Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Communications Specialist
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
Communications Specialist
Position Description Why work at The Lift Garage is a well‑established car repair shop with a unique blend of business and service. We are an unconventional nonprofit that provides low‑cost car repair to qualifying Minnesotans. We deeply value hospitality for our neighbors, customers, donors, and anyone who may find themselves engaged with our work. We offer a kind, diverse, collaborative, and fun work environment. At The Lift Garage, we value Excellence, Respect, Opportunity, and Justice.
Role Description The Communications Specialist role is crucial in advancing the mission of low‑cost car repair through external communication with prospective and current donors, institutional funders, partners, media, and customers. Your dedication to communication and marketing at The Lift will actively contribute to our mission of breaking down transportation barriers by providing low‑cost car repair for our neighbors, which keeps everyone safer on the roads. The Communications Specialist is on the Development and Communications team and will be supervised by the Director of Development and Communications. In addition to the Director, the Development and Communications team includes a Development Specialist, a Database and Donor Management Specialist, and a contract grant writer. This position will supervise The Lift’s Marketing Intern whose primary focus is content creation. This is a full‑time, exempt position with a hybrid work schedule including one day in the office each week.
Job Duties
Fundraising and Nonprofit Communication (45%): Identify, solicit, and cultivate relationships with customers, donors, staff, and stakeholders to develop campaigns, write content, and distribute impact stories through a variety of channels including direct mail appeals, social media, emails, SEO blog posts and website. Lead, plan, and manage The Lift’s annual communications calendar by directly developing or overseeing the creation of content.
Digital Strategy (30%): Develop and implement digital strategies to increase engagement and reach. Manage and curate content for various online platforms while monitoring trends and best practices to adjust strategies accordingly. Develop all non‑customer focused website updates, ensuring content is current, engaging, and aligned with The Lift’s goals, voice, and values.
Style Guide and External Branding (15%): Maintain The Lift’s internal and external style guide to ensure consistency in messaging and branding. Train staff to stay on brand and within messaging standards to be the most impactful. Work with internal staff and external volunteers to source and curate high‑quality images that align with the brand, while overseeing and managing the image library, keeping it up to date, organized, and accessible.
Media (10%): In partnership with the Leadership Team, cultivate and maintain relationships with media companies, including magazines, local news outlets, and national news organizations. Coordinate interviews and key talking points when The Lift is featured.
Position Requirements
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related fields.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising campaigns.
Experience with relevant design and communication tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Later.com, and WordPress.
Experience in managing, executing, and analyzing communications and marketing strategy.
Specific experience with and knowledge of cars is not required.
Core Competencies
Attention to Detail
Accountability
Data analysis and research
Adaptability
Active Listening
Critical thinking
Position Details and How to Apply Salary:
This is a full‑time, exempt position with an annual salary of $60,000–$63,000 per year.
Full‑time benefits:
Paid holidays (10 days/year), paid vacations (15 days the first year), sick time off (10 days/year), retirement savings with a 4% employer contribution (non‑match, vested immediately) to a 403(b), mileage/travel reimbursement at the government rate, short- and long‑term disability, parental leave, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Location:
Minneapolis, MN. This position is hybrid; it will require being on‑site at The Lift Garage at least one day a week (Thursday). There will be times outside the routine when this position is expected to come into the office or meet in person. A vehicle is not required, but when in‑person activities are required, there is an expectation that the person can travel within and around the metro area in a reasonable amount of time.
Days & Hours:
Typical workdays are Monday–Friday; hours are flexible and negotiable, although typically between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Some evenings and weekends will be expected.
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and a relevant item from their portfolio of work to Jesi Peters, Director of Development and Communications at Jesi@TheLiftGarage.org. Applications with cover letters and a relevant item will be prioritized. The position will remain open until it is filled. We will be actively reviewing applications on a rolling basis and plan on first‑round interviews starting the week of February 2nd, 2026.
