Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $31/ hour
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
What We Do
Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. We envision a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential.
At Sitar Arts Center, students engage in affordable, high-quality education and workforce development in the visual, digital, and performing arts. Each semester, 80% of students are from Washington DC households at 60% or less of the area median income. Programs take place year-round during out-of-school time at Sitar's state-of-the-art facilities, which feature an 85-seat theater, visual and digital art studios, a darkroom, dance studios, and private and ensemble instrumental music studios.
Located in the vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, Sitar's community includes youth from every ward in DC. Across the year, up to 900 students engage in high-quality classes including instrumental music, ballet and hip-hop dance, acting and musical theater, digital photography and filmmaking, and more. Each summer, children from K- 8th grade enjoy our full-day, 6-week Camp Sitar, and teens enroll in summer workforce development programs.
Your Compensation
Pay is $31 per hour for up to 21 hours per week.
When and Where You'll Work
The Communications Specialist is a hybrid role with in-person days at Sitar Arts Center, located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC. Remote options will be available after you finish your probation period.
You will also attend periodic evening and Saturday events, such as the annual gala and other fundraising events and student showcases and performances.
This position works a flexible schedule, working up to 21hours per week. This role is expected to continue through June 2026, with the possibility of extension on a one-year basis depending on organizational needs and funding.
Who YouAre
Youre a creative and organized communications professional who believes in the power of storytelling to drive connection, visibility, and impact. You bring strong design and writing skills, enjoy juggling multiple projects, and are excited to contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven organization. Youre an execution-focused communicator with professional experience who is comfortable owning deliverables while collaborating closely with leadership.
Youre drawn to Sitars work with youth and communities, understand how communications supports enrollment, fundraising, and engagement, and are motivated to grow your skills while taking responsibility for high-quality work.
Key Qualifications and Experience
- 2+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or digital content creation, preferably in a youth development, arts, or nonprofit setting.
- Strong proficiency in graphic design with experience using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
- Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g.,ActiveCampaign, Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects on deadline.
- Passion for the arts and belief in Sitars mission of equity and access through arts education.
Requirements
- Background check and TB test
- Ability to work in person, plus some evenings and Saturdays for community events.
What Well Take Care of For You
Well do our best to take care of you so that you can take care of our children and youth.
- Paid Leave: Five days of paid leave
- Perks:Metro stipend
What Youll Do
As the Communications Specialist, you will support the development, execution, and management of Sitar Arts Centers communications and marketing initiatives. Your work will help elevate Sitars digital presence, strengthen storytelling, and ensure consistent, accessible, and engaging communications across channels.
You will collaborate with the Director of Communications and internal teams to execute strategies that engage Sitars community and showcase our mission, programs, and impact.
Core Responsibilities Include:
Content Creation & Storytelling (35%)
Support the development of compelling written and visual content that reflects the voices of our community.
- Conduct interviews with students, families, faculty, and alumni for story collection.
- Write and edit blog posts, spotlights, and feature stories.
- Translate long-form stories into social media and campaign-ready content, especially for LinkedIn.
- Draft captions, content themes, and campaign ideas.
- Proofread communications for clarity, accuracy, and brand consistency.
Multimedia Design (25%)
Serve as the primary creator of print and digital materials that promote Sitars programs and initiatives.
- Design flyers, postcards, signage, brochures, multi-page documents, and infographics.
- Prepare visuals and layouts for reports, presentations, and event materials.
- Ensure all designs align with Sitars visual brand and accessibility standards.
Digital Communications (25%)
Execute digital outreach strategies to grow engagement and awareness.
- Manage, design, and distribute email campaigns that promote programs and build community.
- Maintain contact lists and monitor email performance metrics.
- Schedule, publish, and monitor content on social media platforms.
- Publish approved updates to Sitars website and third-party platforms.
- Support SEO efforts through optimized content updates.
Marketing and Communication Operations(10%)
Help implement and assess strategic marketing plans.
- Maintain brand consistency across all communication channels.
- Organize and update the organizations asset library and branded templates.
- Assist with campaign planning and strategy execution
- Support reporting and dashboards to track communications performance
Additional Support (5%)
- Assist with Center events, including student performances, community programs, tours, and the annual gala.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and planning retreats.
- Foster a positive and inclusive staff culture aligned with Sitars mission and values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Our Values
Embed Equity
Embedequity in our systems, programs, and spaces to advance social justice.
Everyone should have equitable access to opportunities, representation, and voice.
Foster Belonging
Fosterbelonging by engaging, supporting, and celebrating our diverse community members throughgenuine and meaningful relationships.
Everyone deserves a welcoming space where they can feel like they belong.
Prioritize Balance
Prioritize balance between the mental, emotional, physical, and creative well-being within ourselves and our fellow community members.
Everyone deserves the opportunity and support to prioritize wellness within their lives.
Build Trust
Build trust by assuming positive intentions and taking ownership of our words, actions, responsibilities, and commitments.
Everyone benefits when we approach relationships with openness and commit to follow through.
Inspire Transformation
Inspire transformation by listening to, learning from, and growing with our community and the world around us.
Everyone can be a student, and anyone can be a teacher.
Encourage Collaboration
Encourage collaboration with thoughtful and clear communication, a curious mind, and a creative spirit.
Everyone benefits when we work together as a team.
How You Can Apply
This position will remain open until filled. However, for best consideration, please apply by Feb 20, 2026.
You need to submit a resume and answer all required questions.No phone calls, please.
After applying youll receive an email confirming that we have your application on file. If youre selected for the nextstage,you will be contacted for an interview. The hiring process can take 4-6 weeks after posting. You will be considered if the position is still vacant.
We appreciate your interest in Sitar Arts Center. Sitar Arts Center is an equal opportunity employercommitted to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Sitar Arts Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status, orany other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.
For more information about Sitar Arts Center, please visitwww.sitarartscenter.org.