Communications Manager

Job Title: Communications Manager

Location: Newburgh, New York             Company: Safe Harbors of the Hudson

ABOUT US

Founded in 2000, Safe Harbors of the Hudson (SHOH) is a dynamic arts and housing nonprofit located in the City of Newburgh, New York. With the mission of transforming lives and building community through housing and the arts, Safe Harbors plays an integral role in Newburgh’s continuing revitalization through innovative redevelopment projects that co-locate supportive and affordable housing with visual and performing arts spaces and programming. 

The Safe Harbors campus includes the Cornerstone Residence, a supportive housing community for 128 of our neighbors; Ann Street Gallery, a contemporary visual arts space; Safe Harbors Green, a vital urban park and outdoor stage; and the Ritz Theater, the last remaining historic performance venue in Newburgh, which Safe Harbors is actively programming, while continuing its redevelopment as a flexible and state of the art center for performances, events, and community. The campus also includes artist studios for Cornerstone and community resident artists, and two commercial spaces on Broadway. Safe Harbors is also developing 55 new units of supportive housing at 69-79 William Street in the City of Newburgh. For more information, visit safe-harbors.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications Manager at Safe Harbors of the Hudson will play a crucial role in shaping organization-wide and program-specific communications strategies that amplify Safe Harbors’ mission and impact, increase brand visibility, and promote community engagement and support. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, the Communications Manager will collaborate on and execute a comprehensive communications plan--including organizational storytelling and marketing and promotions plans for all SHOH programming--across multiple platforms, channels, and digital/physical materials.

The ideal candidate is an excellent writer and designer, is a creative and strategic collaborator, possesses a strong passion for media and culture, and has a deep understanding of digital communications platforms and how to leverage them to meet organizational goals. Anyone in this role must be able to synthesize multiple inputs and workstreams, prioritize assignments, and take initiative to develop ideas and solutions independently. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Storytelling:

-         Tell the story of SHOH’s work and impact across our multiple communications platforms, identifying opportunities and methods for increasing awareness and support of our multifaceted mission.

-         Develop an understanding of SHOH’s audiences and how to communicate with and engage them effectively.

-         Ensure that SHOH’s core values—transformation, collaboration, inclusivity, innovation, sustainability, and responsibility—are incorporated and reflected throughout our communications and practices.

Branding & Graphic Design:

-         Collaborate with Director of Development & Communications, and with input from SHOH program directors, to design clear and compelling graphics for all SHOH programming, including social media posts, printed promotional materials, email campaigns, website elements, and advertising.

-         Help to develop clear SHOH brand guidelines and maintain consistency across platforms and materials.

Social Media:

-         Develop relevant and compelling content and campaigns that raise awareness and engagement across existing and new social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, etc.)

-         Lead on content creation: plan content calendar and deadlines; work with program teams to gather all relevant materials and information; design imagery, record and/or edit video, draft copy.

-         Monitor and respond to social media interactions and messages in a timely manner.

-         Track social media performance and prepare reports on key metrics.

Eblasts:

-         Draft and edit engaging content for eblasts, including headlines, narrative, and calls-to-action.

-         Lead in the creation, scheduling, and execution of eblast marketing campaigns.

-         Maintain and segment email lists to ensure targeted and effective communication.

-         Monitor and analyze eblast performance metrics (open rates, click-through rates, conversions) and prepare reports.

Website:

-         Update and maintain website content, ensuring information is accurate, relevant, and engaging.

-         Troubleshoot issues and implement improvements.

-         Monitor website analytics and prepare reports on performance metrics.

Press & Media:

-         Assist in preparing press releases, media kits, and other communications materials.

-         Support outreach and relationship building with members of the press.

-         Track and archive all press coverage of SHOH and its programs and projects.

-         Coordinate photo/video documentation of SHOH events and activities, and organization of media archives for ongoing use.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

-         Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work across all levels of the organization.

-         Excellent organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.

-         Strong ability to think both creatively and analytically, with an eagerness to generate ideas and new approaches to reach audiences.

-         Comfortable receiving and giving direct and constructive feedback.

-         Proven experience in graphic design, social media, and website management.

-         Proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) and website management tools (WordPress).

-         Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field preferred but not required.

-         Candidates with experience in and/or working knowledge of the diverse communities of Newburgh and the mid-Hudson Valley region will be prioritized.

-         Proficiency in Spanish is a valued asset and will be considered a plus.

-         Experience or interest in the arts and non-profit sector is a plus.

The above content is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. At management’s discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time.

Safe Harbors of the Hudson is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

A resume & cover letter are mandatory. Please send to [email protected] to apply.