Digital Communications Manager

Schmidt Ocean Institute

Schmidt Ocean Institute

Marketing & Communications

Newport, RI, USA

USD 85k-110k / year

Posted on Apr 29, 2026
Inspired by the dynamics of sailboat racing and the urgency for climate action, 11th Hour Racing is committed to the health and resilience of ocean systems. Supporting innovative, sustainable solutions in the maritime industry and beyond through sport, storytelling and grant-making, 11th Hour Racing works to build healthy planetary systems and strong communities.
Position Overview

The Digital Communications Manager owns the organization’s digital ecosystem, including channel strategy, content execution, performance analytics, and growth.

Reporting to the VP, Communications & Marketing, this role is responsible for managing all digital channels – social media, website, email marketing, and YouTube – and ensuring cohesive storytelling, consistent execution, and data-driven optimization across platforms.

This is a manager-level role with full ownership of digital performance and operations, working in close partnership with the Communications Manager (Campaigns & Brand Programs), who leads campaign strategy and content direction.

Key Responsibilities:

    Digital Channel Ownership & Execution
  • Own strategy and day-to-day management of all digital channels (social media, website, newsletter/email, YouTube), in collaboration with contracted organic and paid social strategists.
  • Develop and manage the digital content calendar and publishing cadence.
  • Ideate and develop all content – both written and visual – with occasional support from our graphic design consultants.
  • Execute content publishing, community management, and channel updates.
  • Ensure consistent, high-quality storytelling across all digital platforms.
    • Campaign Distribution & Channel Strategy
  • Translate campaign strategies into channel-specific execution plans.
  • Partner with Communications Manager to ensure campaigns are effectively deployed across digital platforms.
  • Optimize content formats and messaging for each channel, collaborating with contracted creative agencies.
  • Liaise with 11th Hour Racing ambassadors and paid influencers to create and deliver UGC campaigns aligned with the organization’s communications strategy and plans.
    • Paid Media & Growth Strategy
  • Own paid social strategy, execution, and budget management.
  • Optimize campaigns for reach, engagement, and conversion.
  • Identify opportunities for audience growth and channel expansion
    • Website & Platform Management
  • Oversee website content updates, structure, and storytelling integration.
  • Lead website audits, UX improvements, and content optimization.
  • Support development and integration projects in collaboration with external partners.
    • Analytics, Reporting & Insights
  • Own performance tracking across all digital channels, including website.
  • Produce monthly (or regular) performance reports with actionable insights.
  • Translate analytics into clear recommendations to improve performance.
  • Establish and maintain reporting systems and dashboards.
    • Digital Innovation & Optimization
  • Identify opportunities for experimentation across platforms and formats.
  • Test and refine content strategies based on performance data.
  • Stay current on digital trends and emerging tools.

Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Operate as the primary owner of digital execution and performance.
  • Collaborate closely with Communications Manager to align campaigns and content.
  • Support VP with data-driven insights and recommendations.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely content delivery.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

  • Strong, consistent execution across all digital channels.
  • Measurable growth in engagement, reach, and audience.
  • Clear, actionable reporting that informs strategy.
  • Efficient and scalable digital workflows.
  • Seamless translation of campaigns into high-performing digital content.

Ideal Profile:

  • The ideal candidate is a digitally fluent marketer and platform strategist with deep experience managing and optimizing content across a wide range of channels, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok. They bring a strong analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret performance data and translate insights into clear, actionable strategies that drive engagement and growth.
  • They also possess excellent writing and graphic design skills, with the ability to create compelling, on-brand content across formats – both independently and in collaboration with design resources.
  • This individual is highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven experience managing multiple platforms and workflows simultaneously. They are a hands-on executor who is comfortable balancing day-to-day content management with performance optimization, including experience with paid media and campaign execution.
  • They are proficient in web and content management systems such as Webflow and WordPress, and have working knowledge of analytics and user behavior tools like Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity. Familiarity with digital communications and creative platforms – including Sprout Social, PhotoShelter, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar tools – is expected.
  • The candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, working both independently and collaboratively, and demonstrates strong ownership over their workstreams. They are proactive, solutions-oriented, and capable of managing priorities with minimal oversight.
  • This role requires flexibility and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally, often operating on fast-paced schedules that may extend beyond traditional working hours in support of sport sponsorship activities and real-time communications needs.
  • They bring 5–6 years of experience in digital communications or marketing, with a strong track record of managing online platforms, executing content strategies, and using data to inform continuous improvement.
This is an exempt position.
11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. 11th Hour Racing believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grantmaking and other related investments. 11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. We actively invite people of all backgrounds to apply with us.

85000 - 110000 USD a year

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