Contract Duration: June 10- August 31, 2026
Time Commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week
Overview
The Communications Lead will oversee all external communications for the Wonderlust Storytelling Institute pilot.
The Wonderlust Storytelling Institute is a creative incubator dedicated to equipping emerging cross-cultural storytellers to transform their lived experiences abroad into compelling, human-centered narratives. Our mission is to bridge cultural and political divides by fostering empathy, understanding, and connection through storytelling, especially at a time of increasing polarization, algorithm-driven media, and social fragmentation.
We focus on developing stories from individuals who have spent significant time living outside their home countries, including immigrants, international development professionals, third culture kids, diplomats, military families, athletes, and others whose lives span multiple cultures. These storytellers bring unique perspectives and a demonstrated ability to navigate difference and find common ground—making their voices especially powerful in addressing today’s divisions.
Through a structured, cohort-based program, we provide a welcoming, accessible space with expert mentorship, hands-on training, and collaborative support. Core activities include story development workshops, cross-cultural storytelling seminars, and writing and media labs, alongside peer feedback, storytelling challenges, and cultural immersion experiences.
Each participant develops a professional-quality creative concept, such as a script or multimedia project, designed not only for artistic excellence, but for real-world reach and impact. We prioritize preparing stories to engage diverse audiences across cultural, social, and political lines. The program culminates in a showcase that connects participants with industry professionals and creates pathways for their work to be widely seen and produced.
This role will be responsible for shaping and executing a strategic communications approach that supports both fundraising and participant recruitment for the Fall 2026 pilot. The Communications Lead will play a critical role in positioning the Institute, building awareness, and activating networks to ensure a strong and diverse inaugural cohort.
Key Responsibilities
1. Communications Strategy & Planning
- Develop a comprehensive communications strategy and content calendar for the pilot period
- Craft clear, compelling messaging that articulates the vision, impact, and value of the Institute
- Ensure consistency of voice, tone, and brand across all platforms and materials
- Track engagement metrics and adapt strategies to maximize reach and impact
2. Social Media Content Creation & Publishing
- Create, schedule, and publish social media content across platforms (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter)
- Write engaging captions, short-form copy, and platform-specific posts tailored to each audience
- Design accompanying graphics and visual assets using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite
- Build and manage the ongoing social media content calendar
- Monitor and respond to engagement as appropriate
3. Website Content Development
- Write and update website copy that clearly communicates the Institute’s mission, program details, and value proposition
- Create landing pages or content sections supporting recruitment and fundraising campaigns
- Ensure website content remains current, accurate, and aligned with broader messaging
4. Donor Engagement Materials
- Develop written and designed materials to engage and cultivate prospective donors, including pitch decks, one-pagers, and fundraising email campaigns
- Draft compelling donor communications that articulate impact and funding needs
- Create visually polished materials that reflect the Institute’s brand and credibility
5. Recruitment & Outreach Materials
- Design and produce recruitment materials targeting prospective program applicants, including digital flyers, email campaigns, and social media graphics
- Develop tailored messaging for key communities and partner networks aligned with the Institute’s mission
- Support the application launch with promotional content and ongoing outreach assets
- Identify and engage key partners and networks to amplify recruitment reach
6. Email & Newsletter Communications
- Write and design regular email communications and newsletters for donors, partners, and prospective participants
- Manage email deployment and list segmentation
- Draft announcements, updates, and campaign-specific communications as needed
Deliverables
- Communications strategy and messaging framework for the pilot
- Content calendar covering social media, email, and web across the contract period
- Published social media content (ongoing, per content calendar)
- Website copy and content updates
- Donor engagement package: one-pager, pitch materials, and email campaign
- Recruitment toolkit: digital flyers, email templates, and social media graphics
- Ongoing email and newsletter communications
*Specific delivery dates to be determined once the workplan has been developed.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in social media content creation and community management
- Strong writing skills, including social media copy, email marketing, and web content
- Graphic design proficiency (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent)
- Experience developing donor communications or fundraising materials
- Ability to manage multiple content streams and deadlines independently
- Alignment with the Wonderlust Storytelling Institute’s mission and values
