Remote Programs & Capacity Management Assistant – Nonprofit Poetry Education & Community Engagement Specialist

About The Watering Hole: A Creative Hub for Southern Poetry and Equity

Founded in 2013 in the heart of South Carolina, The Watering Hole is a vibrant, youth‑focused nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to poetry education and literary arts resources. Our mission is to dismantle systemic inequities in arts education, championing the voices of Southern writers and readers of color. By partnering with schools, community centers, and cultural institutions, we create workshops, curricula, and digital content that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and cultural pride.

We operate with a small, agile team of remote volunteers and a growing core of paid staff. Our collaborative, flexible work environment fosters innovation, allowing each team member to shape the organization’s future while working from any location. As we continue to scale, we are seeking a dedicated professional who can blend strategic communication, program coordination, and capacity‑building expertise to amplify our impact.

Position Overview: Remote Programs & Capacity Management Assistant

This part‑time, contract role will report directly to the Executive Director and serve as a linchpin for both program execution and organizational capacity. The successful candidate will be instrumental in translating strategic goals into concrete actions, overseeing communications, supporting logistics, and helping to build sustainable processes that enable The Watering Hole to thrive. The role is designed to evolve into a full‑time position based on performance and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications
  • Design, write, and distribute monthly newsletters that highlight program milestones, donor impact, and community stories.
  • Maintain and refresh website content, ensuring alignment with branding guidelines and SEO best practices.
  • Craft compelling donor communications—including thank‑you letters, impact reports, and fundraising appeals.
  • Prepare and send regular updates to program participants, partners, and stakeholders via email, social media, and other digital platforms.
  • Coordinate mailings and promotional materials for events, workshops, and outreach campaigns.
  • Generate monthly reports for the board and funding partners, summarizing key metrics, achievements, and challenges.
• Program Logistics & Capacity Support
  • Provide administrative assistance to the Executive Director, including calendar management, meeting minutes, and travel arrangements.
  • Assist with the planning and execution of virtual and in‑person training sessions, webinars, and community events.
  • Implement elements of the organization’s strategic plan, tracking progress against milestones and recommending adjustments.
  • Maintain organized digital filing systems, project trackers, and documentation repositories using Google Drive and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Support onboarding and off‑boarding processes for volunteers, interns, and staff, ensuring smooth transitions and knowledge transfer.
• Data Management & Reporting
  • Collect, clean, and analyze program data to inform decision‑making and improve service delivery.
  • Prepare visual dashboards and presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements and donor confidentiality standards.

Essential Qualifications (Required)

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in program coordination, office administration, or a similar assistant role.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including experience crafting newsletters, donor updates, and stakeholder reports.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat or similar PDF editing tools.
• High level of adaptability, openness to shifting priorities, and comfort working in a dynamic, remote environment.
• Commitment to The Watering Hole’s mission of equity in poetry education and a deep understanding of culturally diverse communities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in handling sensitive information.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check and child abuse/neglect registry screening.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice‑to‑Have)

• One (1)+ year of experience within a nonprofit organization, particularly in arts, education, or community development.
• Experience with basic graphic design tools (Canva, Adobe Spark) to produce visual content for newsletters and social media.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor stewardship, and grant reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with content management systems (WordPress, Squarespace) for website updates.
• Previous exposure to serving communities of color and a demonstrated ability to build trust across diverse audiences.

Core Skills & Competencies for Success

• Project Management: Ability to break down complex initiatives into actionable tasks, create timelines, and monitor progress.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to align daily activities with broader organizational objectives and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Communication Excellence: Clear, concise, and persuasive writing combined with confident virtual presentation skills.
• Technical Fluency: Comfort navigating cloud‑based collaboration tools, data tracking spreadsheets, and digital publishing platforms.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Strong relationship‑building skills, empathy, and cultural competence when interacting with donors, volunteers, and program participants.
• Problem‑Solving Mindset: Proactive identification of bottlenecks and creative development of solutions under pressure.

Work Environment & Culture

The Watering Hole embraces a fully remote model, allowing team members to work from any location with reliable internet access. Our culture is anchored in creativity, inclusivity, and a shared passion for poetry as a vehicle for social change. We prioritize:

• Collaboration: Regular virtual team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross‑functional check‑ins foster a sense of community despite geographic distance.
• Professional Development: Access to webinars, industry conferences, and internal learning circles to support continuous growth.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling (5‑20 hours per week) accommodates varying workloads and personal commitments, with an expectation of clear communication around availability.
• Diversity & Inclusion: An explicit commitment to hiring and supporting staff from underrepresented backgrounds, and to ensuring programming reflects the lived experiences of Southern writers of color.

Compensation, Benefits, & Perks

While the primary focus of this role is on mission‑driven impact, we recognize the importance of fair compensation and employee well‑being:

• Salary: $24,000 annually, prorated based on actual hours worked.
• Flexible Hours: Ability to set a schedule that aligns with personal productivity peaks and project deadlines.
• Professional Development Stipend: Annual budget for courses, certifications, or conference attendance related to nonprofit management, communications, or literary arts.
• Remote Work Allowance: One‑time reimbursement for home office essentials (ergonomic chair, headset, or lighting).
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of vacation and sick days based on hours contributed, in accordance with nonprofit standards.
• Health & Wellness Resources: Access to virtual wellness workshops, mental‑health webinars, and employee assistance programs.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

Because The Watering Hole is in a growth phase, the Programs & Capacity Management Assistant role is intentionally designed to be a launchpad for leadership. As you demonstrate success:

• You may transition to a full‑time position with expanded responsibilities, such as overseeing a team of program coordinators or managing a larger communications department.
• Opportunities to lead grant writing initiatives, strategic planning cycles, and partnership development will arise.
• Mentorship from the Executive Director and board members will support your professional trajectory within the nonprofit sector.

Application Process & Required Materials

We are seeking candidates who are ready to contribute immediately and who can articulate how their experience aligns with our needs. To apply, please submit the following through our online portal (no email submissions accepted):

• A tailored cover letter (500‑800 words) that connects your background to the essential duties and mission of The Watering Hole. Treat this as your writing sample.
• A concise résumé or CV (maximum two pages) highlighting relevant experience.
• Two professional letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your work ethic, communication style, and ability to operate in a remote, collaborative environment.

All applications must be received by Sunday, November 17th. The selection timeline includes an initial review, a virtual interview (or two), and a final reference check.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

The Watering Hole is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, financial status, HIV status, or any other protected characteristic. We actively seek to build a diverse staff and volunteer base that reflects the communities we serve.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a proactive, detail‑oriented professional with a passion for poetry, equity, and community engagement, we invite you to join us. Your work will directly influence the lives of emerging poets, educators, and readers across the South, helping to shape a more inclusive literary landscape.

Click the link below to begin your application and become a vital part of The Watering Hole’s story.