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Federation Job Openings

Communications Manger

Annual salary range: $75,959 – $82,000 

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Engagement & Impact

Hours: Typical office hours in the Eastern Time zone, with some flexibility available 

Location: Remote with optional 1-3 days in the Arlington, VA office (if local); out-of-state travel required up to 4 times a year, ranging 1-5 days 

Benefits: PTO; health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance, 403(b) employer contribution after 6 months of employment 

Application deadline: August 2, 2024 

Organization Overview: Founded in 1977, the Federation of State Humanities Councils (”Federation”) is a 501(c)(3) and the national membership organization for the state and jurisdictional humanities councils. Rooted in the distinctive places and people they serve, the councils are independent nonprofit organizations that conduct and fund public humanities programs, engaging millions of people in community and civic life. The councils are funded in part by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).  The Federation serves the councils by fostering connections and deepening their networks, providing resources and capacity-sharing opportunities, acting as a liaison with the NEH, and advocating to Congress for federal funding. 

Position Summary: The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of both internal and external communication strategies. The Manager provides vital internal support to all areas of the membership-based organization as the Federation pursues the goals of its new Strategic Plan, building on its capacity to support and strengthen its member state and jurisdictional humanities councils. 

Mission 

The Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy. 

The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s mission by ensuring the organization’s work and strategic priority areas (advocacy, NEH relationship, member resources, and leading with equity) benefit from a coordinated and cohesive communications strategy. The Manager will manage, write, and edit external and internal communications with direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact and collaboration with other staff. 

Vision 

We envision a fully-resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a just future. 

The Communications Manager will support the Federation’s vision by using language and technology to help the organization advocate for Federal funds for member councils, strengthen the relationship with NEH, and strengthen members’ sense of community and the connectedness of the humanities council network. 

Values 

All team members are expected to center the Federation’s values in their work. In support of our history, mission, and vision, the Federation seeks to embody and promote: 

  • Accountability. We take responsibility for our journey of becoming an equitable organization and commit to taking action for positive change in all aspects of our work with members and external stakeholders.  
  • Inclusion. We expand access, remove barriers to participation, and intentionally invite participation from historically marginalized people and all communities.  
  • Service. We serve members by providing valuable resources, guidance, information, expertise, convenings, and advocacy that reflects their diverse interests, needs, and concerns.  
  • Transparency.  We invite shared decision-making and collaboration through openness and clarity with our stakeholders.  
  • Understanding. We participate in active listening, purposeful interactions, and reflective practices. 

Key Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

Communications Strategy (35%) 

  • With strategic direction from the Director of Engagement & Impact, manage all deadlines and workflows of the annual communications plan, which includes the editorial calendar 
  • Develop and implement the Federation’s communications strategy through collaboration with the Federation team, key stakeholders, and partners 
  • Produce overarching messaging and framing for Federation content 
  • Assist the Director of Engagement & Impact with the workflows for longer-form content, such as annual reports and research reports 
  • In coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, regularly review, capture, and analyze data to inform the Federation’s communication strategy and impact reporting 
  • Monitor for high-impact news and opportunities to highlight councils and the Federation in external media outlets (i.e. newsletters, websites, articles, Letters to the Editor, etc.) 

Messaging (30%) 

  • Manage website content: write, edit, and/or schedule website copy and spearhead and manage the process of adding ADA tools to the website 
  • Write and edit Member and Federation Wiki content 
  • Organize the drafting, content collection, and layout of Federation newsletters, announcements, press releases, blog posts, quotes, event emails, and other emails as assigned 
  • Collaborate with Events team on event newsletters 
  • With the Federation team, develop the public voice of the brand and style guides for all public relations, promotions, and events 
  • In coordination with the Director of Engagement & Impact, optimize messaging to support the organization’s goals 

Social Media (20%) 

  • Draft, edit copy, build, and schedule social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) 
  • Manage all deadlines and workflows for the Federation social media calendar (part of the overall editorial calendar) 
  • Design initiatives and curate content to highlight council programs and Federation activities 
  • Optimize and track the Federation’s social presence to support the organization’s goals, including use of Google Analytics 

Cross-Cutting Responsibilities (15%) 

  • Serve as primary contact with communications vendors (i.e. website designers, Constant Contact, Google Analytics) 
  • Serve as the Federation’s contact for council communications officers and the Comms/Devs member network, and respond to member requests about the Federation’s communications channels and tools 
  • As directed by the President, maintain regular, professional communication with Federation board and take minutes at all Board and Annual Business meetings 
  • Serve as the liaison between the Federation and NHA communication teams on the National Humanities Conference planning team 
  • With direction from the President, provide communications reports to the Federation Development & Communications Committee and the Board 
  • Research and implement new tools, processes, or opportunities to enhance the organization’s communication goals  

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Skills and attributes: 

  • 4+ years of experience managing the diverse communications needs of a national or regional-serving nonprofit, including managing organizational websites and social media 
  • While not required, a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English, history, public affairs or a related field is desirable 
  • Strong written and oral communications skills 
  • High standards for and ease with customer service and daily interaction with a wide variety of constituencies 
  • The ability to collaborate across the organization on projects and manage multiple deadlines 
  • Information design skills and familiarity with software such as Canva, Flourish, Affinity, Coda, or Adobe Creative Suite 
  • Creative problem-solving skills and professional and polished interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with roles often shifting rapidly or taking place concurrently 
  • Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination required 

A demonstrated ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships and partnerships with a wide range of cultures, people, and organizations and a commitment to access are central to our work. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, working class individuals, veterans, and members of other marginalized communities.   

