Job Title: Design & Communications Coordinator
Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Senior Manager of Development & Strategic Programs
Position Status: Full-Time, exempt
Position Description:
The Esplanade Association (EA) seeks a detail-oriented, enthusiastic, and creative Design & Communications Coordinator to guide, design and implement the comprehensive communications for EA’s programs, projects, fundraising, and advocacy across multiple platforms. This vital role will promote the organization to attract, educate, motivate, and inspire donors, partners, and park visitors.
About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):
Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, programs and plantings that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 150 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; nearly 200 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain, Community Boating docks and Centennial Fountain; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground; plans underway to introduce a new building and two-acre landscape improvement at Charlesbank that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join our community-engaged non-profit as it grows in scale, visibility, and impact.
Principal Responsibilities:
Marketing & Communications: 50%
- Maintain the organization’s website, ensuring that new, updated, and consistent information (article links, stories, events, etc.) is posted regularly and Plugins are integrating properly. 15 of 50%
- Manage the organization’s social media platforms [Instagram and Facebook], developing relevant and timely content to drive audience engagement and action and continue to drive follower growth. 5 of 50%
- Issue bi-weekly e-newsletter and prepare other email communications as needed. 5 of 50%
- Draft and design the organization’s Annual Report, with guidance of Director of Development. 5 of 50%
- Support the conceptualization, design, drafting, and dissemination of all print and digital annual fund appeals, sponsorship proposals with the Director of Development. 5 of 50%
- Once Charlesbank campus opens, oversee daily updated signage at the Welcome Desk, with the Visitor Engagement Manager. 5 of 50%
- Create monthly marketing plans to drive interest in events, including earned and paid social media, community calendar placement, website updates, and more. 5 of 50%
- Regularly evaluate and report on the results of communications and marketing programs and initiatives, website traffic, and optimize future initiatives based on results. 2.5 of 50%
- Seek new strategies and initiatives from peers and partners to identify new, diverse audiences and expand EA’s storytelling and imagery. 2.5 of 50%
Graphic Design: 35%
- Serve as primary graphic designer for the organization, including social media graphics, in-park signage, print and digital collateral, advertisements, mailings and presentations (templates, etc.). 15 of 35%
- Design, print, and distribute invitations, and materials needed for the majority of organization events, programs, and fundraisers. 5 of 35%
- Monthly connect with staff across departments to get updates on their work. 5 of 35%.
- Support the preparation of reports and other materials for 4 board meeting/yearly as directed. 5 of 35%
- Stay abreast of design trends and relevant training to ensure the organization’s visual identity continues to improve with time. 5 of 35%
Liaise on Materials & Inquiries for Board/Media/Public 15%
- Respond to inquiries (phone, email, face-to-face, etc.) to info@esplanade.org from donors, park patrons and other stakeholders about Esplanade Association plans and activities. 5 of 15%
- Prepare monthly updates on press coverage, followers, and impact of outreach as needed. 5 of 15%
- Liaise with press and media inquiries, coordinating interviews with the Executive Director and other organization representatives. 2.5 of 15%
- Manage advertising inquiries and opportunities for the organization. 2.5 of 15%
Qualifications:
- At least 1-3 years of experience in both Design and Communications. Clearly demonstrated capacity to perform the responsibilities of the job will also be weighed for all candidates with relevant experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, WordPress, Adobe Creative Cloud, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop & Constant Contact a must.
- Experience with website design, Canva and Issu platforms is strongly encouraged.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with strong attention-to-detail and follow-through.
- Ability to handle a variety of responsibilities simultaneously.
- Ability to set & maintain priorities while still being adaptive to change.
- Friendly, trustworthy, and team-oriented, with a positive attitude and customer service mentality.
- Environmentally conscious, with a passion for parks, recreation, and open space a plus.
Logistics:
- Current organizational work hours for office-based staff are Monday through Friday (9a-5p), with the current option of a hybrid schedule of at least 3 days in the office, Tuesday through Thursday, and 2 remote. Starting late Summer 2026, we will be shifting to 40 hours in person when the organization moves to the Charlesbank campus.
- Flexibility and the ability to work mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends for select events; these may include Board, volunteer, fundraising, and programming activities as assigned.
- Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life experiences
Compensation:
- EA offers a competitive salary for the Boston non-profit and parks sector. Performance and compensation are reviewed regularly, and management provides all employees with transparent benchmarks and paths for professional development and promotion within the organization. The annual salary range for this position will be $50,000-$57,500, commensurate with prior experience and demonstrated skills.
Benefits:
- 15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (After 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17.)
- 7 holidays & 4 floating holidays to use as employee chooses
- Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA
- Health savings account with $2,500 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month
- Paid professional development opportunities
Application Process:
- Please send your resume (including your preferred pronouns) and a brief cover letter outlining your design & communications experience and knowledge of the Esplanade to jobs@esplanade.org.
- No phone calls, please.
- Finalists will be expected to demonstrate design skills through a brief exercise
The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.
Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.
