Position Description

Reports To: Development & Communications Director
Status: Full-Time / Exempt
Location: St. Louis, MO (Delmar Maker District)

About Craft Alliance

Founded in 1964, Craft Alliance is a nonprofit art center with a mission of building community through craft. Located in the vibrant Delmar Maker District of St. Louis, Missouri, Craft Alliance offers world-class exhibitions, education classes for all skill levels, free community programs, and artist residencies.

Position Summary

The Marketing & Communications Manager deepens the connection between our community and the inspiring mission of Craft Alliance. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing plans to raise organizational awareness, engage potential donors, drive fundraising efforts, and boost enrollment across our specialized studio programs. Managing a variety of channels—including digital media, social media, website content, press relations, and events—the Manager ensures consistent, compelling brand messaging across all platforms.

Roles & Responsibilities

Marketing, Advertising & Strategic Planning

Strategy Execution: Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Data-Driven Insight: Conduct market research to identify target audiences and create annual plans with measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Budget Management: Track, manage, and co-create the Marketing & Advertising portion of the annual budget in coordination with the Development & Communications Director.
Program Promotion: Collaborate closely with the Development & Communications Director and the Education & Programs Director to highlight selected classes, camps, studio programs, and outreach events to drive attendance and brand awareness.

Content Creation & Digital Marketing

Storytelling: Generate engaging narrative content across platforms (website, social media, newsletters, press releases, collateral, and blogs) that highlights the measurable impact of Craft Alliance programs.
Collateral Production: Manage the production of marketing assets, including brochures, flyers, digital signage, and annual reports.
Digital Infrastructure: Oversee the organization’s website content updates and execute high-engagement social media campaigns.
Email & Inbound Marketing: Manage segmented email campaigns for donor solicitation, student acquisition, retention, and fundraising appeals.
Community Listings: Maintain timely postings on third-party websites and community calendars concerning Craft Alliance events, activities, and camps.

Public Relations & Event Management

Media Relations: Build and sustain relationships with media outlets to secure positive press coverage; develop and pitch compelling story ideas to journalists.
Crisis Communications: Assist leadership with crisis communications and messaging, if needed, as required.
Event Activation: Partner with the Development Team to plan, promote, and execute fundraising events, galas, and awareness-raising activities.

Donor Engagement & Internal Alignment

Stewardship: Create personalized communication strategies to nurture prospect and donor relationships; draft compelling appeals and stewardship reports.
Internal Communications: Ensure timely internal updates to staff and board members regarding upcoming organizational milestones, programs, and events.
Culture of Philanthropy: Foster a collaborative environment that seamlessly integrates advancement goals with Craft Alliance’s studio and community programming.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field, alongside proven experience in nonprofit marketing and communications.
Core Skills: Exceptional writing, copyediting, and storytelling skills; a strong eye for graphic design principles and brand integrity.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with digital marketing tools, CRMs, social media management suites, and email marketing platforms. Familiarity with leveraging AI tools for workflow efficiency and content generation is a plus.
Donor Literacy: Experience creating donor-facing materials is highly desirable; a willingness to actively contribute to fundraising copywriting is essential.
Adaptability: Proven ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams. Take on additional duties as assigned.
Discretion: Unfailing discretion and attention to detail when managing sensitive donor data and information.
Schedule: Ability to work occasional evening, weekend, or holiday hours to support major events or program launches.

Personal Characteristics & Work Style

A sincere passion for the arts and a deep understanding of Craft Alliance’s position in the cultural community.
A collaborative, engaging communication style capable of connecting with diverse stakeholders, including artists, faculty, donors, board members, and community partners.
A solution-oriented, proactive mindset focused on execution, impact, and organizational excellence.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement

Craft Alliance is committed to embracing diversity in all its forms, fostering an inclusive work environment where a wide range of characteristics, backgrounds, and perspectives thrive. We believe that by valuing and leveraging this diversity, we drive innovation, creativity, and organizational success. We strive to promote diversity and inclusion on our board, among our staff and volunteers, and throughout our programming.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Research shows that people from historically excluded communities often apply to jobs only when they check every single box. If you are reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your unique lived experience, skills, and passion set you apart.

To Apply

Please forward a single PDF containing the following materials:

* A cover letter outlining your skills as they relate to this position
* A current resume
* A professional writing sample
* Three professional references (will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist)
Submit your application via email to Bryan Knicely at bryan.knicely@craftalliance.org with the subject line “Marketing & Communications Manager Application.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.