Communications Assistant

Description

Rare Book School (RBS), an educational nonprofit affiliated with the University of Virginia, is accepting applications for the role of Communications Assistant. The person in this role will be responsible for helping the Director of Communications & Outreach implement RBS’s communications, publicity, and outreach strategies.

RBS provides cutting-edge, specialized instruction vital for understanding and preserving artifacts central to our cultural heritage. Our organization offers a fast-paced, creative, and collaborative work environment located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and post content to social media; track and evaluate the effectiveness of social media campaigns
• Communicate regularly with RBS staff and stakeholders about publicity and other outreach efforts
• Design, edit, produce, and distribute print, electronic, and multimedia materials, including (but not limited to) advertisements, brochures, email newsletters, holiday mailings, video and audio recordings, and materials for students
• Assist with production and distribution of annual report, including (but not limited to) gathering materials, writing and editing content, and collaborating with RBS staff and external vendors
• Help maintain, update, and track analytics for the RBS website
• Assist with pre-planning of events and acting as on-site point person for event speakers and special guests
• Help coordinate and promote RBS’s presence at national book fairs (Boston, New York City, &c.); develop and implement strategy to integrate new contacts into outreach
• Assist with the creation, updating, and consistent use of the RBS style/branding guide and best practices
• Track RBS news alerts and media placements
• Assist with proper archiving of RBS print and digital materials
• Carry out other Communications-related duties as needed

Required Qualifications: 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to exercise high degree of professionalism when responding to inquiries and feedback from the RBS community
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks and deadlines; excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to problem-solve and use analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions
• Ability to follow through and see a project to the end (where possible)
• Willingness to learn new strategies and software, and take on new challenges
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

Required Skills:

• Minimum of two to three years of experience in a communications, marketing, publicity, or related role at a nonprofit or education-focused environment
• Proficient in social media posting and analytics (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud); familiarity with additional social media platforms and/or social media management tools (Buffer, HootSuite, HeyOrca, &c.) is a plus
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, graphic design tools (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Acrobat; experience with Canva is a plus)
• Copyediting experience

Preferred qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Close familiarity with one or more of the constituencies from which our students and faculty principally come (e.g., book history & bibliography, special collections librarianship, book arts, antiquarian bookselling, archives, digital humanities, and higher education)
• Thorough knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style
• Familiarity using iMovie and Mailchimp

Additional Information

• This is a 40-hour/week, non-exempt, benefited position. Annual salary ranges from $45,000 to $50,000, depending on experience. (A 32-hour schedule, with a commensurate salary, will be considered.) Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan, including employer’s matching contribution up to 5% (after one year); long-term disability; flexible work hours; and one free Rare Book School course.
• Some local travel and some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during specific times of the year. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license in favorable standing, or the ability to acquire these soon after being hired, are strongly preferred.

Rare Book School is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer as a nonprofit affiliated with the University of Virginia. RBS is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that embraces a richly diverse representation of human attributes, perspectives, and disciplines. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation. We champion an accessible, diverse, and inclusive learning environment and invite candidates to review Rare Book School’s Inclusive Excellence goals (see http://www.rarebookschool.org/inclusive-excellence-plan).

To apply, applicants should submit the following materials to Kim Curtis, Director of Communications & Outreach, at kim.curtis@virginia.edu:

• A cover letter discussing your qualifications and your interest in the position and the School
• A curriculum vitae or résumé
• Two brief professional writing samples (samples taken from social media and/or including graphic design elements are welcome)
• Email and phone contact information for at least three references, at least one of whom has served as your supervisor (we will not contact references until the offer stage)

In your cover letter, please address: 1) your competency and experience with regard to the responsibilities and desired qualifications; 2) why you are interested in working for Rare Book School; 3) your efforts to advance the values of diversity and belonging in your professional practice; and 4) when you will be available to begin, either remotely (until able to coordinate a move) or in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Review of applications will begin November 15; applications will remain open until the position is filled.

Job Duties

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and post content to social media; track and evaluate the effectiveness of social media campaigns
• Communicate regularly with RBS staff and stakeholders about publicity and other outreach efforts
• Design, edit, produce, and distribute print, electronic, and multimedia materials, including (but not limited to) advertisements, brochures, email newsletters, holiday mailings, video and audio recordings, and materials for students
• Assist with production and distribution of annual report, including (but not limited to) gathering materials, writing and editing content, and collaborating with RBS staff and external vendors
• Help maintain, update, and track analytics for the RBS website
• Assist with pre-planning of events and acting as on-site point person for event speakers and special guests
• Help coordinate and promote RBS’s presence at national book fairs (Boston, New York City, &c.); develop and implement strategy to integrate new contacts into outreach
• Assist with the creation, updating, and consistent use of the RBS style/branding guide and best practices
• Track RBS news alerts and media placements
• Assist with proper archiving of RBS print and digital materials
• Carry out other Communications-related duties as needed

Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of two to three years of experience in a communications, marketing, publicity, or related role at a nonprofit or education-focused environment
• Proficient in social media posting and analytics (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Soundcloud); familiarity with additional social media platforms and/or social media management tools (Buffer, HootSuite, HeyOrca, &c.) is a plus
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, WordPress, graphic design tools (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Acrobat; experience with Canva is a plus)
• Copyediting experience
• Close familiarity with one or more of the constituencies from which our students and faculty principally come (e.g., book history & bibliography, special collections librarianship, book arts, antiquarian bookselling, archives, digital humanities, and higher education)
• Thorough knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style
• Familiarity using iMovie and Mailchimp (or similar email marketing platform)

Work Schedule

9-5 M-F mostly; 16 hours available for WFH is the office policy. The position may include weekend work during the summer course sessions. The successful candidate will work in RBS’s Charlottesville, VA office. In-office or on-site work will be required, although we encourage flexibility in work schedules. 

Additional Info

• This is a 40-hour/week, non-exempt, benefited position. Annual salary ranges from $45,000 to $50,000, depending on experience. (A 32-hour schedule, with a commensurate salary, will be considered.) Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan, including employer’s matching contribution up to 5% (after one year); long-term disability; flexible work hours; and one free Rare Book School course.
• Some local travel and some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required during specific times of the year. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license in favorable standing, or the ability to acquire these soon after being hired, are strongly preferred.