Communications Manager

About DCTV

Founded in 1972, Downtown Community Television Center, Inc. (DCTV) has grown into one of the leading documentary production and film education centers in the country. A community of and for documentary filmmakers, DCTV is a unique space where screenings, discussions, youth media, continuing education programs, and filmmaking resources exist side by side with award-winning productions and Firehouse: DCTV’s Cinema for Documentary Film.

DCTV has been recognized with 18 Emmy Awards, 4 duPont-Columbia Awards, 2 Academy Award Nominations, a Peabody Award, 6 New York Emmy Awards and accolades at film festivals around the world. In 2023, DCTV’s Co-Founders, Jon Alpert and Keiko Tsuno, were awarded lifetime achievement awards with the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences, and inducted into the NATAS Gold Circle.

DCTV’s programs serve 17,000 people annually, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage in the entire documentary process—from education and production to exhibition—empowering individuals to immerse themselves in every stage of the documentary journey.

Summary of the Position

We are seeking a full-time Communications Manager to play a key role in developing and executing our communications strategy. This individual will be responsible for crafting and sharing our organization’s story, increasing visibility, expanding our reach, and driving engagement across media, digital platforms, and community networks. Additionally, they will promote all DCTV programs and services, including cinema and educational programming, DCTV productions, post-production services, membership, venue rentals, and fundraising opportunities. The ideal candidate is a creative, proactive, hands-on communications professional with experience and a passion for storytelling, along with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences across various platforms.

Responsibilities Overview

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens brand recognition and community engagement.
• Oversee all physical and online public-facing content, from building signage and cinema displays to Google and Yelp reviews.
• Create, copyedit, manage, and deploy all day-to-day content for our website, newsletter, social media, and all promotional materials (from print to video), and maintain cross-platform and platform-specific editorial calendar.
• Manage and grow social media presence on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Facebook to engage supporters and raise awareness.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets and PR professionals to ensure event and news coverage in local, regional, and national outlets.
• Document special events and activities as needed (i.e. screenings, Q&As, mixers).
• Develop materials to educate staff on communication practices.
• Track and assess performance metrics to monitor the effectiveness and impact of external communications.
• Work with Graphic & Web Designer to manage graphic design and visual identity deliverables on all projects.
• Proactively look for new promotional opportunities, including identifying third-party platforms and supporting outreach to special-interest and affinity groups.

Qualifications

• 3 years+ marketing and social media experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the documentary film industry, with the ability to create fresh, compelling content that engages and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Established network of contacts within the film media communications industry.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing successful marketing strategies.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and engage with external stakeholders, including PR professionals, press contacts, and community partners.
• Proficient in utilizing emerging technologies, such as AI, to enhance communication strategies, streamline processes, and drive engagement across various platforms.
• Exceptional, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools (e.g., Salesforce, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or similar).
• Knowledge of SEO best practices and digital marketing strategies.
• Proficient in video production and editing, with hands-on experience using relevant tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.) to create high-quality video content (promotional videos, etc).Keen eye for design and understanding of basic layout and graphic design principles.
• Working knowledge of marketing and project management platforms including Mailchimp, Asana, Google Suite.
• Familiarity with fundraising and donor communications.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $65,000 to $70,000 per year. Benefits include 13 days paid vacation leave; 5 days paid sick leave; 12 paid holidays; participation in a 401(k); life insurance; medical/vision/dental; transit, health, and dependent care FSA.

To Apply

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a communications professional while making a meaningful impact, we strongly encourage you to apply. Applicants must submit the following to info@dctvny.org with the subject line: Communications Manager – Last Name, First Name.:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 2-3 Writing Samples (articles, press releases, social media posts, or other relevant materials)
• 2-3 Video Samples (promotional videos, or other relevant materials)

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! We carefully review all applications to find the best fit for the role. If your qualifications match the position, you will be contacted directly to move forward in the hiring process. We kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out to inquire about your application status, as we will be in touch if you are selected to progress further.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you again for considering a career with us.

DCTV is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.