Marketing & Communications Manager

Marketing & Communications Manager (Part-Time)

Organization

Leelanau Children's Center (LCC), Leland, Michigan Reports to: Executive Director Status: Part-time, 10–15 hours per week through August 31, 2027, with potential to continue beyond that date at reduced or expanded hours; some evenings and event days required Location: On-site in Leland with flexibility for remote work Compensation: Starting at $24 per hour, depending on experienceStarting: ASAP

About LCC

Leelanau Children's Center provides high-quality early childhood education and care to families across Leelanau County, and its Financial Aid Program helps make that care accessible to every family. As LCC celebrates its 50th Year, it is telling its story with new clarity, deepening community partnerships, and building the long-term financial foundation that will carry the Center into its next 50 years.

Position Summary

LCC is seeking a creative, organized communicator with strong graphic design skills to establish the Center's first formal marketing and communications standards and to weave the 50th Year campaign through every fundraising and outreach channel. This person will also provide design and communications support to the *Invest in Tomorrow* Major Gifts Campaign (goal: $3 million) and the launch of LCC's Planned Giving Program, the LCC Legacy Circle, both of which are led by the Executive Director and Board. This person will work closely with the Executive Director on most initiatives and work collaboratively on content development with the Program Director.

Key Responsibilities1. Marketing and Communications Standards (approx. 20%)

• Review and improve LCC's brand and communications standards: voice and tone, messaging pillars, logo use, color palette, typography, photography guidelines, and templates.
• Create a shared editorial calendar that coordinates all campaigns, events, social media, and newsletters across the year.
• Establish consistent processes for content approval, photo and story consent from families, and donor recognition.
• Build a library of reusable assets (templates, boilerplate language, impact stories, photos) that staff and volunteers can use with confidence.

2. 50th Year Campaign Integration (approx. 40%)

Alongside the Executive Director, develop the 50th Year identity and message platform, then apply it consistently across every major touchpoint:

• Annual Appeal (Nov): Frame the appeal around 50 years of impact and the Center's vision for the future; co-develop letter, digital, and follow-up components.
• Annual Impact Report (Jan): Produce a 50th-year edition that highlights history, outcomes, Financial Aid impact, and donor recognition.
• Community Partner Sponsor Campaign (Feb): Create 50th Year sponsorship packages, benefits, and recognition opportunities; prepare sponsor outreach materials and support relationship management.
• Golf Scramble (May): Brand the annual Golf Scramble with 50th Year elements; manage promotion, registration communications, sponsor recognition, and post-event coverage.
• 4th of July Parade (July): Help create signage for parade.
• Leelanau Grown (Aug): Integrate 50th Year messaging into Leelanau Grown promotion, materials, and storytelling.
• Weekly social posts and monthly newsletters: Carry the 50th Year theme through regular content, such as alumni and family stories, historical photos, milestone countdowns, and "then and now" features.

3. Ongoing Communications (approx. 30%)

• Plan, write, design, and schedule weekly social media posts across LCC's channels.
• Co-produce a monthly e-newsletter for families, donors, and community partners with admin staff.
• Maintain website content and keep event and giving information current with admin staff.
• Prepare press releases and coordinate with local media for events and milestones.
• Capture photos and stories from classrooms and events in line with LCC's consent policies.

4. Design Support for the Endowment Campaign and Planned Giving (approx. 10%)

The Executive Director, Major Gifts Officer and Board lead the Major Gifts Campaign and the Planned Giving Program. This role supports both with design and communications:

• Use design expertise to enhance the endowment campaign's visual identity and materials, such as the case for support, brochures, presentation decks, pledge forms, and progress graphics toward the $3 million goal. This campaign is already underway.
• Create donor recognition pieces, event invitations, and stewardship materials.
• Add perspective on current Planned Giving Program materials, including Legacy Circle identity, brochure/inserts, website page, and newsletter features.
• Keep campaign and planned giving materials consistent with LCC's brand standards and the 50th Year campaign.
• Turn content drafted by leadership into polished print and digital pieces on deadline.

Success Measures (through August 31, 2027)

• Brand and communications standards documented, approved, and in use by staff.
• 50th Year campaign identity applied consistently across all channels listed above.
• Weekly social posts and monthly newsletters delivered on schedule.
• Annual Appeal, Impact Report, Sponsor Campaign, Golf Scramble, and Leelanau Grown meet or exceed prior-year results.
• Major Gifts campaign and Planned Giving materials enhanced.

Qualifications

Required

• 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, or graphic design, ideally in a nonprofit setting.
• Strong graphic design skills and a portfolio of print and digital work, using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience planning and executing multi-channel campaigns.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and email marketing tools.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently.

Preferred

• Experience developing brand guidelines or style standards.
• Experience designing fundraising, campaign, and donor materials.
• Photography skills.
• Knowledge of the Leelanau County community and its networks.
• Interest in early childhood education and supporting a cornerstone organization in Leelanau County.

Working Conditions

• Flexible part-time schedule, with occasional evening hours for events such as Leelanau Grown.
• Local travel within Leelanau County and the Grand Traverse region for donor and partner meetings.
• Must be able to pass the background check required for working in a licensed child care setting.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, and two design samples to [email protected]. Leelanau Children's Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 15.0 per week

Work Location: In person