Organizational Overview
The Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is a non-profit adventure-based education organization that emphasizes personal growth through challenge and experience. For over 60 years our wilderness courses have focused on inspiring responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion, and environmental and community stewardship.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Colorado Outward Bound School celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nation origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is based on qualifications and business needs.
 
Working at the Colorado Outward Bound School means joining a growth-minded community where we are actively creating a more inclusive organizational culture. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion shows up at all levels of the organization – in our trainings, in our meetings, on our courses, and in our daily lives. This work can be challenging at times and we are committed to navigating it together to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our staff and our students. In support of fostering a more welcoming outdoor community for all, we are working to address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, geographic location, and mental health.

Position Summary
The Marketing & Communications Manager will work to advance the mission of the Colorado Outward Bound School by supporting, growing, and enhancing the marketing activities of the school as the organization works to improve its customer experience across all channels, departments, and functional areas. The Marketing and Communications Manager will be responsible for managing the website, fulfilling graphic design needs, producing copy for departments and programs, and acting as the project manager to ensure quality, timing, and focus for promotional campaigns. The Marketing and Communications Manager is also responsible for internal communications and managing the flow of external and internal messaging. The Marketing and Communications Manager reports to the newly created Director of Student Experience, who oversees the admissions, sales, and marketing functions of the organization.
 
Success in this position will be determined by the sustainable growth of existing and new initiatives; enhancement of the overall customer experience; strong coordination across development, staffing/HR, student services, and program departments. Collaboration, flexibility, and a positive attitude are essential to be part of this fun organization during a critical time. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities
Social Media
• Supports and implements the digital communications calendar, aligning communications with Sales, Marketing, Program, HR and Development goals.
• Actively manages social media, posting and sharing content to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram daily, and responding to notifications.
• Monitors social media accounts, Google alerts, and other online spaces to ensure accurate representation of COBS and protecting the reputation of the brand.
• Produces monthly promotional newsletter and supports monthly staff and development newsletters.
• Utilizes analytics to assess user engagement on social media and website traffic to inform communications strategy.
• Supports the work with other departments and functional areas to develop and implement solutions to improve the overall customer experience.
• Monitors social media during critical incidents and reports to incident command team, may act as Public Information Officer during critical incidents, as needed.

Website
• Manages blog by curating, producing, and posting content weekly to highlight events, course experience, staffing, and other relevant subjects.
• Develops channels for engaging staff, alumni, parents, and other community members to provide content for the blog.
• Responsible for overhauling and maintenance of website content and updates, including overseeing annual course upload on COBS and OBUSA sites.
• Works with Program team to update and edit course descriptions and photos to improve enrollment and provide accurate information.
• Collaborates with OBSG by supplying other media and copy for national features.
• Updates website to improve navigation, brand clarity, and improve SEO, coordinates with developers on website features or issues.

Print Communications
• Supports campaigns through supplying copy and visual elements for proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinates ordering of print materials through vendors.
• Oversees budget for print materials.

Brand Management
• Works with all departments and external partners to support appropriate usage of brand elements.
• Edits copy to ensure consistent voice and tone of COBS brand.
• Maintains and organizes archive of photo and video assets to optimize usability. Provides access to content for course advisors, partners, or other vendors as needed.
• Serves as Information Officer during critical incidents.

Skills and Knowledge
• Exceptional writing and editing skills – must be clear, concise, and compelling.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, database platforms/CRM (Salesforce a plus), web development, and graphic / photo editing programs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, follow-through, and meeting deadlines with quality deliverables.
• Comfortable managing many concurrent initiatives and projects simultaneously.
• Customer service skills and ability to work with other staff, donors, corporate partners, foundations, and other constituents. 
• Self-starting, ability to envision a new program or procedure and execute with appropriate collaboration, oversight, communication, and support. 
• Supports organization's goals and values and benefits organization through outside activities.
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Personal commitment to, and working knowledge of, the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Education and Work Experience
• 3 years of relevant work experience in marketing, communications, publications, or related fields is required.
• Previous experience working for a nonprofit organization is preferred.
• Portfolio of relevant previous projects highly preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Location and Travel
• Based in the HQ office in Denver, Colorado.
• Occasional opportunity to work remotely and/or from an alternate location. 

Compensation and Benefits
• Annual salary range: $45,000-55,000.
• Benefits eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, where COBS pays a significant amount toward healthcare premiums and provides employee-paid short- and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance.
• 20 days of Paid Time Off that accrues throughout the first year, with an additional day of PTO added with consecutive years of service.
• 56 hours of paid Sick Leave.
• 40 hours of paid time for approved volunteer activities and community service.
• 401k eligibility available after one year of service.
• ProDeal eligibility.

Application Process
Please address the cover letter and resume to Lauren Schmidt (she/her), Executive Director of COBS, who is the hiring manager for this position.