Tofte Lake Center

Job Title: Communications Coordinator

The Organization: Tofte Lake Center (TLC) is a non-profit organization that provides residencies for artists who crave dedicated time to work on their projects, for creatives who seek individual growth through guided workshops or retreats, for organizations that want to make time to re/focus on their goals or mission, for leaders to gather to exchange ideas with colleagues in their field.  We aim to provide artists with access to nature and a comfortable workspace, the ability to unplug from the pressures of daily life and an inclusive community of fellow artists.

TLC is situated on a pristine lake near Ely, Minnesota, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  We honor and acknowledge the Anishinaabe and Dakota people, the ancestral caretakers of this land; we take this time to consider the acts of violence, displacement, and unjust treatment toward them that have occurred over many generations; we offer our respect and gratitude to the elders of the past, to those living today, and to those who will come in the future, for their careful stewardship of this land and its resources and for the rich cultural legacy they will continue to create here.

Our commitment to becoming an antiracist organization does not stand as a separate goal, but rather is a value that we strive to make tangible in all the work we do. For TLC and our staff, this means taking apart traditions and practices that bias toward white artists and building an organization that all artists, makers, and culture bearers might consider one of their artistic homes.  Our goal is to make anti-racism central to our everyday operations. To that end, this role requires you to offer personal interest and commitment to working in a diverse and inclusive work environment that places a high value on equity.

The Position: Communications Coordinator

Status: ½ Time 

Reports To: Managing Director

Work location: Ely, MN - The Communications Coordinator may live anywhere within a comfortable driving distance of TLC with a preference for the Ely area. They are expected to work on site 2-4 days/week during the residency season and will participate in weekly remote meetings in the off-season.  

Position Overview: Tofte Lake Center is hiring a Communications Coordinator who would support the Executive Director and Managing Director in executing both TLC’s internal programming, community relations and external communications, and business operations in a coordinated, strategic manner. 

Responsibilities

Communications:

  • Publicize TLC’s events/activities to TLC contacts, community, and supporters through content creation, web design, and delivery of newsletters and social media

  • Create key communications including fundraising, marketing, programming and general messaging 

  • Provide support with alumni relations 

Programming:

  • Help support the Executive Director in the curation and implementation of the artists’ retreat experience

  • Assist the Executive Director with the residency application process, selection, tracking, registration and communication

  • Serve as a local Ely representative connecting TLC’s programming to the local community

  • Support team in planning, publicizing, and facilitating community events

  • Facilitate resident artists’ arrival and departures

Administration: 

  • Oversee general email correspondence with TLC artists and community

  • Assist the Managing Director with maintaining TLC’s database with content that is accurate and timely 

  • Update and manage changes to TLC’s website 

  • Update staff on social media and website analytics

  • Assist in the preparation of updates and reports regarding the progress of the organization for funders, board, and other key audiences

  • Assist with data entry of artists, audience members, and donors as needed

Operations: 

  • Organize and facilitate hospitality for artist orientation meals and gatherings

  • Provide on-site property and local support 

  • Keep supplies stocked for the season

  • Step in as Retreat Manager during the 16-week season in the event of the Executive and/or Managing Director’s absence 

  • Other duties as needed to advance the work and TLC experience 


Required Qualifications, Skills, Abilities: As employees of a small nonprofit organization, TLC staff are enterprising, hands-on, can-do people. The ideal candidate will be experienced in providing artist support and relationship-building and have the ability to adapt and grow alongside the organization. This is a unique opportunity to work in close partnership with the founder of TLC and to evolve the systems and structural support that will sustain TLC for the foreseeable future. 

Preferred Skills & Characteristics: 

  • Commitment to creating and engaging in an anti-racist, diverse, inclusive, and equitable community

  • Nonprofit administrative experience, preferably in the arts

  • Fluency with data management and analysis including the use of relevant tools and technology (CRMs, Excel, Google Workspace applications, Canva, etc.)

  • Demonstrated ability to create powerful, compelling, written communications

  • Experience managing social media accounts on behalf of an organization

  • Demonstrated ability in proof-reading and editing

  • Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills

  • Ability to work independently as well as collectively with others to reach shared goals

  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while holding self accountable for meeting goals and deadlines

  • A keen self-awareness and emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills and oral communication

  • A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance on your vehicle if you own one

Salary, Schedule, Benefits

  • 1/2 time position - part time with potential for growth

  • Annual Salary: $22,000

  • Flexible, hybrid work schedule


How to Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to Managing Director Riley Burns at riley@toftelake.org by September 15th for consideration.