Communications Coordinator
College Possible, Portland - Hybrid
About College Possible
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success organizations in the country, since 2000 College Possible has empowered more than 85,700 students on their path to earning a college degree. Its pioneering model matches eligible students with a near-peer coach and an evidence-based curriculum designed to help them overcome the most common barriers to getting into college and completing their degree - all at no cost to students or their families. Compared with their peers from similar backgrounds, College Possible students are 30% more likely to enroll in college the year after high school graduation, and three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree.
College Possible is a proud AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together to tackle the country's most pressing challenges through national service. Our AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service as College Possible coaches in communities throughout the country. Many represent the identities of the students they serve, and each brings a commitment to social justice and closing the college equity divide.
Our near-peer coaching model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has an annual operating budget of ~$33.5 million, more than 190 full-time employees and more than 245 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-2022 school year, we reached an estimated 25,700 students nationwide.
Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates: regional sites in Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; Saint Paul, MN; and Seattle, WA; as well as Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College Possible is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education.
Equal Opportunity Employer
College Possible is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals and conduct all possible activities in fully accessible settings. Alternative application formats are available upon request by contacting hr@collegepossible.org.
Your Role as a Communications Coordinator
We are seeking a marketing professional to drive our communications and brand strategy in support of our mission to help underserved students on their college journey. As the Communications Coordinator, you will execute our multi-faceted communications plan including brand management, social and digital media, print materials, media relations and speaking engagements. We are looking for a compelling storyteller who will play an integral role in fundraising communications to increase individual giving. This position will also work closely with the National MarCom team to customize the design, messaging and strategy for the Oregon audience.
Essential Job Functions
Content Creation:
- Lead the messaging and content marketing strategy for traditional and social media, including developing and soliciting content from stakeholders in our community.
- Create, implement and manage external communication efforts, including those created for development, program, advocacy and AmeriCorps recruitment.
- Develop content and messaging for student-facing (including alumni) materials in conjunction with the program team.
- Content creation, design and management for digital media platforms including website, email marketing and social media. Create talking points and speeches for executive leadership and board members.
Fundraising Communications:
- Partner with the development team to create effective donor materials, execute integrated campaigns and engage constituent networks in raising money to support the organization.
- Manage the production of all printed collateral aligned with brand standards.
- Monitor and analyze the performance of email marketing campaigns, website traffic and social media metrics, and provide regular reports to the team.
Public and media relations:
- Build and foster long-term working relationships with media, members of the community, foundation and government entities, and other organizations.
- Respond to media requests for information and facilitate media interviews with College Possible constituents.
- Actively pitch stories to media, promoting programs, people and initiatives; track and analyze media impressions.
- Work with executive director and development director to develop talking points for staff and students to testify for lobbying efforts at the State level.
Other Duties as Assigned
Education/Certifications/Licenses:
Bachelor's degree required
Related Work Experience:
- A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in communications, marketing, development or transferable related skills.
- Strong and demonstrated writing and editing skills through multiple formats including feature stories, website content, news articles, social media content, donor materials and email marketing campaigns.
- A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, consistently delivering high-quality communication materials in fast-paced environments.
- Experience creating marketing materials using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or similar platforms.
- Ability to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
- Experience with a variety of marketing communications channels including writing social media posts, video shooting and editing and photography with photo editing skills.
- Preferred experience in fundraising communications.
Computer/Software Skills:
- Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (or similar platform) required.
- Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud (or similar CRM/email marketing platform) and Canva.
- Understanding of and experience with data analytics preferred.
Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable with presenting and/or public speaking
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work in fast-paced work environment
- Relationship builder with the flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of others
- Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants, elected officials, community partners and other supporters
- Self-starter, able to work independently, and take initiative in a collaborate setting
- Enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Skilled at managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and handling potentially stressful situations professionally
- High energy, enthusiastic, strong commitment to public service and social justice
- Strategic thinker and problem-solver
What We Offer
In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:
- An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader state of Oregon
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program
- Personalized professional development and growth opportunities
To Join Our Growing College Possible Team
Please apply at: www.CollegePossible.org/careers
