Communications Manager

Are you a creative storyteller who loves building community through words, visuals, and strategy? Do you thrive on connecting people to purpose through powerful marketing and communication? Downtown Wabash, Inc. invites you to join our team as our next Communications Manager .

Since 1981, Downtown Wabash, Inc.—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—has been the driving force behind the revitalization of historic downtown Wabash, Indiana. As one of only twelve Indiana Cultural Districts, we celebrate the perfect blend of art, culture, and community spirit. From world-class performing arts to charming boutiques and iconic architecture, Downtown Wabash is where creativity and community come together.

As Communications Manager, you’ll be the voice and visual storyteller of Downtown Wabash, Inc. You will report to the executive director and oversee all aspects of marketing and communications—from digital content and media relations to assisting with crafting donor outreach and storytelling—ensuring that our message inspires residents, visitors, and supporters alike. You will work alongside the executive director, staff, board members, community partners and volunteers to help build a downtown district that is vibrant, every day and night.

Marketing & Content Creation

• Develop, manage, and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy that promotes Downtown Wabash, Inc. and its campaigns, events, partners and initiatives.
• Create engaging content for social media, newsletters, blogs, press releases and community announcements that align with the organization’s mission and brand.
• Design visual assets such as flyers, advertisements, sponsorship packets, annual reports and digital graphics using design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Manage social media accounts and website content to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with brand standards in order to amplify messaging and engagement.
• Capture and curate photography and video content to tell the story of downtown vibrancy.

Public Relations & Fundraising Communications

• Serve as the media contact for Downtown Wabash, cultivating relationships with local and regional press.
• Partner with the Executive Director to align communications with fundraising goals and grant initiatives.
• Create donor and sponsor outreach materials, including annual appeals, sponsorship packets, and recognition campaigns.
• Maintain consistent communication with supporters through personalized messages and impact stories.

Administrative & Data Management

• Track marketing analytics, social media engagement, and email performance to measure success and guide future strategy.
• Develop and distribute surveys to assess community engagement, event satisfaction, and program impact.
• Maintain communication databases and ensure accurate tracking of donor, sponsor, and volunteer information.

Event Management & Office Duties

• Provide support with event planning, event management, and volunteer coordination for events such as Farmers Markets and First Fridays.
• Regularly communicate with the executive director and other staff/interns on projects and work cross functionally on projects as needed.
• Manage the reception area as needed – answering phones, assisting guests, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in content creation, social media management, and public relations (nonprofit or community development experience a plus).
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills with an eye for design and storytelling.
• Proficiency in marketing tools and software (e.g., Canva, Meta Business Suite, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics).
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.
• Passionate about community development, small business promotion, and local storytelling.
• Experience in web design or willing to attend training.
• Team player who enjoys collaborating on projects with multiple stakeholders and various timelines.

Position