Communications Associate

Location: St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Required: Occasional

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000/year

Salaried position with benefits paid in full including generous employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Additional benefits include professional development assistance, tuition assistance, student loan repayment assistance, paid company holidays, paid time off, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with employer contributions.

About The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF)

The James S. McDonnell Foundation envisions a thriving St. Louis region where inclusive growth elevates shared prosperity and quality of life for all. Guided by its mission to improve economic mobility for historically excluded communities, JSMF invests in workforce development, support for small and mid-size businesses, wealth building, and civic infrastructure.

We are looking for a talented Communications Associate to join our team and help amplify the impact of our work in St. Louis.

Position Overview

The Communications Associate will support the Foundation’s strategic communications goals by producing high-quality content, managing digital platforms, and enhancing the visibility of JSMF’s initiatives and grantees. The ideal candidate will be a creative storyteller with experience in newsletter production, social media management, and graphic design or photography and a passion for using communications to inspire meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

• Newsletter Production:

• Support the creation and distribution of JSMF’s monthly newsletter, including writing, editing, and designing compelling content.
  
  

• Manage timelines and collaborate with external contributors and contractors as needed.
• Press Releases and Storytelling:
  
  

• Draft and distribute press releases that communicate JSMF’s initiatives and impact.
  
  

• Write engaging stories about JSMF grantees and their work for publication on the website and newsletter.
• Social Media Management:
  
  

• Develop and execute a content calendar to manage JSMF’s social media presence across platforms.
  
  

• Create posts that align with the Foundation’s voice and messaging to grow engagement and awareness.
• Graphic Design and Visual Content:
  
  

• Design visually appealing content for newsletters, social media, and other external and internal communications materials using tools like Adobe InDesign and PowerPoint (experience preferred).
  
  

• Collaborate on branding initiatives and ensure consistency across all materials.
• Photography and Media Support:
  
  

• Capture or coordinate professional photos for storytelling purposes (experience preferred but not required).
  
  

• Assist with multimedia content production, such as videos or event documentation.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in communications, content creation, or a similar role.
• Proven ability to produce high-quality newsletters and manage social media accounts.
• Strong storytelling skills and ability to write compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with graphic design tools such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop (preferred).
• Excellent project management skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative thinker with strong attention to detail and a passion for impactful storytelling.
  
  
  

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and examples of relevant work (e.g., writing samples, social media campaigns, graphic design, or photography) to: https://www.jsmf.org/careers

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who share our passion for advancing equity and economic mobility in St. Louis.