Now Hiring: Communications Specialist

ByKel Lyle

Status: Part-time (hourly, non-exempt, anticipated 10-15 hours per week)

Location: Remote

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: $25-28/hour, commensurate with experience

About Clarion West

Clarion West is a 501(c)(3) non-profit speculative fiction writers organization focused on helping writers become successful, fostering greater equity and inclusion in the speculative fiction world, and bringing writers and readers together. Clarion West is best known for our residential six-week workshop held every summer consecutively since 1984. We also host one-day, weekend, and online workshops year-round and events that bring writers and readers together. 

Mission: We support emerging and underrepresented voices by providing writers with world-class instruction to empower their creation of wild and amazing worlds. Through conversation and public engagement, we bring those voices to an ever-expanding community. 

Although there are fine science fiction and fantasy writers of all ethnicities, races, and genders, historically the field has reflected the same prejudices found in the culture around it, leading to proportionately fewer successful women and LGBTQIA+ writers, writers of color, and writers from marginalized backgrounds. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

Position Overview

The Communications Coordinator position is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong skills in writing, editing, graphic design, and content strategy to support a variety of projects at Clarion West. This position will work collaboratively with a close-knit team to develop content for a variety of platforms, predominantly digital, and help raise awareness of Clarion West’s programs for writers, our larger community, and our donors. 

This is a remote, part-time position and reports to the Executive Director, working closely with the entire team. Hours are flexible and will vary by season between 40-60 hours per month. The starting range is $25-28 per hour, commensurate with experience.  

Overall Responsibilities

Clarion West is seeking someone to help update and maintain our brand identity and stylistic standards across a variety of platforms and assets (including both print and digital); update content and/or assist and facilitate timelines for others to do so; plan and manage the communications schedule year-round; and coordinate with staff, board members, and contractors to complete the plan.

The position also writes or coordinates with other team members to write communications pieces, edits, and produces content for communications, including fact sheets, articles, annual reports, marketing brochures, advertisements, email marketing, presentations, website, and social media.

Job Duties

  • Manage assigned communications and digital projects or tasks from start to finish including promotional campaigns, community outreach, and assistance with fundraising campaigns;
  • Coordinate the annual communications and marketing calendar with all staff & the communications committee, ensuring that our social media outlets have consistent and relevant updates, including Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, Discord, and LinkedIn;
  • Regularly update Clarion West’s website with relevant content and work closely with Website Manager to ensure functionality and timely integrations; 
  • Produce Clarion West’s weekly e-newsletter,  i.e., gather/write content for articles, edit/proof submissions, include graphics/photos and calendar updates;
  • Offers creative ideas and contributes to group brainstorming and critical thinking sessions.
  • Create designs on Canva to produce online ads, social media banners, email templates, flyers/posters, print newsletters, and annual appeals;
  • Coordinate photo opportunities with photographers and staff, including staying updated on names, pronouns, and permission to use likeness;
  • Maintain communications, updates, and information about alumni success and publications; 
  • Manage Bookshop.org listing and any additional sales content on other sites;
  • Oversee brand across multiple platforms; 
  • Other tasks, as they arise. 

Skills

  • A solid understanding of the latest communications & marketing trends, tools, and techniques.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have a passion for communications and marketing for creative audiences.
  • Must have an understanding of best practices around accessibility in written and graphics-based communications.
  • Outstanding organizational abilities.
  • Demonstrated empathy and ability to exercise discretion and judgement for working with diverse groups, both externally and internally within the organization required. 

Education and Experience

  • An undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or similar field or equivalent experience preferred. Applicants who are currently working on a degree are welcome to apply. 
  • Demonstrated experience/success in marketing and communications.

Systems Knowledge/Experience

Familiarity with marketing computer software and platforms, including Word, Excel, Google Drive, team software, CRM software/fundraising software, Canva, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Youtube, or similar preferred. 

Application Process

To be considered for this opportunity, submit a letter of interest outlining your qualifications for the position and a resume to . Please include your cover letter and resume as PDF attachments to your email and list the position title in the subject line of the email.

Closing Date: Open until filled

Equal Opportunity 

Clarion West is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or other non-related work factor as protected by law.