Communications & Brand Coordinator

WaterFire Arts Center Gallery; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit arts organization in Rhode Island seeks a Communications & Brand Coordinator to lead its public-facing communications and marketing efforts. The successful candidate will develop strategies that align with WaterFire's mission, drive engagement through digital storytelling, and coordinate onsite activations. This role allows for significant creativity and impact, supporting a community-focused cultural initiative that enriches local experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in brand management or communications within a nonprofit setting.
• Strong skills in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent storytelling and content creation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop mission-aligned communications strategies across platforms.
• Produce visual storytelling content for social media.
• Manage customer communications across digital platforms.

Skills

Brand management

Marketing strategy

Project management

Storytelling

Social media strategy

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, design, communications, or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress)

Job description

Reports to: Laura Duclos, Director of Arts Programming & Communications

Position Summary

The Communications & Brand Coordinator drives WaterFire’s public-facing communications and marketing, ensuring all messaging and content align with our mission and reach targeted ecosystem audiences, including artists, community partners, funders, and cultural stakeholders. This role leads digital storytelling, audience engagement strategy, and brand consistency across platforms while coordinating onsite activations that reinforce the WaterFire experience.

Merchandising, retail, and event-based revenue responsibilities support this work but are secondary to the core focus: mission-aligned communications and audience engagement.

WaterFire Providence

WaterFire Providence is a nationally recognized leader in creative placemaking, dedicated to transforming communities through art and cultural experiences. For nearly 30 years, our nonprofit has brought life to Providence’s waterfront and downtown, fostering connections and community through our iconic installations and programs. The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) is our permanent home. It enables us to expand our impact with a multi-use space hosting arts and cultural events that enrich the community.

Joining our team offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of a mission-driven organization that thrives on community and relationship-based support. You’ll be part of a passionate group dedicated to using art to make Rhode Island a place where residents are proud to live and work, and visitors love to experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Content (Primary Focus)

• Develop and execute mission-aligned communications strategies across social media, email marketing, website, and other digital campaigns.
• Produce and oversee visual storytelling content, including photography, videography, and short-form video production for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
• Maintain and regularly update the WaterFire website, including event listings, exhibition pages, sponsor recognition, and press materials.
• Manage customer and visitor communications via digital platforms and social media inboxes, ensuring responsive, brand-consistent engagement.
• Shape messaging that supports WaterFire’s partners, funders, and broader cultural ecosystem.

Audience & Onsite Brand Activation (Supporting Focus)

• Oversee donation, merchandise, and information stations at large-scale WaterFire events, and at the WaterFire Arts Center.
• Coordinate, train, schedule, and manage interns, volunteers, and seasonal event staff to support onsite activations.
• Ensure all public-facing stations reflect consistent brand messaging, quality visitor engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Optimize retail (brick-and-mortar and online) and event-based sales platforms including inventory management, pricing strategy, and product presentation, to support earned revenue and reinforce audience connection.
• Collaborate with the Development team on fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and marketing strategy for the WaterFire Circle and other philanthropic initiatives, ensuring messaging aligns with mission and audience strategy.
• Track and analyze performance data related to audience engagement, digital reach, and earned income to inform strategy and decision making.
• Lead and coordinate support teams (interns, volunteers, seasonal staff), ensuring clear communication, accountability, and a strong public-facing presence.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure cohesive public messaging, consistent brand identity, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in brand management, marketing strategy, or communications, ideally within a nonprofit or arts/culture setting
• Strong skills in project management, team supervision, and cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent storytelling and content creation abilities; proficiency in social media strategy, email marketing, and visual communication
• Experience with video production, basic graphic design, and content editing (Adobe Creative Suite)
• Retail management experience, including merchandise strategy, online store platforms, and inventory systems, preferred but secondary
• Comfort with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress), and familiarity with CRM and donor communication tools are a plus
• Ability to work evenings/weekends for events; must be able to lift 50 lbs and have a valid driver’s license
• Creative, organized, and audience-focused, with a strong commitment to inclusion and mission-driven communications
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, design, communications, or related field preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish) candidates encouraged to apply

Application Process

Please apply within Indeed.com. No telephone calls or emails, please.

• All applying candidates must submit a resume, a brief cover letter, and a link to a portfolio or relevant design samples via Indeed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• WaterFire Providence is an equal-opportunity employer.

WaterFire Providence History

WaterFire®, the award-winning sculpture/event created by Barnaby Evans and installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing to life downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.

WaterFire first premiered 30 years ago, created as the private project of Evans, an independent artist. The community loved the work. After several years of successful stagings and in response to community demand, Evans partnered with an existing arts non-profit to continue to develop WaterFire and its role in the social and cultural landscape of Rhode Island. In June of 1999, WaterFire Providence was established as an independent 501(c)3 arts organization, with Evans as its founding Executive Director.

The WaterFire Arts Center, which opened its doors to the public in 2017, is a multi-use exhibition and event space located on Valley Street that includes the WaterFire staff offices, Wilbury Theatre, and classroom space for the Wheeler School CitySide program. Events in the space include galas, conferences, lectures, theater productions, exhibitions, expos, and private events.

The mission of WaterFire Providence is “to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement, and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.” WaterFire Providence has established itself as an internationally acclaimed work of art that has become the most popular arts event in the state.