Posted on February 2, 2012

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Communications Manager

The Crucible (www.thecrucible.org) is a non-profit educational collaboration of arts, industry and community. We offer a wide range of classes to over 5,000 students a year. We promote creative expression, reuse of materials and innovative design. Our programs attract working artists, trades people and professionals as well as young people from our Oakland community.

The Communications Manager works closely with the senior management team to develop both short and long-term marketing strategies. This position works under the direction of the Executive Director to establish and maintain a strong and consistent identity for The Crucible and its programs.

Key Responsibilities: The Communication Manager’s primary focus is to consistently increase The Crucible’s earned income and advance The Crucible’s visibility and brand recognition in the most effective manner. The Communications Manager will develop strategies, produce marketing materials, maintain marketing database and work with web master to assure accurate and timely web site maintenance in relation to marketing and PR issues. This position supervises the development, writing, editing and production of publications including press releases, newsletters, fundraising communications, annual reports and new media tools.

Responsibilities Include:

• Public Relations
• Draft press releases and circulate to media list
• Follow up with press
• Arrange coverage and host press at events
• Write public service announcements
• Solicit radio & TV for PSA spots
• Alert press of media events
• Answer all press inquiries
• Oversee press clippings and press file management
• Manage all PR contracts and services

• Marketing/Course Catalog
• Design quarterly schedule
• Coordinate Crucible content planning
• Coordinate class schedules & descriptions
• Oversee and produce schedule layout
• Approve images to be used in catalog
• Manage printing production
• Transfer approved files
• Negotiate fees
• Oversee mailing and postal issues
• Manage all phases of distribution including targets, lists, placement

• Advertising
• Design and coordinate ads with graphic designer
• Coordinate with advertisers
• Write and post online advertisements
• Write, design and disperse email advertising to The Crucible mailing lists
• Oversee all general promotional efforts
• Design Crucible collateral in collaboration with graphic designer

• Internal Communications
• Design Business cards
• Design Class Postings
• External Communications
• Plan, organize and direct overall communications strategies and messaging activities for the organization and its programs
• Refine The Crucible’s core messages to ensure organizational consistency
• Create all website content and coordinate updates

Special Requirements:

• Willing to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends when required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Knowledge File Maker Pro is a plus
• Must have excellent communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in related field, Master's degree preferred
• At least 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience in strategic communications, marketing, public and/or media relations
• Superb writing and editing skills
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective internal and external relationships with representatives of various sectors, including the media
• Ability to represent an organization before a variety of diverse audiences and in a wide range of situations
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and deal effectively with multiple time-sensitive priorities
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills
• Experience with social media and social networks, as well as web content, design and web-based publications

Working Conditions:

This position is in a regular office within an industrial warehouse

Compensation: The salary range for the position is commensurate with experience.

The Crucible offers a benefits package that includes health insurance, paid vacation, sick time, 9 paid holidays a floating personal day, and a 403b plan. Class Tuition waiver.

Schedule: 40 hours

Reports to: Executive Director

No faxes or calls please!

The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.

Application Instructions

To apply: E-mail a cover letter, resume, three reference contacts and two writing samples, (press release, newsletter or marketing copy) in PDF format to: communicationssearch@thecrucible.org

Subject line: Communications Manager