The Communications Manager is responsible for advancing the Gulf Coast State College Foundation’s mission by leading marketing, storytelling, and donor engagement efforts that inspire giving and amplify the Foundation’s impact.

This position develops and implements a strategic marketing and media plan that complements the Foundation’s fundraising priorities, including major gifts, annual giving, and donor stewardship initiatives. The Communications Manager is directly responsible for generating $75,000 in new fundraising revenue in year one through targeted campaigns, social media outreach, and micro-giving efforts. Annual revenue goals will be established in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Donor Relations.

Approximately 80% of this role focuses on strategic communications and fundraising-driven content creation, with the remaining 20% supporting Foundation-led donor events and stewardship activities. This position reports to the Director of Donor Relations and works as part of a mission-driven team committed to expanding student access to education and creating life-changing opportunities through philanthropy.

Marketing, Communications & Storytelling (Approximately 80%)

• Develop and implement a mission-driven marketing, communications, and public relations plan to increase awareness of the Foundation’s impact, grow community engagement, and support fundraising goals.
• Design, manage, and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns—including social media, paid ads, direct mail, and video—with a first-year goal of raising $75,000 in new revenue.
• Build and manage the Foundation’s alumni engagement strategy, including growing contact databases, developing email marketing, newsletters, digital content, and social media groups to strengthen alumni relationships and inspire giving.
• Lead the Foundation’s email marketing efforts, overseeing list development, content creation, and regular donor, alumni, and community communications through platforms such as Constant Contact.
• Expand media outreach by building and maintaining media contact lists, writing press releases, cultivating relationships, and securing earned media to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission and success stories.
• Plan and execute public relations efforts—including media tours, press briefings, and strategic visibility initiatives—in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Donor Relations.
• Produce consistent, high-quality marketing materials, donor appeals, impact reports, event invitations, and stewardship communications aligned with the Foundation’s fundraising priorities.
• Maintain and grow the Foundation’s online presence, including website content, social media platforms, and digital storytelling that inspires giving and reflects the Foundation’s mission.
• Identify and share compelling stories of student success, alumni achievements, and donor impact to strengthen the Foundation’s case for support.
• Track and report marketing performance, campaign results, audience growth, and paid campaign outcomes through monthly reports that demonstrate progress toward engagement and revenue targets.
• Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging and brand standards across all Foundation communications and platforms.

• Assist with the planning, promotion, and execution of Foundation-led fundraising events, donor stewardship activities, and recognition events, ensuring they complement marketing and donor engagement strategies.
• Support event logistics including development of promotional materials, registration processes, donor recognition elements, and on-site coordination.
• Serve as a storyteller and brand ambassador during events, capturing photography, video, and content that can be leveraged for ongoing donor communications and impact storytelling.

• OTHER DUTIES:

  Fully participate in Foundation committees events, and special projects as appropriate

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field preferred. Master’s degree is a plus but not required.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to craft mission-driven, donor-focused messaging that inspires giving and builds community awareness.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with Foundation staff, donors, and community partners.
• Proficiency in graphic design and marketing tools, including Canvas, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience managing social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for brand awareness, donor engagement, and fundraising campaigns.
• Familiarity with basic video editing software (such as iMovie, Canvas video tools, or similar platforms) preferred but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities with attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work that reflects the Foundation’s mission and brand.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, in support of Foundation events, donor activities, or time-sensitive campaigns.
• Professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic are essential to succeed in this role.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally on Foundation business; must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the environment is moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, and hear.  The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, and feel.  The employee is regularly required to walk and reach with hands and arms.  The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to forty (40) pounds and climb/balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.  The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus, as well as ability to determine the color of objects.

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.