Communications Manager

Full-Time, Non-Exempt | 40 hours per week | Eligible for full benefits | On-site (Winston-Salem, NC)

Reports to: Director of Development & Communications

The Communications Manager is responsible for executing and maintaining Bookmarks’ communications strategy across digital, print, and media channels. This role ensures that Bookmarks’ messaging is consistent, engaging, and aligned with organizational priorities across programs, events, bookstore operations, fundraising, and community engagement.

Working closely with the Director of Development & Communications, this position translates organizational strategy into clear, compelling content that strengthens audience engagement, supports revenue goals, and elevates Bookmarks’ visibility locally and regionally.

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Key Responsibilities

Implement and maintain a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities and programming.

Develop and manage content across email, social media, website, print materials, and press communications.

Ensure consistent brand voice, tone, and messaging across all external communications.

Coordinate content gathering across departments to highlight bookstore, events, education, development, and community initiatives.

Supervise and support the Social Media Coordinator, providing guidance on content planning, messaging, scheduling, and audience engagement.

Oversee development and maintenance of social media content calendars aligned with organizational priorities and campaigns.

Provide captions, messaging guidance, and storytelling support for social media and digital platforms.

Manage organization-wide email communications and newsletters.

Segment and tailor messaging for key audiences including customers, donors, educators, community partners, and authors.

Collaborate with the Development team on fundraising and donor communication campaigns.

Maintain media contact lists and support relationships with local and regional press.

Draft and distribute press releases as needed.

Coordinate media coverage for major events and signature programming, including Festival of Books & Authors.

Coordinate marketing and communications support for events, bookstore promotions, and organizational campaigns.

Work with internal teams to ensure accurate and consistent representation of programs and initiatives.

Maintain communications systems, templates, and brand assets to ensure consistency across all materials.

Schedule & Hours
This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Winston-Salem, NC, with a regular schedule of Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Hours and days may occasionally shift depending on organizational needs, including events, holidays, and special programs.

All Bookmarks employees are required to work the annual Festival of Books & Authors, held the last weekend of September. Flexibility and team-oriented mindset are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications & Experience

While none of the below qualifications are required, our ideal candidate possesses a combination of these skills:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or nonprofit storytelling;

Demonstrated ability to develop compelling content across multiple platforms, including email, social media, websites, print, and media relations;

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate across departments, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;

Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills, with a keen eye for consistency, accuracy, and brand voice;

Experience supervising or mentoring staff and coordinating collaborative communications efforts;

A passion for books, literacy, storytelling, and building meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

Creative, organized, and detail-oriented communicator who can translate organizational priorities into engaging stories and campaigns;

Collaborative team member who enjoys working across departments to elevate programs, fundraising, bookstore initiatives, and community impact;

Strategic thinker who balances big-picture messaging with day-to-day execution and thrives in a dynamic nonprofit environment;

Dedicated to cultivating a communications style that is welcoming, inclusive, authentic, and mission-driven.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: This position starts at $48,000. Bookmarks is committed to supporting staff growth, with opportunities for advancement over time.

Healthcare: Monthly employer stipend towards premiums for employees enrolled in our United Healthcare plan

Paid Time Off (PTO): 12 days annually

Paid Holidays: 7 floating holidays to be used at employees’ discretion plus three set days when all of Bookmarks operations are closed (January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 25)

Staff perks: Bookstore discount and access to free print, audio, and digital books.

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