Communications Manager
College Possible, Portland -Hybrid

About College Possible:

As one of the largest and most successful college access and success organizations in the country, since 2000 College Possible has empowered more than 85,700 students on their path to earning a college degree. Its pioneering model matches eligible students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help them overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Compared with their peers from similar backgrounds, College Possible students are 30% more likely to enroll in college the year after high school graduation, and three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree.

College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as College Possible coaches in communities throughout the country. Many represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.

Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of ~$33.5 million, more than 190 full-time employees and more than 245 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 25,700 students nationwide.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates regional sites in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Saint Paul, MN; and Seattle, WA; as well as Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education.

Equal Opportunity Employer

College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting hr@collegepossible.org.

Your Role as Communication Manager

We are seeking an experienced marketing professional to drive our communications and brand strategy in support of our mission to help underserved students on their college journey. We are looking for a strategic partner who can strengthen the organization's reputation as a leader in the college access and success space. As communications manager, you will build and implement a strategic, multi-faceted communication program and be a compelling storyteller who can distill complex information into impactful and digestible language. This position will work closely with College Possible's National marketing team and play an integral role in fundraising communications to increase individual giving.

Strategy:

• Create and implement the overall marketing strategy for the Oregon market.
• In conjunction with College Possible National, strengthen the brand in our local region.
• Develop and execute annual communications plan.

Content Creation:

• Lead the development of messaging and content marketing strategy for traditional and social media, including developing and soliciting content from stakeholders in our community.
• Create, implement and manage external communication efforts, including those created for development, program, advocacy and AmeriCorps recruitment.
• Content creation and management for digital media platforms including website, email marketing and social media. Create talking points and speeches for executive leadership and board members.

Fundraising Communications:

• Partner with the development team to create effective donor materials, execute integrated campaigns and engage constituent networks in raising money to support the organization.
• Manage the production of all printed collateral aligned with brand standards.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of email marketing campaigns, website traffic and social media metrics, and provide regular reports to the team.

Public and media relations:

• Build and foster long-term working relationships with media, members of the community, foundation and government entities, and other organizations.
• Respond to media requests for information and facilitate media interviews with College Possible constituents.
• Actively pitch stories to media, promoting programs, people and initiatives; track and analyze media impressions.

Other Duties as Assigned.

What You Bring

Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree required.

Related Work Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, marketing, development or transferable related skills.
• Experience building and implementing multi-faceted communications strategy.
• Strong and demonstrated writing and editing skills (examples include feature stories, website content, news articles, social media content, donor materials, and email marketing).
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.
• Experience creating marketing materials using Adobe Creative Suite or similar platform.
• Ability to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Experience with a variety of marketing communications channels including writing social media posts, video shooting and editing and photography with photo editing skills.
• Preferred experience in fundraising communications.

Computer/Software Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite required.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud (or similar CRM/email marketing platform) and Canva.
• Understanding of and experience with data analytics.

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort with public speaking.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work in fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to manage stressful or sensitive situations.
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of others.
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, elected officials, community partners, and other supporters.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial.
• Enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Skilled at multi-tasking and handling potentially stressful situations calmly and appropriately.
• High energy, enthusiastic, strong commitment to public service and social justice.
• Strategic thinker and problem-solver.

What We Offer

In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:

• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• A competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team

Please apply at: Include a resume and cover letter.