Communications & Marketing Manager

Imagine!; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Imagine! is seeking a Communications & Marketing Manager to lead brand storytelling, communications, and marketing strategy. You will advise the CEO and Executive Team and ensure communications support for priorities, culture, reputation, fundraising, recruitment, advocacy, and program growth.

You will supervise the Marketing & Communications Coordinator and provide strategic direction, editorial oversight, and timely execution of communications across channels.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic judgment and exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills across formats and audiences.
• Ability to supervise and empower staff, set priorities, delegate effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in nonprofit, disability, or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise CEO and Executive Team on messaging, positioning, staff communications, media opportunities and issues.
• Develop and manage annual communications plan and content calendar tied to strategic priorities.
• Own external newsletter and internal staff communications: define audiences, cadence, themes, and metrics.
• Lead leadership communications, board updates, announcements, and crisis messaging.

Skills

Strategic judgment

Writing

Editing

Interviewing

Storytelling

Digital & print communications

Stakeholder management

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

None

Job description

The Communications & Marketing Manager leads Imagine!'s brand, storytelling, communications, and marketing strategy. The position helps people understand who Imagine! is, what we do, and how Imagine! partners with individuals with disabilities, families, staff, and partners to create a world of opportunities for all abilities. The Manager advises the CEO and Executive Team and ensures communications support for organizational priorities, culture, reputation, fundraising, recruitment, advocacy, and program growth.

This position supervises and develops the full-time Marketing & Communications Coordinator. The Manager sets priorities, provides strategic direction and editorial oversight, removes barriers, and empowers the Coordinator to create and deliver day-to-day communications and marketing content. The Manager remains accountable for the overall quality, consistency, effectiveness, and timely execution of communications efforts. The Manager is the lead for sensitive, high-stakes, and executive-level communications as needed.

Communications Leadership & Planning

• Serve as Imagine!'s communications leader, advising the CEO and Executive Team on messaging, positioning, staff communications, media opportunities, and issues affecting the organization.
• Develop and manage an annual communications plan and content calendar tied to Imagine!'s strategic priorities; establish a clear process to request, prioritize, approve, and schedule work across departments.
• Own the strategy, editorial direction, and quality of Imagine!'s external newsletter and regular internal staff communications. Define target audiences, publication cadence, key themes, and success metrics.
• Prepare and oversee leadership communications, board updates, major organizational announcements, and other time-sensitive messaging. Lead communications planning and response efforts for organizational issues, change initiatives, and crisis situations.

Imagine! Storytelling & Brand

• Define and steward a clear Imagine! narrative that connects Imagine!'s diverse services to our shared mission and shows the impact of support in people's everyday lives.
• Build relationships with people receiving services, families, direct support professionals, program leaders, and community partners to identify stories of choice, belonging, work, home, creativity, growth, and community.
• Guide interviews, photography, video, and written stories across channels. Ensure storytelling centers each person's voice, choice, and agency.
• Maintain a reusable story and content library for newsletters, recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, presentations, media, and partner communications.
• Maintain visual and written brand standards, templates, and key messages; ensure accessible, inclusive, consistent communications across internal and external channels.
• Partner with program leaders on audience‑specific marketing plans and materials that increase understanding of services, participation, partnerships, and responsible growth.
• Partner with the Imagine! Foundation to align fundraising, donor stewardship, events, grant communications, and impact storytelling with the organization's brand, voice, messaging, and strategic priorities.
• Support recruitment and workforce communications that accurately convey the contributions of staff and the meaning of direct support work.
• Manage media relations, press materials, community awareness efforts, and joint messages with partner organizations; prepare leaders and staff for public‑facing opportunities.
• Use website, email, social, campaign, and audience data to improve content, reach, engagement, and results.

Supervision & Workflow Management

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Marketing & Communications Coordinator; delegate clear outcomes, provide timely feedback, and support professional growth and independent execution.
• Manage the communications workflow, budget, vendors, and contractors; coordinate with teams to gather information and deliver work on schedule.
• Review high‑visibility materials for accuracy, accessibility, tone, brand alignment, and appropriate approvals before release.
• Coach and equip staff across Imagine! to identify, capture, and share meaningful stories that demonstrate the organization's mission and impact.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• Strong strategic judgment and exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills across formats and audiences.
• Ability to supervise and empower staff, set priorities, delegate effectively, and maintain accountability for quality and deadlines.
• Ability to build organizational narratives, stewarding a brand, and translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
• Ability to earn trust with people receiving services, families, staff, executives, board members, donors, and partners.
• Knowledge of digital and print communications, email newsletters, websites, social media, media relations, and performance measures.
• Sound judgment regarding consent, privacy, accessibility, sensitive topics, and crisis communications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and vendors and adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal vehicle with liability insurance that meets Imagine! standards.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communication, or related field required, Master's degree preferred.

Experience:

• 7 years' related experience required, preferably in nonprofit, disability, human services or other mission‑driven organizations or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
• Work is primarily performed in a typical office setting and at various locations in the community with extensive periods of time working at a computer sitting, standing, and bending.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.

Note:

• This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.
• Employment at Imagine! is at‑will, meaning that either the employee or Imagine! may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.