Communications Manager

The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS), a non-profit educational institute and think-tank devoted to the study of international migration, seeks to hire a full-time communications manager. The communications manager will report to the Executive Director and lead the organization’s communications strategy, digital communications, outreach, and multimedia and design projects. The communications manager will:

Help develop and execute a strategic communications plan, including:

• Developing an annual plan.
• Conducting analytic reports on metrics to monitor reach, engagement, and retention.
• Helping develop communications themes for resource development purposes.
• Managing communications projects, including maintenance of CMS’s website.

Lead the organization’s digital communications, including:

• Manage, continually update, and serve as the webmaster of the CMS website.
• Plan and coordinate regular postings across all social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and 3 Twitter accounts (@CMSnewyork, @JMHSjournal, and @IMRjournal).
• Send messages to and expand CMS’s email list in Mailchimp.
  • Edit and distribute CMS’s weekly Migration Update.
  • Send notices of new articles and issues published in the Journal on Migration and Human Security and the International Migration Review.
  • Share event registration information and other announcements.

Support the organization’s efforts to expand CMS’s constituents to increase the agency’s reach and influence, including:

• Coordinate press relationships via Prowly and gmail.
• Expand the CMS audiences, including email subscribers, social media followers, website users, and event attendees.

Lead the organization’s multimedia work and design work, including:

• Maintain and oversee all photography, video, and audio recordings.
• Conceptualize, produce, edit, and post multimedia projects to YouTube, SoundCloud, Flickr, and social media accounts.
• Maintain and, as necessary, update the CMS logo, brand, graphics, and multimedia guidelines.
• Create social media graphics highlighting CMS events, reports, briefings, and other CMS updates; share to social media channels.

Support CMS major events, convenings, and webinars, including:

• Set up event registration forms using Eventbee for the annual Gala, Academic & Policy Symposium, and other convenings.
• Track event registrations in Excel spreadsheets and share with the Executive Director and Finance Officer as needed.
• Create registration links for Zoom webinars; post the link to the CMS website and share it on social media accounts and MailChimp.
• Work with the finance officer and executive director to reconcile ticket / sponsorship purchases for major events.
• Work with vendors to ensure that event recordings are received and uploaded to CMS G-Drive, website, and YouTube.
• Create and distribute thank you letters to event attendees and donors.

Assist the Executive Director in other tasks as needed, including:

• Serve as the board liaison, maintaining / updating CMS Board of Trustees and Corporate Board contact information.
• Compile materials into one packet for distribution at CMS board meetings.
• Create a 2-page overview report summarizing the agency’s activities each year.

The ideal candidate has the following skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or training, preferably in a communications-related field.
• 3-5 years of related professional experience preferably in a nonprofit context.
• Excellent oral, public speaking, and written communications skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate complex ideas and data into digestible, accessible, and compelling language for online platforms.
• Proficiency in open source CMS (WordPress).
• Understanding of Google Analytics and metrics reporting.
• Proficiency in Mailchimp, Prowly, and contact database systems.
• Expertise in graphic design, photo-editing, and / or video production is desirable, especially in InDesign, Premier Pro, Photoshop, and/or Canva.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple tasks and last-minute changes.
• Superb organizational skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work self-sufficiently, to direct projects, and to problem solve.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and G Suite.
• Knowledge of strategic communications and engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of immigration policy and / or issues facing immigrant communities.
• Knowledge of Spanish, French, or another language other than English is a strong advantage.
• Interest in and a commitment to CMS’s mission.

The annual salary for this exempt position is $75,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience. CMS offers excellent benefits, including health insurance plan and a tax-deferred annuity plan.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled and applications are accepted immediately. Due to the volume of applications, CMS cannot return phone calls about the position, and, regrettably, cannot notify all applicants of the status of their applications unless an interview is requested.