Marketing & Communications Manager

Reports to: Director of Audience Engagement

Classification: Full-time, exempt

Salary: $60,000–$63,000

Location: Remote (U.S.) with optional on-site workspace at ACC’s co-working office in Minneapolis, MN

Travel: Occasional travel within the U.S. to ACC meetings and events

Hours: Monday-Friday, with occasional nights and weekends

 

About the American Craft Council

The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the handmade. Building upon an 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation as a membership-based nonprofit, ACC leverages the transformative possibilities of craft through storytelling, resources for artists and appreciators, and events. In partnership with organizations across the country, we mobilize our diverse craft ecosystem to create a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects. 

ACC is widely known for its suite of large-scale craft fairs, including American Craft Made Baltimore, educational programming for makers and craft artists at all career stages, conferences and special events centered on craft, and for our role as the go-to digital resource for opportunities and information about craft in America. 

Membership to ACC is an essential passport to craft—a gateway to the vibrant and interconnected national craft ecosystem of both makers and craft appreciators alike. As an ACC member, you unlock special access to exhibitions, events, learning opportunities, and discounts from a diverse network of partner organizations that are shaping the future of craft. The program launched in February 2026 with organizations throughout the country offering unique benefits and experiences to ACC’s members nationwide, with more joining in the following months.

Mission & Vision
Photo by Max Franz

Position summary.

The Marketing & Communications Manager is responsible for coordinating and executing integrated marketing and communications efforts that advance the American Craft Council’s mission, programs, and priorities. This role manages the day-to-day execution of marketing projects and communications campaigns, ensuring work moves efficiently across teams and channels. The Marketing & Communications Manager oversees timelines, assigns project tasks, coordinates vendors, manages advertising placements, supports media relations, and develops compelling content across print and digital platforms.

A significant aspect of this role focuses on marketing ACC’s flagship experiences, including American Craft Made Baltimore, National Craft Open Studios Weekend, and the American Craft Connects Conference & Awards, as well as supporting the launch of new experiences nationwide, including the Atlanta Craft & Design fair in 2028. This position also oversees the planning and production of event signage, promotional materials, and on-site collateral to ensure a cohesive, high-quality experience for attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and partners.

This position reports to the Director of Audience Engagement as part of ACC’s Engagement Team (marketing, membership, advertising sales, sponsorships, design). The Marketing & Communications Manager supervises ACC’s Creative Director & Social Media Manager, and Digital Marketing Specialist, and will work closely with other members of the Engagement Team, including the Membership Manager, Head of Digital Storytelling, and Advertising Sales Specialist, as well as cross-departmentally. The ideal candidate is a highly organized project manager, skilled communicator, and collaborative problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on execution.

Responsibilities.

As our organization and the fields we are part of evolve, so may this role. These duties may change as ACC’s leadership identifies the need at any time.

    • Write, edit, and proofread marketing and communications materials across channels, including emails, website copy, press releases, signage, advertising, and promotional materials.
    • Coordinate and manage organizational communications to ensure messaging is timely, audience-centered, and aligned with ACC’s voice and brand.
    • Lead planning and coordination for Craft Dispatch, determining content priorities, developing content, and collaborating with other team members to ensure timely production and distribution.
    • Support storytelling efforts that elevate artists, makers, programs, and the broader craft ecosystem.

    • Coordinate ongoing marketing and communications projects and campaign execution across ACC initiatives, events, fundraising, membership, artist services, and organizational priorities.
    • Supervise and support a two-person marketing team, providing strategic direction, performance management, coaching, and professional development to advance organizational goals.
    • Develop and manage project timelines, workflows, and deliverables to ensure deadlines and goals are met.
    • Act as a synthesizer and synergizer – taking project requests and conveying to the marketing team the value, importance, and context for each, as well as making connections between the needs, projects, and priorities of various ACC teams and departments. 
    • Assign tasks and coordinate work across staff and between departments, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and smooth cross-functional collaboration.
    • Monitor project progress and proactively address bottlenecks or shifting priorities.

    • Support media relations efforts through press outreach, relationship management, and pitching stories to relevant outlets.
    • Draft and distribute press releases for organizational announcements, events, programs, and milestones.
    • Maintain media databases and outreach systems, including using Muck Rack, ensuring accurate records and effective tracking of media contacts and placements.
    • Monitor earned media opportunities and support visibility strategies for ACC initiatives.

    • Coordinate advertising buys and placements supporting ACC activities across print, digital, and partner platforms.
    • Manage advertiser relationships, ensuring timely communication and delivery of assets.
    • Evaluate advertising effectiveness and placement performance to inform future decisions.
    • Prepare and submit ad copy and creative assets accordi

    • Select and coordinate photographic assets for marketing campaigns, communications, and publications.
    • Manage relationships with external vendors for events and campaigns, including printers, photographers, videographers, designers, and production partners.
    • Coordinate timelines, estimates, deliverables, and approvals to ensure high-quality execution.

    • Process and code invoices related to marketing, advertising, and vendor expenses.
    • Maintain organized records and documentation for projects, budgets, and communications activities.
    • Attend cross-departmental meetings and contribute to collaborative planning and organizational alignment.

    • Support marketing and communications execution for ACC events, including on-site coordination for select craft fairs, convenings, and public programs.
    • Assist with signage, promotional materials, media support, and real-time communications needs during events.
    • Travel as needed to support event marketing and audience engagement.

Desired qualifications.

This position is a good fit for someone who has: 

  • 4–6 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field, with staff management experience.
  • Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience coordinating multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading abilities.
  • Experience managing digital content, websites, and email marketing.
  • Familiarity with wayfinding and signage design, particularly for large-scale events.
  • Familiarity with media relations, press outreach, and communications planning.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Has dealt with project management challenges and has both opinions and expertise in solving these challenges.

Preferred:

  • Experience in arts, culture, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
  • Familiarity with event marketing and production.
  • Experience with WordPress, email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and analytics tools.
  • Experience working with external creative vendors and production timelines.

Desired Characteristics:

  • Strong communicator and relationship-builder.
  • Highly organized with excellent follow-through.
  • Creative thinker with strong editorial judgment.
  • Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple moving pieces.
  • Enthusiasm for craft, artists, and creative communities.

ACC is willing to teach about:

  • Craft as an art form and associated American Craft Council products, including memberships, craft fairs, educational programs, related events, and ancillaries. 
  • Industry-specific marketing and communications skills and existing procedures for marketing requests, art delivery, scheduling, promotions, and data management. 
  • Policies and procedures specific to the American Craft Council.

Apply today.

Submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed beginning June 22, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority.

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Photo by Max Franz

ACC is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diversity, inclusiveness, and equity and welcome candidates from all walks of life.