Communications Officer – Editorial & Social Content

The Opportunity

MacDowell seeks a Communications Officer, Editorial & Social Content (CO-ESC) to produce and distribute engaging written content for print, digital, and social media platforms. As a core member of the Communications team, the CO-ESC will play a crucial role in connecting external stakeholders to MacDowell’s mission of supporting artists across disciplines.

The CO-ESC will join the organization at a time of intentional evolution and change, and will partner closely with the Director of Development & Communications (DDC), the Creative Director (CD), and the Digital Content Officer (CO-DC) to create and oversee email and social media campaigns, ensuring that MacDowell’s written communications are aligned with strategic goals and reflect the organization’s voice and values. The CO-ESC will stay informed of social media trends and best practices and use data analysis to understand and enhance audience engagement.

A successful CO-ESC possesses excellent writing and storytelling skills and feels at ease managing multiple projects in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate has experience managing social media accounts for a business or organization and has a portfolio of professional work that demonstrates proficiency writing across multiple formats, including feature stories, newsletter content, social media posts, and website copy.

This role is based in Peterborough, NH, with some flexibility for remote work, and reports to the DDC in New York.

Key Responsibilities:

EDITORIAL CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA

• • Write, edit, and produce content for multiple platforms, including email, newsletters, social media, website, marketing materials, and annual reports
  • Proofread and thoughtfully copyedit content across platforms
  • Work with the DDC and CD to plan and execute MacDowell’s social media strategy; manage the daily implementation of a social media calendar
• In collaboration with the CO-DC, use compelling text, graphics, photography, audio, and video optimized for social media platforms and MacDowell’s website to:
  • Create and distribute engaging content that shares MacDowell’s mission and impact with target audiences
  • Create campaigns for specific artist and donor outreach initiatives
  • Promote and amplify MacDowell special events
  • Promote and amplify MacDowell Fellows’ news and accomplishments through “Made at MacDowell” web features, alumni and donor profiles, and social media spotlights
• Support the timely review, editing, and approval of content
• Work with the DDC and CD on partnerships with organizations and individuals that will extend MacDowell’s social media reach and increase overall brand awareness
• Field social media pitches from MacDowell staff, Fellows and external partners
• Monitor online mentions of MacDowell and topics related to its mission; moderate conversations about MacDowell where appropriate, updating senior staff as needed
• Monitor trends in web and social media tools and best practices
• Track, measure, and report on social media metrics and campaign effectiveness; collaborate with Communications staff on website SEO
• Collaborate with Development and Events staff on email and social media fundraising campaigns
• Create and oversee digital paid promotions and ad campaigns

ORGANIZATIONAL

• Work closely with Communications, Development, Admissions, and other staff departments to maintain a consistent narrative tone for email and website copy; assist with drafting and proofreading written material as needed
• Produce and/or assign editorial content production to Communications, Events, Development, and Admissions staff for reports and materials published across platforms
• Stay up to date on MacDowell Fellows news, tracking awards, publications, and other accomplishments; create summary reports for relevant departments

Qualifications and Skills:

• 3-5 years of relevant professional experience
• Strong writing and proofreading skills; ability to follow a style guide and maintain an institutional voice
• Demonstrated ability to produce compelling written copy across multiple platforms
• Strong organization, scheduling, and communications skills are a must, as is the flexibility to smoothly pivot between tasks when needed
• Strong ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, solve problems, and be resourceful and graceful under pressure
• Expertise with social media platforms
• Collaborative team player
• Commitment to centering MacDowell’s values and culture of belonging in external communications
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite or similar graphic design software, and online content creation tools
• Ability to create and edit photographs and short videos preferred
• Openness to learning new systems and software

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly commute to the New Hampshire office
• Ability to regularly lift 10 lbs. and up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to sit or stand in front of a computer workstation for 40 hours/week
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff members and other stakeholders by email, phone, virtually and in person
• Valid driver’s license required
• Some travel, evening, and weekend work may be required