Description:
This role is responsible for developing compelling written and visual content across multiple channels, supporting fundraising communications, managing digital platforms and telling the stories of the animals, people and programs at the heart of our work.
Individuals from all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to contribute.
Position Summary
The Marketing & Communications Specialist will play a key role in executing marketing and communications initiatives across digital and print. This position requires a strong writer with experience creating content for nonprofit audiences, including social media, fundraising appeals, donor communications, marketing campaigns, newsletters and website content.
The ideal candidate is a thoughtful storyteller who understands how communications can inspire action, strengthen community engagement and support fundraising goals. They should be comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on content creation, including writing, graphic design, social media management and website updates.
Essential Responsibilities
Written Communications & Storytelling
- Write and edit engaging and mission-focused content for a variety of audiences, including donors, supporters, adopters, volunteers, community members and partners.
- Ensure all communications align with organizational voice, messaging standards and brand guidelines.
- Collaborate with colleagues across departments to identify storytelling opportunities, promote organizational initiatives and ensure consistent messaging across communications.
Social Media Management & Content Creation
- Create and manage content across social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.
- Create and edit digital content, including photo, video and social media assets.
- Stay current on social media trends, platform updates, content formats and industry best practices.
- Monitor social media channels, respond appropriately to comments and messages and identify opportunities for connection.
- Track social media performance and identify opportunities to improve engagement and reach.
Email Marketing
- Create and execute email marketing campaigns using Mailchimp.
- Develop content that strengthens donor relationships, increases engagement and helps spread the word about our programs and services.
- Monitor campaign performance and use data to help inform future communications.
Fundraising Communications
- Partner with the Philanthropy team to create and execute fundraising campaigns that increase donor acquisition, retention and engagement.
- Write compelling donor-facing content, including appeals, stewardship communications, impact reports, newsletters, sponsorship materials and event collateral.
- Develop communication strategies that support annual giving campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, events and special fundraising initiatives.
- Create mission-focused stories that demonstrate impact and inspire philanthropic support.
- Provide editing and proofreading support for fundraising and development materials, including grant narratives, proposals, donor reports, sponsorship requests, stewardship pieces and other written communications to ensure accuracy, clarity and alignment with organizational messaging.
- Support the management and promotion of planned giving initiatives, including maintaining and updating FreeWill content, developing donor-facing communications and assisting with campaigns that increase awareness of legacy giving opportunities.
- Assist with the stewardship and activation of a small portfolio of corporate and cause marketing partnerships by developing co-branded communications, promotional materials, impact stories and recognition content that support partner engagement and fundraising goals.
Graphic Design & Brand Support
- Design marketing materials, social media graphics, flyers, signage and event materials.
- Maintain consistency with organizational branding and visual identity.
- Collaborate with teams across the organization to develop creative materials that support programs, fundraising and operational goals.
Website Management
- Update and maintain website content using Squarespace.
- Ensure website information is accurate, timely, accessible and aligned with organizational priorities.
Events Support
- Serve as a member of the events team, providing day of support for fundraising and community events throughout the year.
Participate in Columbus Humane’s culture expectations:
- Work collaboratively across teams by solving problems together, seeking input from colleagues and demonstrating respect for every team and function.
- Maintain a forward-looking approach by learning from the past while focusing on solutions and growth.
- Create high work output through effective work styles while maintaining work-life balance.
- Assume positive intent by seeking to understand rather than assuming motives and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
- Embrace accountability by owning commitments and responsibilities, while acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
- Communicate openly, sharing information wherever possible and having difficult conversations directly and respectfully with an eye toward productive resolution.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications
- Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms, editing videos and creating digital content.
- Experience creating fundraising, marketing and event communications.
- Experience with graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and work collaboratively across multiple teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in nonprofit, animal welfare or mission-driven organizations.
- Experience with photography, video creation or video editing.
- Knowledge of accessibility best practices for communications.
- Knowledge of Fear Free® principles.
- Working knowledge of Mailchimp and Squarespace.
- Interest in developing knowledge and experience in crisis communications and communications related to humane investigations or emergency response.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to adapt communication style for a variety of audiences and platforms.
- Creative thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple competing deadlines.
- Collaborative, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to advancing animal welfare and serving diverse communities with compassion and respect.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, professionalism and sound judgment.
Participate in the organization’s Culture Commitment:
-
Work collaboratively across teams by solving problems together, seeking input from colleagues and demonstrating respect for every team and function.
-
Maintain a forward-looking approach by learning from the past while focusing on solutions and growth.
-
Create high work output through effective work styles while maintaining work-life balance.
-
Assume positive intent by seeking to understand rather than assuming motives and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
-
Embrace accountability by owning commitments and responsibilities, while acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.
-
Communicate openly, sharing information wherever possible and having difficult conversations directly and respectfully with an eye toward productive resolution.
Work Environment
This is a full-time position based in a shelter environment. Comfort working in a dynamic environment where animals are present throughout the workplace is essential.
This position works closely with the Animal Cruelty Investigations and Veterinary Departments and may support communications related to sensitive cases, including animal cruelty investigations. The successful candidate must demonstrate discretion, professionalism and the ability to respectfully engage with information related to these cases while protecting the privacy of animals, people and investigations.
The role requires a combination of independent project work, collaboration with internal teams and support for organizational events or community initiatives. The ideal candidate is adaptable, compassionate and able to balance creative work with the unique needs of an animal welfare organization.
Columbus Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
