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Communications Manager

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Communications Manager

CMSS is hiring a Communications Manager for a 30 hour per week position, to start by September 2026.

Position Overview:

Community Music School of Springfield’s Communications Manager is responsible for supporting the achievement of CMSS’ fundraising, student recruitment, and student retention goals through development and implementation of communications and marketing strategies and procedures. They report to CMSS’ Executive Director and oversee CMSS’ Marketing Coordinator. They develop and maintain a deep understanding of CMSS and its programs to inform their work. They collaborate with CMSS’ Fundraising Manager, Director of Enrollment, Director of Education, Prelude Preschool Director, Student Engagement Coordinator, Director of Finance and Operations, Bridge Leaders/Lifelong Learning Director, Adaptive Music Program Director, Sonido Musica Director, and Events & Production Manager.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and implement annual Communications & Marketing Plan tied to CMSS mission, strategic plan, and goals identified by CMSS’ senior leadership
    • Strategize and implement a year-long storytelling campaign for all CMSS programs
    • Tailor strategies and messaging for various target audiences (such as students, families, donors, organizational partners)
    • Work with Executive Director to create a budget and establish and implement metrics to ensure the achievement of goals
    • Manage communication and marketing activities to ensure achievement of goals and objectives
    • Review and adjust strategies as needed throughout the year
  • Work closely with Executive Director and Fundraising Manager to align communications/marketing strategy and messaging with annual fundraising activities and goals
  • Oversee production of communications content and marketing materials to ensure accuracy, appeal, brand alignment, and efficient use of limited resources
    • Create content or delegate to Marketing Coordinator as needed for e-newsletters, fliers, social media posts, press releases, etc
    • Create or improve templates and branding guides for marketing and communications materials
    • Ensuring adherence to CMSS’ accessibility plan (fonts, contrast, etc)
    • Strategize alignment of CMSS’ social media posts, with an eye towards evolving media outlets (like integration of YouTube or TikTok)
  • Ensure CMSS’ effective communication with students, families, donors, friends, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.
    • Monitor and ensure all information on CMSS’ website and ASAP registration software is up to date and accurate.
    • Evaluate effectiveness through quantitative data (clicks, page visits) and qualitative (feedback from donors, students, families)
  • Ensure information about CMSS’ events and activities is up to date on all CMSS calendars (Google Master Calendar, Website, CMSS school year PDF calendars, Faculty Gigs Calendar) as well as local/regional community calendars
    • Share calendar content with relevant audiences on an ongoing basis
  • Work with Executive Director and Director of Education to strategize potential new stakeholders, friends, and partners and facilitate connections and sharing of CMSS’ story
    • Make connections with places and organizations that our target audiences frequent
    • Identify new local media outlets (print and digital newsletters, facebook forums, etc) and strategize CMSS’ engagement in those spaces for marketing
  • Attend or assign staff/interns to attend CMSS events to take photos and videos and promote our activities on social media
  • Collect research and articles relevant to CMSS’ work for use in promotional and informational communications
  • Develop and implement a strategy for CMSS’ search engine optimization and digital advertising
  • Maintain consistent punctuality and reliability for all shift hours assigned
  • Maintain a professional demeanor in communication with anyone you come in contact with at/through CMSS
  • Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of prior experience (and demonstrated proficiency) in marketing and/or communications roles
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, manage and prioritize multiple ongoing projects from start to finish, and follow through on all responsibilities and commitments
  • Demonstrated project management skills, including
    • Working collaboratively and equitably with colleagues at all levels of seniority, experience, and expertise
    • Communicating promptly and effectively, ensuring all collaborators understand the project/plan as a whole as well as their specific responsibilities
    • Delegating and setting clear expectations
  • Demonstrated attention to accuracy and detail
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in the use of word processors, spreadsheets, Powerpoint/slides, Gmail, and Canva/other design software.
    • Able to quickly learn new technology.
  • Understanding of Search Engine Optimization and digital advertising (such as Google ads)
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity, which are foundational to CMSS’ mission
  • Strong interpersonal skills; Ability to communicate compassionately and respectfully with people from a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds
  • Understanding of Springfield’s landscape in terms of the arts, public education, and community organizations
  • Punctuality and reliability
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritize and focus in a busy environment

Preferred qualifications:

  • Bilingual – English & Spanish
  • Experience and skills in accessible (for people with disabilities) marketing and communications strategies

Hours and Pay:

30 hours per week

$27-$30 per hour

To apply:

  • Please send your resume or CV to Sierra Simmons, Director of Finance and Operations, at ssimmons@communitymusicschool.comcreate new email.
  • Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject of your email.
  • If you have relevant experience or qualifications that are not explicit on your resume, please explain these in your email.
  • If you any work samples, please send those along as well.

 

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