coLAB Arts (www.colab-arts.org), engaging artists, social advocates, and communities to create transformative new work, is seeking a Development and Communications Manager for a socially-engaged arts organization in New Brunswick, NJ. coLAB Arts produces high-quality work across creative disciplines in response to local social issues and in partnership with advocacy organizations and communities of the greater New Brunswick, NJ area. coLAB Arts’ vision is to create more livable, sustainable, and exciting environments through art.

coLAB Arts’ current programming includes:

A new fine art and public art outdoor festival in Downtown New Brunswick
Project commissions across creative disciplines and bilingual English/Spanish audiences including dance, public art, theater, storytelling, visual art, comics, civic engagement, and public history;
Arts education programming including 3 weeks of free summer youth programming, teacher professional development, and in-school residencies focused on racial and social justice curriculum integration;
Oral history collection, research, and digital archive stewardship; and
Artist residencies and programming in a newly renovated theater and event space and artist studios and gallery space in Downtown New Brunswick

The Development and Communications Coordinator is an on-site position and supports all external-facing communications and individual and institutional fundraising. This position is supervised by the Producing Director and serves as coLAB Arts’ primary internal coordinator for development and communications, working with staff leadership and the contracted marketing partner. The Coordinator will maintain timelines, gather and approve materials, lead fundraising writing and administration, and ensure responsibilities are clearly assigned. This position is the coordinator for grant applications, fundraising initiatives, and for all communications collateral (including original copy, photo assets, partner graphics, etc.), new grant applications, and fundraising efforts. The role is not expected to personally execute every communications deliverable. coLAB Arts’ contracted marketing partner handles digital advertising, graphic design, social media, newsletter layout, and the creation of other branding and communication assets.

This job is best suited for someone effective at managing their own work schedule, an excellent self-starter and communicator (both written and verbal), with a track record of writing successful grant applications or authoring other written pieces to advance an organization’s interests. The successful candidate is driven to support artists and community organizers to help them thrive in creating high-quality work with real community impact.

Communications responsibilities include:

Coordinate working relationship, deadlines, and deliverables from contracted marketing partner
Respond to community comments on social media including Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Coordinate development of new organization presence on TikTok
Draft press releases, cultivate media contacts, and update calendar placements
Cultivate partnerships for project and community-based outreach including organizations, businesses, and influencers
Coordinate special projects, such as promoting the Monthly Artist Grant and developing merchandise
Coordinate the production of project assets including flyers and posters for print and online distribution
Coordinate content and layout for bi-weekly newsletter
Coordinate and contribute to the development of website content, including event and project pages
Coordinate rollout of new website currently in development
Research and secure conference speaker and op-ed placement opportunities for senior leadership

Development responsibilities include:

On-site support is required for cultivation functions, and fundraising and board events that take place on evenings and weekends.
Grant application and report management for institutional funders including local, state, and federal agencies, private and corporate foundations, and family foundations
Draft and/or revise grant applications in collaboration with other coLAB Arts staff for both legacy funders and new opportunities
Interface and work with partners outside of the organization on collaborative grant applications
Administer coLAB Arts’ donor management software and system; communicate directly with individual donors, including ongoing stewardship, end-of-year statements, and other timely communications throughout the year
Coordinate coLAB Arts’ individual donor program, which includes participation of staff and board
Coordinate coLAB Arts’ end-of-year and mid-year fundraising campaigns, special appeals, and a new capital campaign
Research new grant application opportunities as appropriate to coLAB Arts’ mission and partnerships

Physical expectations:

Personal computer
Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license
Occasional early morning and/or evening/weekend work hours (flex time eligible to offset irregular hours)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

B.A. degree or equivalent, with at least 3 years of professional experience in communications or fundraising for arts, nonprofit, boutique, or corporate agencies
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Strong computer skills, including knowledge of mail merges and Excel
Experience with various CRM systems, G-Suite, and Google Drive
Comfort with new technologies, chatbots, and language models
Detail-oriented with organization, project management, and time management skills
Ability to perform tasks independently
Ability to work cooperatively, foster team spirit, and maintain a positive demeanor
Ability to solve problems independently and negotiate solutions with challenging partners
Ability to clearly communicate needs and expectations to staff supervisor
Commitment to the vision and values of coLAB Arts

Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the preferred qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation: $58,200 per year

coLAB Arts does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, disability, national origin, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship or authorized alien status, or veteran status.

Note: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of staff in this position. Duties, responsibilities, and skills are also subject to change based on the changing needs of the job, department, or organization. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by coLAB Arts as the requirements of the job change.

Candidates should apply by filling out the form below, with a complete resume and cover letter that speaks to how their skills and experiences align with the position responsibilities and organization values.