EXPERIENCE CAMPS, INC.

Communications Manager

Experience Camps is a national nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through no-cost summer camps, year-round programs, and a culture-shifting movement to normalize childhood grief. Our vision is a world where every grieving child has the support they need to thrive.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Communications Manager plays a critical role in ensuring Experience Camps’ visibility and engagement in order to drive awareness, community growth, and fundraising support for childhood grief.

This person is the day-to-day owner of our external communications engine: they develop and implement strategic communications plans, manage core content channels (email, blog, website publishing, and select campaigns), and help ensure that the story and voice of Experience Camps are shared creatively, meaningfully, and on-brand across audiences.

The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller and strategic thinker who is equally comfortable drafting and publishing content across Marketing, Innovation, Programs, and Development to bring campaigns and projects to life.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list.  Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned:

STRATEGY & PLANNING

• Develop and implement integrated communications plans for key audiences (donors, partners, volunteers, caregivers, general public), aligned with organizational goals and the broader marketing strategy.
• Partner closely with the Marketing & Innovation teams on content campaigns (e.g., themed content series, issue-focused campaigns) to ensure there is a clear narrative arc, channel plan, and timeline.
• Maintain and regularly update a master communications calendar across channels (email, blog, website, social in partnership with the social team, and key events).

CONTENT CREATION & STORYTELLING

• Lead the collection and creation of content that informs, inspires, and connects people to our mission, including (but not limited to):
  • e-mail newsletters and campaigns
  • website and blog content (including posting in WordPress)
  • donor and impact stories
  • program stories and camper/volunteer highlights
  • campaign landing pages and basic program collateral
• Serve as a primary organizational storyteller, writing in a voice that is optimistic, fun, inclusive, empathetic, and essential, while honoring the sensitivity of grief.
• Collaborate with internal partners (Programs, Innovation, Development, etc.) to translate complex or clinical concepts into accessible, engaging content for external audiences.

WEBSITE & BLOG PUBLISHING

• Own the publishing process for blog and website content (primarily via WordPress), ensuring posts are accurate, on-brand, optimized for readability, and aligned with current priorities.
• Create and maintain simple, repeatable processes and documentation so others can contribute content as needed (e.g., “how to” guides and screen-recorded walkthroughs).

PARTNERSHIPS, OUTREACH & PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Manage and nurture relationships with relevant and influential communications partners (media contacts, platforms, and content collaborators) to extend our reach.
• Respond to inbound requests from local media markets as needed.
• Identify and recommend new outreach opportunities (e.g., partner content, guest pieces, podcasts, webinars) to share resources, research, and organizational knowledge and support broader advocacy for childhood grief.
  • Note: This role partners with leadership and/or agencies on larger PR plays; it is not a pure media-pitching role.

INCLUSION & VOICE

• Communicate with a deep awareness of and respect for diverse audiences and our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Ensure that our stories and images reflect the diversity of our campers, families, volunteers, and staff.

EXPECTATIONS & COMPENSATION

• 40 hours/week (standard schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 9-5/10-6 ET, depending on location) with flexible hours to account for calls and meetings in the evenings
• Primarily remote position with occasional in-person requirements. This role includes periodic travel to the Westport, CT office for team collaboration, as well as in-person participation at certain programs and events. Full on-site availability is required during camp weeks in July and August, along with occasional travel throughout the year for scheduled events and meetings. 
• Annual base salary range: $65,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience
• In addition to the annual base salary, Experience Camps offers a benefits package for full-time employees including employer-subsidized health, wellness, and technology benefits; a healthcare concierge service; flexible work scheduling; telecommuting; paid holidays; and PTO, bereavement, and parental leave offerings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of relevant professional experience in communications and/or marketing, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field, such as journalism, public relations, or communications is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; good interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Proven experience designing and implementing successful strategic communications plans; developing content for various audiences, and knowledge of digital engagement best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while managing deadlines.
• An exceptional story-teller.
• Graphic design experience and familiarity with WordPress are a plus. 
• Values and actions reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Passion for the mission of Experience Camps.

MORE ABOUT THE RIGHT FIT

• A desire to truly own your actions, decisions, responsibilities, and outcomes as part of a highly effective and accountable leadership team
• A multi-tasker, capable of balancing several projects and delivering on tight timelines
• Adaptable, strong listener, comfortable providing feedback, and holding others accountable in a clear and constructive manner
• People-oriented, high emotional intelligence, relationship builder, empathetic, works well with people of all identities
• Able to think ahead and catch problems before they arise

ABOUT OUR TEAM
We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take the work very seriously. We laugh a lot. We live by the values. We love what we do. We take our vacation days and believe in self-care. We are a unique blend of strengths and personalities and we seek to understand each other. We get downright giddy at the mention of camp.

OUR CORE VALUES: C.A.M.P.

• Come As You Are (unless you’re a jerk): Bring your unique voice and your authentic self to the table. Have an open mind and respect the value in other perspectives.
• Always FTK: Stay true to the mission and focus on the outcomes. Above all else, we are here “For The Kids”.
• Make it Count: Whatever you do, do it well. Inspire others through your actions. Lead with passion. Love what you do.
• Pass the Squeeze: Offer support when it’s needed. Accept support when it’s offered. Be a team player.