Communications Manager

About Buffalo Together, Inc.

Buffalo Together, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in response to the May 14, 2022, racially motivated tragedy on Buffalo's East Side. Buffalo Together works to address conditions resulting from long-standing structural oppression and disinvestment that have harmed communities of color and blocked investment in East Side neighborhoods. Through community-led investment, racial healing, and sustainable economic development, Buffalo Together strengthens organizations, leaders, and communities across the Buffalo region — advancing development without displacement, generational wealth building, and lasting community impact.

Position Summary

Buffalo Together, Inc. seeks a mission-driven, experienced Communications Manager to lead the organization's day-to-day communications, storytelling, and community engagement efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this part-time in-office role is responsible for elevating Buffalo Together's visibility, deepening trust with East Side residents and community partners, and ensuring that our mission, initiatives, and impact are clearly and consistently communicated across digital, print, and in-person channels.

This is a hands-on role ideal for a strategic yet resourceful communicator who thrives in a small-team, community-based nonprofit environment and can independently manage a lean, high-impact communications portfolio in 20–25 hours per week. The ideal candidate brings cultural humility, deep respect for the East Side community, and a commitment to trauma-informed, equity-centered communication.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy & Brand

• Develop and execute an annual communications plan aligned with Buffalo Together's mission, Community Fund Report priorities, and strategic goals.
• Maintain and protect Buffalo Together's brand voice, messaging, and visual identity across all channels.
• Advise the President & CEO on messaging, positioning, community sentiment, and crisis communications.
• Ensure all communications reflect a trauma-informed, equity-centered, and community-led approach.

Digital, Social Media & Website

• Manage the Buffalo Together website (buffalotogetherfund.org) — keeping content current, accessible, and mission-aligned.
• Plan, create, and schedule social media content across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms.
• Produce e-newsletters and email campaigns to funders, community partners, grantees, and stakeholders.
• Monitor analytics (reach, engagement, open rates) and adjust content to strengthen community connection.

Content Creation & Storytelling

• Write and edit newsletters, blog posts, press releases, social captions, program flyers, and short-form marketing content.
• Capture and share stories from grantees, community partners, and East Side residents that highlight Buffalo Together's impact — with attention to consent, dignity, and cultural humility.
• Design light graphics and print/social materials using Canva or similar tools.
• Coordinate photography and video needs for events, board meetings, and community sessions.

Media & Community Relations

• Draft press releases, media advisories, and talking points for the President & CEO, Board Chair, and program leads.
• Maintain relationships with local Buffalo/WNY media outlets and community partners.
• Support the President & CEO's public presence, including speaking engagements, press conferences, and community forums.
• Represent Buffalo Together at community meetings, coalitions, and events as needed.

Grantmaking, Funder & Board Communications

• Support communications around Buffalo Together's grantmaking cycles, learning events, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Contribute language, data, and impact stories for grant applications, funder reports, and the annual report.
• Prepare communications materials for Board meetings and community stakeholder updates in partnership with the President & CEO.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, business administration, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of communications, marketing, or public relations experience (nonprofit or community-based setting strongly preferred).
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills across digital, print, and executive formats.
• Proficiency managing websites (WordPress, Squarespace, or similar), social media platforms, and email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).
• Working graphic design skills using Canva and/or other design software.
• Strong project management and time management skills — able to work independently and manage a small portfolio efficiently within 20–25 hours per week.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, community-led change, and the East Side of Buffalo.
• Ability to consistently work in-office at Buffalo Together's Buffalo location.

Preferred

• Lived or professional experience in Buffalo's East Side or in communities impacted by structural racism and disinvestment.
• Experience supporting communications for a foundation, funder collaborative, or grantmaking organization.
• Familiarity with CRM, grants management, or donor platforms and basic analytics (Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite).
• Established media contacts in the Buffalo/WNY region.
• Photography, video, or podcasting skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or another community-relevant language) a plus.

**Core Competencies:**
- Mission-driven and equity-centered storytelling.
- Cultural humility and respect for community voice.
- Self-direction and relationship building.
- Attention to detail and adaptability.
- Resourcefulness in a small-team setting.

**Work Environment & Physical Requirements:**

This role is based in Buffalo Together's offices, with occasional evening or weekend hours expected. Reliable transportation for local travel is required, along with the ability to work at a computer for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

**Compensation Notes:**

The hourly range of $32-$42 is based on local compensation data and complies with New York State pay transparency requirements.

**How to Apply:**

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 writing or design samples.

Buffalo Together, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences — including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans — and particularly from members of the communities we serve.