Full Time Communications Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Communications Manager

Job Classification: Full-Time

Reports to: Managing Director, Development and Communications

Location: LEAP HQ- 535 8th Avenue, FL 11, NY, NY 10018

Job Type: Hybrid (2 days In-Office, 3 days Remote)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $70,000 (non-negotiable)

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:00pm)

Weekly Hours/ Week: 35

At LEAP, we don't just build great programs - we build a great place to work. You'll thrive here if you're excited to be part of a mission-driven, people-centered, and joy-filled team.

We are:

  Community-oriented, believing in a shared moral responsibility

  Creative, flexible, and open-minded
Collaborative and mission driven
Accountable to ourselves, each other, and our goals

  Committed to feedback and clear, consistent communication
Champions of a compassionate and inclusive culture

  Supporters of self-care and the well-being of others
And above all... FUN!

At LEAP, you'll be empowered to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact - all while being part of a community that values who you are and what you bring.

The Communications Manager will be part of the Development and Communications team and will report to LEAP's Managing Director, Development and Communications. In this role, you will partner closely with the Managing Director to develop and execute communications strategies that advance LEAP's mission, amplify its impact, and strengthen awareness and engagement across key audiences.

This is a hands-on role that combines strategic thinking with strong execution skills, particularly around content development, proactive storytelling, and media engagement. You will manage communications initiatives that connect audiences with LEAP's programs, people, and purpose, developing compelling, mission-driven messaging and integrated campaigns across media, digital, social, and internal channels. Collaborating across teams and with external partners, you will translate LEAP's work into authentic, clear stories that inspire action, build trust, and strengthen the organization's voice.

This role builds awareness and engagement around LEAP's work by leading:

• Graphic Design: Create engaging visual assets for digital, print, and social media communications using Canva or other design tools. 

• Email Marketing: Plan and execute email marketing campaigns to support membership, programs, and fundraising goals.

• eNews: Produce and distribute the month eNews, coordinating content from across the organization.

• Website: Maintain and update website content, ensuring accuracy and alignment with current programming and campaigns.

• Social Media: Manage a modern, engaged presence across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn, incorporating video and current trends to grow base audience.

• Measurement: Track performance across email, eNews, website, and social channels; report results to inform strategy.

• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work with Programs leads to source content from events, programs, and existing video assets.

• Develop and execute LEAP's annual communications strategy across digital, print, and earned media channels

• Create and manage content for social media, newsletters, website, blog, and campaign materials to ensure consistent brand voice and messaging

• Lead storytelling efforts by gathering, writing, and sharing impact stories that highlight programs, participants, and outcomes

• Manage press outreach and media relations, including drafting pitches, press releases, and briefing materials for key initiatives and events

• Track and analyze communications performance metrics to inform strategy and improve engagement across audiences

• Travel to school sites across and attend LEAP events to capture content that showcase the organization's impact.

You're a strategic and creative communications professional with strong writing and storytelling skills, and the ability to translate complex ideas and program impact into compelling content for diverse audiences. You bring experience developing multi-channel communications strategies, managing media and digital content, and using data and audience insights to strengthen engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• 2-4 years of marketing/communications experience, nonprofit preferred

• Proficiency with email marketing platforms and social media management/scheduling tools

• Hands-on experience creating and posting video and visual content (short-form video for TikTok/Instagram Reels/YouTube Shorts, graphics, photo editing), not just scheduling, but producing the content itself

• Demonstrated social media engagement skills, responding to comments/messages, building community, identifying trends, and adapting content to platform-specific audiences

• Strong writing skills; comfort with basic website CMS editing

• Basic video editing software proficiency (e.g., CapCut, Adobe Premiere/Rush, Canva Video

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Pre-employment screening is required for this position, including but not limited to criminal history checks by regulating agencies as needed per placement. 

WE ARE AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Please note: In accordance with organizational policy, LEAP does not sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.