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Position Description Why work at The Lift Garage is a well‑established car repair shop with a unique blend of business and service. We are an unconventional nonprofit that provides low‑cost car repair to qualifying Minnesotans. We deeply value hospitality for our neighbors, customers, donors, and anyone who may find themselves engaged with our work. We offer a kind, diverse, collaborative, and fun work environment. At The Lift Garage, we value Excellence, Respect, Opportunity, and Justice.
Role Description The Communications Specialist role is crucial in advancing the mission of low‑cost car repair through external communication with prospective and current donors, institutional funders, partners, media, and customers. Your dedication to communication and marketing at The Lift will actively contribute to our mission of breaking down transportation barriers by providing low‑cost car repair for our neighbors, which keeps everyone safer on the roads. The Communications Specialist is on the Development and Communications team and will be supervised by the Director of Development and Communications. In addition to the Director, the Development and Communications team includes a Development Specialist, a Database and Donor Management Specialist, and a contract grant writer. This position will supervise The Lift’s Marketing Intern whose primary focus is content creation. This is a full‑time, exempt position with a hybrid work schedule including one day in the office each week.
Job Duties
Fundraising and Nonprofit Communication (45%): Identify, solicit, and cultivate relationships with customers, donors, staff, and stakeholders to develop campaigns, write content, and distribute impact stories through a variety of channels including direct mail appeals, social media, emails, SEO blog posts and website. Lead, plan, and manage The Lift’s annual communications calendar by directly developing or overseeing the creation of content.
Digital Strategy (30%): Develop and implement digital strategies to increase engagement and reach. Manage and curate content for various online platforms while monitoring trends and best practices to adjust strategies accordingly. Develop all non‑customer focused website updates, ensuring content is current, engaging, and aligned with The Lift’s goals, voice, and values.
Style Guide and External Branding (15%): Maintain The Lift’s internal and external style guide to ensure consistency in messaging and branding. Train staff to stay on brand and within messaging standards to be the most impactful. Work with internal staff and external volunteers to source and curate high‑quality images that align with the brand, while overseeing and managing the image library, keeping it up to date, organized, and accessible.
Media (10%): In partnership with the Leadership Team, cultivate and maintain relationships with media companies, including magazines, local news outlets, and national news organizations. Coordinate interviews and key talking points when The Lift is featured.
Position Requirements
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or related fields.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling fundraising campaigns.
Experience with relevant design and communication tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Later.com, and WordPress.
Experience in managing, executing, and analyzing communications and marketing strategy.
Specific experience with and knowledge of cars is not required.
Core Competencies
Attention to Detail
Accountability
Data analysis and research
Adaptability
Active Listening
Critical thinking
Position Details and How to Apply Salary:
This is a full‑time, exempt position with an annual salary of $60,000–$63,000 per year.
Full‑time benefits:
Paid holidays (10 days/year), paid vacations (15 days the first year), sick time off (10 days/year), retirement savings with a 4% employer contribution (non‑match, vested immediately) to a 403(b), mileage/travel reimbursement at the government rate, short- and long‑term disability, parental leave, and health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Location:
Minneapolis, MN. This position is hybrid; it will require being on‑site at The Lift Garage at least one day a week (Thursday). There will be times outside the routine when this position is expected to come into the office or meet in person. A vehicle is not required, but when in‑person activities are required, there is an expectation that the person can travel within and around the metro area in a reasonable amount of time.
Days & Hours:
Typical workdays are Monday–Friday; hours are flexible and negotiable, although typically between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Some evenings and weekends will be expected.
How to Apply:
Applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and a relevant item from their portfolio of work to Jesi Peters, Director of Development and Communications at Jesi@TheLiftGarage.org. Applications with cover letters and a relevant item will be prioritized. The position will remain open until it is filled. We will be actively reviewing applications on a rolling basis and plan on first‑round interviews starting the week of February 2nd, 2026.
#J-18808-Ljbffr