We realize there are great candidates who won’t check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself! 

Application Process: To apply, send a resume, cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and two professional references (preferably former or current supervisors) to jobs@statehumanities.org.  Please include the name of the position you are applying for in the subject line.  Applications will be reviewed after the August 2 deadline. 

Learn more about the Federation at www.statehumanities.org.  

The Federation of State Humanities Councils does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, members, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors.

(Closed) Member Services and Data Specialist

Reviewing Applications

Position Summary: The Member Services & Data Specialistmanages the day-to-day operations of the online Member Portal and provides organization-wide support in several member services areas. The Specialist will work to deliver high quality customer service while ensuring data integrity and completeness within the Federation’s Association Management Software database.

Mission

The Federation advocates for increased investment in and engagement with the national network of humanities councils. We support, connect, and amplify the work and voices of our members, demonstrating councils’ value for communities and their collective impact on civic health and cultural vibrancy.

The Member Services & Data Specialist will support the Federation’s mission by promoting member engagement and use of the database, while also ensuring the integrity of the content of the database. The Specialist will also be responsible for managing data across Federation platforms to inform strategies for engaging and supporting stakeholders in our work, including advocacy and case making for our members.

Vision

We envision a fully-resourced, inclusive, and thriving humanities council network that builds capacity for people and communities throughout the country to understand one another and navigate together towards a just future.

The Member Services & Data Specialist will support the Federation’s vision by utilizing digital tools to strengthen member relationships, develop supportive content, and deploy outreach strategies that help build the Federation network.

Values

All team members are expected to center the Federation’s values in their work. In support of our history, mission, and vision, the Federation seeks to embody and promote:

  • Accountability. We take responsibility for our journey of becoming an equitable organization and commit to taking action for positive change in all aspects of our work with members and external stakeholders.
  • Inclusion. We expand access, remove barriers to participation, and intentionally invite participation from historically marginalized people and all communities.
  • Service. We serve members by providing valuable resources, guidance, information, expertise, convenings, and advocacy that reflects their diverse interests, needs, and concerns.
  • Transparency.  We invite shared decision-making and collaboration through openness and clarity with our stakeholders.
  • Understanding. We participate in active listening, purposeful interactions, and reflective practices.

Key Responsibilities: Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Member Services (40%)

  • Manage day-to-day Member Portal operations: editing and posting resources and managing other features. First point of contact for all Member Portal user inquiries
  • Maintain integrity and good working order of AMS: auditing data integrity, updating distribution and donor lists, troubleshooting, and creating custom reports
  • Assist with compiling advocacy materials for Humanities on the Hill
  • Attend and support the events team at the National Humanities Conference, Humanities on the Hill, and all Board meetings

Database Management (40%)  

  • Administer AMS for the Federation: handle updates, management, data collection; work with all staff to manage subscriptions and maintain member forums
  • Maintain AMS database as a tool for relationship building; leverage knowledge of our donors and community to increase engagement by helping to create strategic queries and exports and offer analysis of campaigns and activities
  • Ensure AMS is functioning efficiently and benefits the organization
  • Work with departments to ensure each has up-to-date AMS maintenance policies and procedures
  • Design and implement routine update and checks and balances systems for AMS.
  • Support staff training on AMS as needed; ensure that donor touchpoints, interactions, and updates are entered into the database by staff
  • Stay current with updates, new software, and other items related to the AMS database
  • Assist with report creation for funders, public officials, board, and internal needs
  • Protect the organization by supporting data security and information confidentiality

Data Projects (20%)

  • Create content and resources to engage and deliver benefits to members, such as toolkits and templates
  • Work with Director of Engagement & Impact to develop content that promotes the collective impact of the Federation and its Councils
  • Update knowledge by participating in learning opportunities, maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations, participating in staff development and enrichment exercises

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Council Openings

Georgia Humanities seeks a high-energy, experienced, and innovative president, who will continue to position the organization as a national leader in the humanities. The council is searching for a strategic leader who will not only continue a level of engagement, but propel the organization to new heights. Please share this exciting job opportunity with organizations and candidates that you know who have a demonstrated passion and ability to promote the mission and vision for Georgia Humanities. Learn more.

The Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities seeks a History Day Director runs the Hawaiʻi History Day (HHD) Program. This program currently reaches approx. 70 teachers and 120 volunteer judges, on five islands. They manage seasonal support staff, contract help, and volunteers to conduct the annual district and state Hawaiʻi History Day fairs as the state affiliate to National History Day (NHD). View the full job description.

Rhode Island Humanities is in search of an Engagement Coordinator to support the United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture initiative. View the full job description.

Humanities Washington seeks a Program Manager who is collaborative, motivated, and creative and eager to manage their Speakers Bureau program. The statewide program fosters deep and timely conversations throughout Washington State, with an emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. View the full job description.

If you’d like your council’s position posted on our Jobs web page, please email a job title, short summary of the position, and a link to where the full description is posted on your website to websupport@statehumanties.org.