📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications and Marketing Manager
🔹 Company: Council on Social Work Education
🔹 Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Nonprofit
🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Executing strategic communications and marketing initiatives to promote CSWE’s brand, products, and services
- Collaborating with divisions to create engaging content, manage digital platforms, and build relationships with stakeholders
- Implementing internal communication strategies and managing content management systems
- Developing and evaluating integrated marketing campaigns across various channels
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of communication, project management, and digital media skills. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a similar role within a nonprofit or related organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate with divisions to set and meet communications and marketing benchmarks and goals
✅ Implement internal communication strategies and manage content management systems
✅ Contribute to the development of CSWE’s annual strategic communications plans
✅ Develop, execute, and evaluate integrated marketing campaigns across various channels
✅ Curate and generate content for platforms including external sourcing, copywriting, visual media, email content, infographics, image libraries, and news items
✅ Manage content partnership and revenue stream with newsletter and CSWE Career Center partners
✅ Maintain communication with CSWE’s online community, Spark
✅ Coordinate the production and distribution of videos, graphic elements, brochures, fact sheets, and logos
✅ Manage all external design and multimedia partner relationships
✅ Ensure the brand messaging is consistent across all communication platforms
✅ Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with communications and marketing content and correspondence
✅ Respond to all general inquiries concerning communications and marketing efficiently
✅ Manage and oversee the Communications and Marketing Assistant
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and day-to-day administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will be able to balance both long-term goals and immediate deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communication, Public Relations, or a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree in any field is required.
Experience: Five (5+) years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field with proven ability to execute effective communications initiatives is required. Management and supervisory experience is required.
Required Skills:
- Excellent and effective written and verbal communications skills
- Excellent and effective editorial skills
- Proven query, analytical, and report writing skills experience
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness of work completion
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills, with the ability to strategically schedule and coordinate campaigns, communications, and projects
- Proficiency with digital media platforms such as project management platforms, content management systems, customer relations management systems, social medial management platforms, digital asset management, marketing automation, digital community management, or similar is required
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite is required; proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite is preferred
- Experience using copy layout tools (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Canva) is preferred
- Experience with graphic design is preferred
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at once, maintaining timelines, and meeting deadlines
- Proven ability to work independently and collaborate across teams
- Ability to travel 1-2 times per year
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Trello, Asana, Hootsuite, or similar project management and social media management tools
- Familiarity with the higher education or nonprofit sector
ASSUMPTION: While the required skills list is extensive, many of these skills are interconnected and can be developed over time. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in communication, project management, and digital media, with a willingness to learn and grow in other areas.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 annually
Benefits:
- Health, dental, vision insurance, life/AD&D insurance, STD/LTD, FSA, 403B & More! (Some of these benefits are 100% employer paid!)
- Paid Vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Company sponsored events and conferences
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for the nonprofit sector. The working hours are typical for a full-time role in this industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, Nonprofit
Company Size: 11-50 employees
Founded: 1952
Company Description:
- The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include more than 800 accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree social work programs and their affiliated social work educators, students, and staff, as well as practitioners and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education.
- CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development so that social workers are empowered to play a central role in achieving the profession’s goals of social and economic justice.
- CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.
Company Specialties:
- Social Work Education
- Accreditation
- Professional Development
- Advocacy
Company Website: https://www.socialworkers.org/
ASSUMPTION: CSWE is a well-established nonprofit organization with a clear mission and a significant impact on the social work profession. The ideal candidate will be passionate about social work education and committed to advancing the organization’s goals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level role with potential for growth and leadership opportunities
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President of Communications and Membership
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with occasional travel required
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for advancement within the communications and marketing department
- Opportunities to lead projects and initiatives that align with the candidate’s interests and skills
- Professional development opportunities through workshops, conferences, and training programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a communications and marketing professional to make a significant impact on an organization with a clear mission and a strong commitment to social justice.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, professional office environment
Office Location(s): 333 John Carlyle Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314, US
Geographic Context:
- Alexandria, Virginia, is located just outside of Washington, D.C., offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The office is easily accessible by public transportation and is close to numerous restaurants, shops, and parks
- The area has a diverse population and a strong sense of community
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is professional and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. The location offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Vice President of Communications and Membership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Project management and organizational skills
- Digital media and marketing expertise
- Cultural fit and alignment with CSWE’s mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with marketing campaigns, content management, and project management
- Demonstrate your understanding of CSWE’s mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with the organization’s goals
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Content Management, Digital Media, Social Media, Project Management, Campaign Management, Nonprofit, Higher Education
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate’s communication skills, project management experience, and cultural fit with the organization. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their expertise in marketing and communications, as well as their alignment with CSWE’s mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite (preferred)
- Project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite)
- Customer relations management systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Digital asset management systems (e.g., Canto DAM, Brandfolder)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have experience with project management, social media management, and digital asset management tools. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and marketing automation tools is preferred but not required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and goal-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and innovative
- Committed to social justice and equity
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with CSWE’s organizational values?
- Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize your tasks and ensure that you met your deadlines?
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization?
ASSUMPTION: CSWE values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with the organization’s values and their ability to work effectively in a team-oriented setting.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Managing external vendors and partners
- Adapting to changes in the organization’s communications and marketing strategies
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize their tasks, and adapt to changes in the organization’s communications and marketing strategies. They will also be able to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to similar roles in the nonprofit sector, this position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development
- Compared to roles in the for-profit sector, this position may offer less job security and fewer opportunities for advancement, but it provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on an organization with a clear mission and a strong commitment to social justice
- Compared to roles in the government sector, this position offers more flexibility and autonomy, but it may also require more initiative and self-motivation
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to weigh the pros and cons of working in the nonprofit sector and determine whether this role aligns with their career goals and personal values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to promote CSWE’s annual conference
- Managing CSWE’s social media platforms and increasing engagement and audience growth
- Collaborating with CSWE’s divisions to create and distribute engaging content, including blog posts, newsletters, and email campaigns
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience with marketing campaigns, social media management, and content creation, as well as their ability to work collaboratively with other teams and divisions within the organization.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does this role fit into the organization’s overall communications and marketing strategy?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role?
- How does CSWE support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the communications and marketing department, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be curious and engaged, asking thoughtful questions about the role, the department, and the organization as a whole. They will also be able to demonstrate their understanding of CSWE’s mission and values, and how their skills and experience align with the organization’s goals.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, including your proficiency with marketing campaigns, content management, and project management
- Prepare examples of your work, including marketing campaigns, content, and social media posts, to showcase your expertise and creativity
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
