Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications Manager to lead our organization's internal and external communication efforts. This role is vital in shaping our brand narrative, engaging diverse audiences, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for storytelling, exceptional writing skills, and a proactive approach to media relations and public engagement. As a Communications Manager, you will drive initiatives that elevate our visibility, foster positive relationships, and support our organizational goals through compelling communication strategies.

Duties

Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans aligned with organizational objectives.
Craft clear, engaging content for press releases, website updates, social media channels, newsletters, and internal communications.
Manage media relations by building strong relationships with journalists, editors, and industry influencers to secure coverage and enhance brand reputation.
Oversee social media content marketing efforts to increase engagement and expand audience reach across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Coordinate public speaking engagements, presentations, and community outreach initiatives to promote the organization’s mission and initiatives.
Proofread and edit all communication materials to ensure adherence to AP style guidelines and maintain high-quality standards.
Conduct research on industry trends, audience preferences, and competitive positioning to inform strategic messaging decisions.
Manage website content updates and oversee digital communications to ensure consistency and accuracy of information.

Requirements

Proven experience working in professional communications, public relations or marketing roles with a strong portfolio of successful campaigns.
Exceptional writing skills with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences; proficiency in AP style is essential.
Strong media relations skills with experience in pitching stories and managing press inquiries.
Excellent public speaking abilities for representing the organization at events or media interviews.
Demonstrated research skills to gather insights that inform content strategies.
Experience in journalism or content writing with a keen eye for proofreading and editing accuracy.
Familiarity with social media management tools and social media content marketing strategies.
Ability to manage website content effectively using content management systems (CMS).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Strategy & Management

Lead and execute the organization’s social media strategy to increase audience growth, engagement, fundraising performance, volunteer participation, sponsorships, and awareness.

Responsibilities include:

Manage and grow all social channels including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging platforms such as Patreon and others as appropriate.*
Develop and maintain calendars aligned with fundraising campaigns, events, rescue activity, and organizational priorities.
Create and publish engaging content including video, photography, graphics, stories, reels, captions, and mission-based campaigns.
Capture original content onsite through regular interaction with horses, staff, volunteers, and programs.
Monitor engagement metrics and analyze performance to determine effective storytelling approaches and campaign success.
Identify trends, hashtags, platform opportunities, and timely topics relevant to equine rescue, animal welfare, wellness, and nonprofit fundraising.
Engage with followers, answer inquiries, manage online interactions, and resolve concerns professionally.
Monitor social sentiment and community feedback while maintaining the organization’s voice and values.
Expand short-form video strategy and increase visibility through TikTok and emerging channels.
Continue to grow your own skills through education. Find out about the new ‘latest and greatest’ things on websites, social media, etc.

All content should support one or more organizational objectives including:

Increasing donations
Driving sponsorships and adoptions
Expanding audience reach
Growing event participation
Increasing volunteer engagement
Advancing awareness of rescue, education, retreat, and mustang programs

Fundraising Communications & Email Marketing

Develop and execute compelling communications that directly support fundraising and donor engagement goals.

Responsibilities include:

Design, write, and distribute monthly newsletters with input from the team.
Create dedicated email campaigns supporting fundraising initiatives, emergency appeals, events, sponsorships, seasonal campaigns, and stewardship efforts.
Segment donor and supporter audiences within DonorPerfect and Constant Contact to maximize engagement and fundraising performance.
Develop communication strategies with leadership to support annual fundraising priorities.
Draft messaging independently while coordinating approvals and implementation through completion.
Create GivingGrid campaigns and storytelling content designed to generate direct donations.
Support stewardship initiatives that deepen donor relationships and increase retention.
Assist in developing print communications including direct mail appeals, impact updates, postcards, and donor acknowledgements.

All content should support one or more organizational objectives including:

Increasing donations
Driving sponsorships and adoptions
Expanding audience reach
Growing event participation
Increasing volunteer engagement
Advancing awareness of rescue, education, retreat, and mustang programs

Storytelling & Content Development

Translate the daily work of the rescue into compelling narratives that inspire action.

Responsibilities include:

Identify meaningful rescue stories, program updates, animal milestones, educational content, and donor impact opportunities.
Highlight the work of horse rescue, mustang sanctuary, equine-assisted programs, retreats, and community initiatives.
Maintain an active content pipeline through interviews, photography, video collection, and story development.
Produce content that demonstrates impact while building emotional connection and urgency.
Ensure consistent brand voice and quality across all channels.

Website, Digital Presence & Analytics

Support and strengthen the organization’s digital ecosystem.

Responsibilities include:

Update website content regularly and ensure information remains accurate and current.
Create landing pages, forms, donation tools, and campaign assets using GiveCloud, DonorPerfect, and related systems.
Monitor and improve SEO, website traffic, and digital engagement metrics.
Provide recommendations to improve search visibility and online conversion performance.
Track campaign effectiveness and provide regular analysis on audience growth, engagement, and fundraising results.

Events & Cross-Team Support

Support organizational events and initiatives through communications and operational collaboration.

Responsibilities include:

Participate in planning and promotion of fundraising events and other activities.
Attend events to capture social media content and support live engagement.
Assist event teams where needed while ensuring communications opportunities are maximized.
Support volunteer, donor, and sponsor experiences through communications and storytelling.

Reporting & Collaboration

Participate actively in team meetings, planning sessions, and organizational goals.
Maintain strong communication with leadership and cross-functional teams.
Provide management with activity summaries outlining accomplishments, campaign performance, opportunities, and challenges.
Work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Desired Skills & Experience

Experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising communications, marketing, social media management, or related fields.
Equine knowledge ideal but not required as long as candidate is committed to curiosity and learning and has a passion for animal welfare, equine rescue, and mission-driven work.
Strong storytelling and writing skills with the ability to create emotionally compelling content.
Experience with social media platforms, analytics tools, email marketing systems, and CRM platforms.
Photography, video editing, and short-form content creation experience preferred.
Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement strategies strongly preferred.

Success in This Role Looks Like

Increased social media growth and engagement
Higher fundraising performance from all communications efforts
Stronger donor relationships and retention
Expanded visibility of the rescue and its programs
Increased sponsorships, volunteer engagement, and event participation
Consistent storytelling that advances the mission and supports the horses every day.
Increased morale among the team-members you interact with.

Join us as we craft impactful stories that resonate! This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to shape our voice in the community while honing your skills in strategic communication, media relations, and digital storytelling. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your creativity makes a difference, we want to hear from you!

Pay: $52,500.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Experience:

Communication skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Location:

Clinton Corners, NY 12514 (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Clinton Corners, NY 12514

13 Hands Equine Rescue

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