
Manager of Communications and Engagement
About the Organization
Canterbury Shaker Village is dedicated to preserving the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learning, reflection, and renewal.
Canterbury Shaker Village, Inc., is an internationally-known non-profit museum founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Canterbury Shakers. Designated as a National Historic Landmark for its architectural integrity and significance, the Village has 25 restored original Shaker buildings, 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings, and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails, and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Tours, programs, exhibits, and events help visitors chart their own journey of simplicity, caring, and community.
About the Job
Job Summary:
As a member of the Canterbury Shaker Village Development department, the Manager of Communications and Engagement will lead the strategic process to communicate our mission, programs, and impacts to various audiences, encouraging visitation, building relationships, raising awareness, garnering support, and encouraging active participation from potential donors, volunteers, and community members.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain a plan for the cultivation and engagement of all constituents, from visitors, attendees and local residents to members and annual donors, as well as leadership, major, and principal giving prospects.
- Identify and understand different groups of stakeholders and tailor communications accordingly.
- Oversee the organization’s message development, ensuring clear, compelling, and impactful messaging that aligns with the organization’s values and resonates with target audiences.
- Share impactful stories of the organization’s work, highlighting success stories and the positive impact of CSV.
- Advertise regular and special programs, activities, and events.
- Effectively communicate volunteer opportunities, providing clear expectations to engage and retain volunteers.
- Assist in cultivating long-term relationships with donors through regular updates, personalized communications, and opportunities for deeper involvement.
- Work with prospect managers (staff, consultants, and volunteers) to facilitate regular, meaningful communication with donors per their donor experience plans.
- Manage the CSV communication plan and calendar, using various channels to provide information to and engage with multiple constituencies effectively.
- Maintain an engaging website with content that clearly communicates CSV’s mission, programs, and impact.
- Regularly send informative emails to subscribers with news, updates, and donation appeals.
- Work with other staff to share updates, stories, and calls to action via social media.
- Actively engage with the community through events, workshops, and other interactions and communications to build relationships and foster support.
- Lead efforts to follow up with constituents after events.
- Maintain a positive public image for CSV by addressing concerns promptly and proactively managing communications.
- Take on other responsibilities, as requested.
- Provide support to special campaigns
Qualifications:
- Education and Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher degree in communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field is preferred.
- Two or more years of experience in communications- or customer service-related field preferred.
- Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to: craft clear, concise, and engaging content for various platforms, tailoring communication styles to different audiences and situations; present information effectively in person and during virtual meetings; and understand and respond effectively to diverse perspectives.
- Proficiency in using digital communication platforms and tools.
- Ability to use data to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts and make data-drive decisions.
- Understand how communication efforts contribute to organizational success, and how to align communication efforts with organizational goals.
- Exemplary organizational and time management skills. Must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- Good interpersonal skills, with a good track record of maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong work ethics and ability to follow multi-step instructions and work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work with precision.
- Ability to adapt and adjust to changing circumstances and priorities.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Executive Director Erin Hammerstedt at ehammerstedt@shakers.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.