Leading with empathy.
• 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.
• 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 provided, including: 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

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.