Communications Manager
Baltimore, MD
Afro Charities
Date Posted: 8/27/2026
Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, some weekends and evenings may be required
Pay: $65,000/year, paid bi-weekly via direct deposit
Benefits: Partial health & dental care coverage, paid holidays, sick leave and vacation time, employee 401k match after one year of full-time employment
Reports to: Executive Director
Deadline to apply: August 28, 2026
Start date: By November 2, 2026
Afro Charities Background
Afro Charities is a nonprofit organization stewarding the historic AFRO American Newspapers Archives and developing programming that connects communities to this invaluable record of Black life. Our work preserves and activates Black history through exhibitions, public events, community engagement, and archival access initiatives.
After eight years of development, Afro Charities will open the Martha E. Murphy Research Institute (MEMRI) at Baltimore's historic Upton Mansion in early 2027 — a public research center for the archives, and our new headquarters.
Afro Charities is in a period of sustained and intentional growth. Since 2019, the organization has scaled from a $50,000 annual operating budget to $1.4 million, with continued growth anticipated, supported by this role. Our work culture is collaborative, thoughtful, and mission-driven, with an emphasis on building strong systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
Position Summary
Afro Charities seeks a skilled writer and strategic communicator to serve as its Communications Manager, leading external communications as the organization prepares to open the Martha E. Murphy Research Institute (MEMRI) in 2027. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will develop and produce Afro Charities' public-facing materials, including social media, newsletters, and website content, while shaping the strategy that grows and engages our audiences. This is a pivotal moment in Afro Charities' history, and the Communications Manager will be central to shaping and implementing the strategies that enhance the organization's visibility, storytelling, and brand.
The Communications Manager writes and edits the majority of Afro Charities' external content, develops and executes a communications strategy, builds and manages the annual outreach calendar, works with contracted graphic designers and multimedia producers to develop content, and partners with our programs and development teams to translate our work into compelling stories. A central goal is building followership ahead of MEMRI's opening, and showcasing the many ways the archives can be accessed.
This position is well-suited for a communications professional with 3-5 years of relevant experience who is an exceptional writer and editor, brings both a strategic mindset and a willingness to roll up their sleeves, and is energized by our mission.
Editorial & Content Development
Write, edit, and produce the majority of Afro Charities' external communications including, social media, newsletters, and website content.
Develop content that showcases MEMRI, cultivating a wider audience ahead of the opening in 2027.
Identify, onboard and manage the work of contracted graphic designers and multimedia producers to create communication collateral.
Serve as a key steward of Afro Charities' brand voice across all external channels.
Stay current with communications and digital trends and best practices, continually seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Communications Strategy & Execution
Develop and manage a communication plan including an editorial calendar, coordinating messaging across channels and campaigns.
Manage and grow the organization's social media presence, currently Instagram and LinkedIn, and recommend strategic expansion to new platforms such as TikTok and Substack.
Partner with program staff to understand upcoming activities and translate them into public-facing stories.
Manage communications scheduling across the organization to ensure timely, well-sequenced outreach.
Track and report on communications and social media outreach against industry benchmarks.
Lead public relations efforts by maintaining the organization's press list, documenting press coverage and media contacts, and following up with journalists as projects develop.
Collaborate with development staff on donor communications and maintenance of the CRM platform, and create audience segments for targeted outreach.
Maintain organized communications assets across shared drives, Dropbox and Canva, including photos, video, and frequently requested and licensed images.
Other Duties as Assigned, Including
Support organizational events, programs, and special initiatives as needed.
Take on related communications responsibilities as the organization grows.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce polished content across formats including social media, newsletters, press materials, and web (writing samples or a portfolio required).
Experience with storytelling and content creation across multiple channels.
Experience developing and managing an editorial, content, or outreach calendar.
Knowledge and comfort with major social media platforms, email marketing programs like MailChimp, publishing platforms, and project management tools, like Monday.com.
Both a strategic mindset and a hands-on, self-directed approach to executing the work.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven.
Strong interest in Black history and Afro Charities' mission, with a curious mindset for making history accessible to diverse audiences.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Zoom.
Must live in the greater Baltimore area.
Must have reliable transportation.
Preferred
Experience in arts, cultural, museum, archive, or nonprofit communications.
Experience leading media relations and cultivating media relationships that increase the organization's visibility.
Experience overseeing the work of graphic designers or multimedia producers.
Familiarity with collecting and reporting on social media analytics.
Demonstrated success growing and engaging audiences across digital channels.
Interest in helping build and refine communications systems during a period of organizational growth.
How to Apply
Please read this role description thoroughly to ensure that you are qualified for the role before applying. Our small team reads every application that we receive by the deadline that conforms with the instructions below.
Once you have ensured alignment, please apply using this linked form. On that form, you will be asked for:
Your full name, pronouns (optional), and contact information
A single PDF of a cover letter AND resume, combined
A short portfolio of 3 writing samples, preferably a mix of long form and social media writing, formatted in a single PDF or submitted as 3 links
At least two professional references, preferably from former supervisors
Any interview accommodations you may require via Zoom (optional)
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a brief (approx. 90-minute) writing and editing exercise as part of the interview process.
If you encounter an error with the form, please contact info@afrocharities.org with “Communications Manager” in the subject line.
Applications are due by 11:59pm eastern time on Friday, August 28, 2026. Applications received after that time will not be considered.
Interviews are scheduled to take place via Zoom September 21 - October 2, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Afro Charities is committed to providing an equal opportunity for employment to individuals regardless of age, race, color, creed, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation.