The Opportunity

MacDowell seeks a Communications Officer, Editorial & Social Content (CO-ESC) to produce and distribute engaging written content for print, digital, and social media platforms. As a core member of the Communications team, the CO-ESC will play a crucial role in connecting external stakeholders to MacDowell’s mission of supporting artists across disciplines.

The CO-ESC will join the organization at a time of intentional evolution and change, and will partner closely with the Director of Development & Communications (DDC), the Creative Director (CD), and the Digital Content Officer (CO-DC) to create and oversee email and social media campaigns, ensuring that MacDowell’s written communications are aligned with strategic goals and reflect the organization’s voice and values. The CO-ESC will stay informed of social media trends and best practices and use data analysis to understand and enhance audience engagement.

A successful CO-ESC possesses excellent writing and storytelling skills and feels at ease managing multiple projects in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment. The ideal candidate has experience managing social media accounts for a business or organization and has a portfolio of professional work that demonstrates proficiency writing across multiple formats, including feature stories, newsletter content, social media posts, and website copy.

This role is based in Peterborough, NH, with some flexibility for remote work, and reports to the DDC in New York.

Key Responsibilities:

EDITORIAL CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA

Write, edit, and produce content for multiple platforms, including email, newsletters, social media, website, marketing materials, and annual reports
Proofread and thoughtfully copyedit content across platforms
Work with the DDC and CD to plan and execute MacDowell’s social media strategy; manage the daily implementation of a social media calendar
In collaboration with the CO-DC, use compelling text, graphics, photography, audio, and video optimized for social media platforms and MacDowell’s website to:
Support the timely review, editing, and approval of content
Work with the DDC and CD on partnerships with organizations and individuals that will extend MacDowell’s social media reach and increase overall brand awareness
Field social media pitches from MacDowell staff, Fellows and external partners
Monitor online mentions of MacDowell and topics related to its mission; moderate conversations about MacDowell where appropriate, updating senior staff as needed
Monitor trends in web and social media tools and best practices
Track, measure, and report on social media metrics and campaign effectiveness; collaborate with Communications staff on website SEO
Collaborate with Development and Events staff on email and social media fundraising campaigns
Create and oversee digital paid promotions and ad campaigns

ORGANIZATIONAL

Work closely with Communications, Development, Admissions, and other staff departments to maintain a consistent narrative tone for email and website copy; assist with drafting and proofreading written material as needed
Produce and/or assign editorial content production to Communications, Events, Development, and Admissions staff for reports and materials published across platforms
Stay up to date on MacDowell Fellows news, tracking awards, publications, and other accomplishments; create summary reports for relevant departments

Qualifications and Skills:

3-5 years of relevant professional experience
Strong writing and proofreading skills; ability to follow a style guide and maintain an institutional voice
Demonstrated ability to produce compelling written copy across multiple platforms
Strong organization, scheduling, and communications skills are a must, as is the flexibility to smoothly pivot between tasks when needed
Strong ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, solve problems, and be resourceful and graceful under pressure
Expertise with social media platforms
Collaborative team player
Commitment to centering MacDowell’s values and culture of belonging in external communications
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite or similar graphic design software, and online content creation tools
Ability to create and edit photographs and short videos preferred
Openness to learning new systems and software

Physical Requirements:

Ability to regularly commute to the New Hampshire office
Ability to regularly lift 10 lbs. and up to 25 lbs.
Ability to sit or stand in front of a computer workstation for 40 hours/week
Ability to communicate effectively with staff members and other stakeholders by email, phone, virtually and in person
Valid driver’s license required
Some travel, evening, and weekend work may be required

Compensation

$24.04-$26.44/hour (~$50-55k/annual), based on experience; full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt, benefits include some remote work flexibility; health and dental insurance; life and short-term disability insurance; medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; employer contributions to a 403(b)-retirement account; paid family leave; and generous paid time off.

MacDowell’s Culture

Our staff is our greatest asset, and we strive towards a kind, equitable, and respectful work culture that values a diversity of perspectives and lived experiences.

To Apply:

Please email your cover letter, CV, and 3-4 short writing samples that demonstrate your ability to produce content for different types of platforms to Jenni Wu, Chief of Staff, at employment@macdowell.org by Friday, February 21, 2025. We will begin reviewing applications in late February and hope to fill the position for an April start date. Qualified applicants may be asked to participate in up to 4 virtual, hybrid, or in-person interviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MacDowell is committed to diversity and inclusion, and a more equitable arts and cultural sector. Black, Indigenous, people of color, and individuals from populations underrepresented in the arts and nonprofits are strongly encouraged to apply.

MacDowell is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

About MacDowell:

Composer Edward MacDowell and pianist Marian MacDowell founded MacDowell in 1907 to nurture the arts by offering creative individuals of the highest talent an inspiring environment in which to produce enduring works of the imagination. In 1997, MacDowell was honored with the National Medal of the Arts. Each year, MacDowell welcomes 300 architects, composers, filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, theatre artists, visual artists, and writers from across the United States and around the globe. More than 16,000 residencies have been awarded in the last 118 years. Recipients have included Ayad Akhtar, James Baldwin, Michael Chabon, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Louise Erdrich, Osvaldo Golijov, Cathy Park Hong, Glenn Ligon, Dee Rees, Vijay Seshadri, Ann Patchett, Colson Whitehead, and Julia Wolfe. Best-selling author and visual artist Nell Painter is the chairman of MacDowell’s Board of Directors.

MacDowell

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Communications Officer – Editorial & Social Content