About Breakthrough Central Texas

Breakthrough is the leading college access and success non profit in Central Texas. For more than 20 years, we have partnered with thousands of middle and high school students who aspire to be the first in their family to graduate with a degree or certificate. We make a radical, long-term commitment to students, to and through college, unlocking the power of education and a lifetime of opportunity. We support the whole student with personalized services, work closely with community partners, campuses, and employers, and advocate for our students with lawmakers. Breakthrough students attend 60+ public schools and persist at nearly 100 colleges and universities. The result is that nearly 60% of Breakthrough students graduate from college, compared to 15% of low-income students in our region. Our work has resulted in more than 350 college graduates, with nearly 3,500 on their way, positively impacting families for generations, our region’s educational access, and the Central Texas economy.

Why Work at Breakthrough Central Texas
By working for Breakthrough Central Texas, you will help hundreds of students achieve their dreams of success and receive the high-quality education they deserve. Breakthrough is an organization committed to its students and recognizes that our greatest resource to support them is our dedicated and talented staff.  If you believe all young people deserve the opportunity to achieve postsecondary success and you desire to work at an organization committed to its employees and building the strongest team culture anywhere, then join us!  

About the role

As Communications Associate for Breakthrough Central Texas, you will support the execution of comprehensive, integrated marketing and communication plans to promote Breakthrough’s mission, programs and impact across various channels. This role provides an excellent opportunity for growth and development in the communications field, with a focus on supporting content creation, social media, event promotion, and donor and program communications. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn, organized, and passionate about the nonprofit's cause. You will collaborate with the Marketing & Community Engagement Manager to execute and implement strategies around social media, digital and design. The Communications Associate will report directly to the Director of Marketing & Communications. 

What you'll do

Digital Marketing & Content Creation

• Support with the execution of campaigns and design for Program Communications
• Help ensure all content aligns with the organization’s voice and messaging guidelines by managing templates on Canva
• Create, write and edit marketing and communication materials including email newsletters and blasts, blogs, and presentations 
• Design and produce marketing materials like flyers, brochures, posters, banners, and informational packets for program communications, recruitment and events
• Monitor and manage day-to-day website content and design updates on the Breakthrough website
• Manage online community calendar listings and posting of appropriate events 
• Draft and create content for social media channels, ensuring alignment with Breakthrough’s voice and goals
• Manage day-to-day social media content by scheduling posts and engaging with followers
• Monitor social media accounts for relevant conversations, mentions, and messages
• Assist in gathering analytics on social media performance and compiling reports

Media & Outreach Support:

• Track press coverage and media mentions of the organization
• Support with the coordination of media interviews and scheduling

Event & Community Engagement Support:

• Assist with logistics and promotion for community engagement events and fundraising initiatives
• Help create promotional materials (flyers, banners, emails) for events and campaigns
• Provide support during events by handling communications-related tasks (e.g., photography, taking notes, social media coverage)

 Administrative Support:

• Assist with administrative tasks related to the communications department, such as organizing files, updating calendars, and tracking media requests
• Help maintain and manage the content management system, digital tools and ticketing process

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in communications, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven environment
• Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written) is required
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Experience with social media platforms, digital content creation, and email marketing tools
• Basic knowledge of media relations and public relations best practices
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) and basic graphic design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, and other technology platforms. Experience with MyEmma, Virtuous, Canva, Eventbrite, and YouTube is a plus
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to work occasional hours outside of regular schedule to accommodate training and events

HOURS

• Breakthrough operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that adapts to evolving , needs-responsive environment. While office hours offer some flexibility, full-time employees typically work more than 40 hours per week on a regular basis. 
• Some evening and weekend work is required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

• Competitive salary between $51,000 - $63,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Health, dental and vision insurance; Breakthrough provides a zero cost plan option 
• Long-term disability and life insurance 
• Matching 401K retirement plan 
• Thirty days of annualized PTO 
• Generous leave policy

The salary range listed represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the year in which the position is filled. The actual salary offered for this position will depend on a number of factors including overall years of experience, relevant years of experience, skills and qualifications. At Breakthrough Central Texas, we offer a compelling total compensation packet with additional benefits. 

Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.