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Job Description
Communications & Storytelling Manager Detroit College Access Network Detroit, MI Job Details Part-time $42 - $48 an hour 3 hours ago Qualifications Teamwork WordPress Writing skills Social media content Bachelor's degree Attention to detail Communications Full Job Description Organization Overview The Detroit College Access Network (DCAN) is a collaborative network of local schools, organizations, and community partners working to make a college degree or credential a reality for all Detroit students. DCAN builds a college-going culture through community campaigns, equips students with the resources to pursue postsecondary options that match their passions and goals, and provides professional development for the college access advisors who guide them along the way. Position Summary DCAN seeks a creative, strategic, and highly organized Communications & Storytelling Manager to elevate the visibility of our work and amplify the stories of Detroit students, families, schools, and community partners. This position is ideal for a communications professional who understands that storytelling is more than marketing. The successful candidate will help shape how DCAN communicates its mission, celebrates student success, engages partners, and strengthens its position as a leading voice in college access, persistence, and degree attainment. The Communications & Storytelling Manager will work closely with the Executive Director, staff, and external partners to develop compelling content, manage communications channels, support media engagement, and ensure a consistent brand presence across all platforms. Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications (25%) Develop and execute an annual communications strategy aligned with organizational goals. Create communications plans for major initiatives, campaigns, events, and announcements. Identify opportunities to elevate DCAN's visibility locally, statewide, and nationally. Monitor communications metrics and recommend improvements. Storytelling & Content Development (30%) Capture and share student, alumni, school, and partner success stories. Write blogs, impact stories, newsletters, annual report content, and website copy. Develop content highlighting college access, persistence, and workforce success. Conduct interviews and gather testimonials from stakeholders. Social Media & Digital Engagement (20%) Manage DCAN's social media presence across platforms. Create culturally relevant, engaging content that reflects Detroit's strengths and diversity. Develop content calendars and coordinate posting schedules. Track engagement and audience growth. Media & Public Relations (10%) Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points. Cultivate relationships with local and regional media outlets. Coordinate media opportunities for DCAN leadership and events. Monitor education and nonprofit news relevant to DCAN's work. Brand Management (10%) Ensure consistency in DCAN's visual identity and messaging. Support creation of marketing collateral and event materials. Maintain photo and video libraries. Collaborate with external vendors and designers as needed. Internal Communications & Special Projects (5%) Support staff communications and organizational announcements. Assist with board communications and presentations. Provide communications support for grant reports and funder updates. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. 5+ years of communications, storytelling, public relations, or nonprofit communications experience. Exceptional writing, editing, and interviewing skills. Strong understanding of social media strategy and digital engagement. Experience capturing and elevating community-centered stories. Familiarity with Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, Constant Contact, or similar platforms. Photography and video storytelling experience preferred. Knowledge of Detroit communities and educational equity issues strongly preferred.
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate:
Is an excellent writer who can quickly turn conversations into compelling stories. Understands how to communicate with students, families, educators, funders, policymakers, and community leaders. Is comfortable working independently and managing multiple projects. Brings creativity, initiative, and strong attention to detail. Understands the importance of culturally responsive storytelling. Can walk into a Decision Day, FAFSA event, graduation, or community gathering and leave with enough content for a month of communications. Success After One Year Within the first year, the Communications & Storytelling Manager will have: Increased engagement across DCAN communication channels. Established a consistent storytelling pipeline highlighting students and partners. Strengthened DCAN's media presence. Supported successful communications for major initiatives including Graduate 313, DASC, Summer STEP, Decision Day, and Graduate 313's community hubs. Positioned DCAN as one of Detroit's leading voices on college access and student success.
Pay:
$42.00 - $48.00 per hour Application Question(s): Familiarity with Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, Constant Contact, or similar platforms Describe your experience with social media strategy and digital engagement?