Jobs & Careers

Title: Communications Specialist

Report: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Hybrid/Wilmington, Delaware 

Position Type: Exempt 

Travel: Occasional 

About Spotlight Delaware
Spotlight Delaware is a nonprofit, collaborative, community-powered newsroom with a mission to engage, empower and connect Delawareans with local news and information. We envision a Delaware where all neighbors have access to the local news and information they need to thrive on a daily basis, participate in local democracy and engage with their communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist plays a key role in driving the impact of Spotlight Delaware’s journalism, with responsibilities for developing and implementing social media outreach strategies and contributing to the organization’s overall marketing and communications plan. This position will likely be 75% social media management (maintaining a regular posting schedule and monitoring engagement across multiple platforms) and 25% other duties, including  in-person outreach (staffing tables, street teams) and other outreach activities. 

Working closely with the Director of Audience and Membership and the Marketing & Events Manager,  this Communications Specialist ensures that Spotlight Delaware stories are put in front of readers on the platforms where they engage the most, growing the reach and impact of our journalism while promoting Spotlight Delaware programs, events, membership and mission-driven work.

The position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role requires considerable flexibility, working time outside of traditional office hours, reliable transportation, a willingness and ability to travel throughout the state, and physical mobility. 

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each key responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Strategic Marketing

• Collaborate with the Director of Audience and Membership and the Marketing & Events Manager to develop and execute a social media plan focused on enhancing awareness of the Spotlight brand, reader and community engagement, and audience development.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, customer insights, and competitor activity to inform social media strategies.

Social Media

• Take ownership over all Spotlight Delaware social media channels, maintaining a regular posting schedule and working in collaboration with the entire marketing team to ensure consistent coverage and timely response times throughout the year.
• Create engaging but direct social media posts that hold to the strict journalistic standards of Spotlight Delaware and enhance the brand’s image across platforms.
• Assist with managing social media marketing budget and implementing ad buys. Track and ensure social media expenses (ad campaigns, boosts, etc.) are consistent with budget.

Events Management

• Under the leadership of the Marketing & Events Manager, help execute, promote and staff community engagement activities, from large-scale events, community listening sessions, pop-up newsrooms, live journalism sessions, tabling opportunities at conferences and community events, and more.

Marketing Materials

• Create simple graphics using tools like Canva (e.g., story illustrations, member invitations).
• Create elements for newsletters using ActiveCampaign, as needed.

General Marketing, PR, and Administrative Support

• Help the CEO and other leadership team members with communications needs, such as developing presentations, coordinating public appearances and more.
• Take simple photos and videos, and perform basic photo and video editing.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum Experience: 3+ years experience in social media marketing, events management, marketing and/or communications.
  • Social media experience is useful, but candidates with journalism and general communications experience are encouraged to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Commitment to the mission of Spotlight Delaware
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience in social media management across a variety of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit, NextDoor, X, and BlueSky.
• Experience in event management and community engagement, with strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication abilities.
• Design skills, using tools such as Canva.
• Basic photography, videography, and multimedia editing capabilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

The ideal candidate will have all of these qualifications. But if you have most of them and think you could do a great job, please apply! 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $45K–$55K/year (commensurate with experience)

In addition to competitive pay and the opportunity to work with a great group of people, Spotlight Delaware provides exceptional benefits to all eligible employees. Current benefits for full-time employees include:

• Excellent health, dental and vision coverage
• Four weeks PTO
• Nine paid holidays plus three floating holidays
• 403(b) with employer match
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
  

How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@spotlightdelaware.org. by Jan. 31, 2026.

We’re committed to building an inclusive organization that represents the people and communities we serve. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.