External Communications Associate

Founded in 1972, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is a multidisciplinary urban arts center based in Southeast Queens. Our mission is to offer quality visual and performing arts programs, and to provide accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. We operate out of two landmark buildings: the Jamaica Arts Center, with five floors of galleries, artist studios, rehearsal spaces, flexible spaces, a studio theater and office space; and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat, flexible proscenium theater with offices and other spaces.

In June 2024, JCAL adopted a new five-year Strategic Plan that establishes the following core goals:

• Activate JCAL as a creative home for Queens and a singular cultural anchor for New York City.
• Deliver a balanced continuum of programs that “super-serves” artists, learners, and audiences.
• Build brand and reach via simple, memorable, consistent messaging amplified through deep community partnerships.
• Engage, empower, resource, and equip the whole of the organization for the purpose of revenue generation.
• Promote shared responsibility and leadership at every level of the organization.

Consistent with our Strategic Plan, JCAL is hiring an External Communications Associate. The associate will play a key role in enhancing JCAL's visibility and engagement within the community. This position will assist the marketing and development departments in crafting compelling communications strategies, managing public-facing channels, and supporting fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, a creative mindset, and a passion for the arts.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Develop engaging written content, including press releases, newsletters, social media posts, and promotional materials, for various platforms;
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling narratives that highlight JCAL’s programs and initiatives;
• Collaborate with community partners and key stakeholders to enhance JCAL’s institutional visibility and to strengthen community relationships and partnerships;
• Build and maintain relationships with local and citywide media outlets, and maintain a database of communications;
• Assist in the maintenance and growth of JCAL's membership program;
• Participate in donor outreach initiatives, and collaborate on individual giving correspondence, including letters, invitations, mailing lists, eblasts, and reports;
• Run and analyze reports that track JCAL giving trends and provide guidance for donor strategy;
• Support donor cultivation activities, from event planning to outreach and execution;
• Maintain database of donor and funder groups, contact updates, and contribution records.

Standards and Skills:

• BA in Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, or a related field;
• 1-3 years' experience in communications, marketing, or public relations (arts and arts-adjacent experience is a plus);
• Experience with email marketing software, social media platforms, design software (Adobe Photoshop and InDesign), and website CMS tools preferred;
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills;
• Proficiency in social media platforms and analytics tools;
• Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus;
• Familiarity with fundraising/donor databases, such as Raiser’s Edge (preferred but not needed);
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.