STUDENT-FWS-Ithaca Care Collective

Federal Work-Study Position: Marketing & Community Outreach Assistant
Organization:Ithaca Care Collective\
Program:West Village Community Drop-In\
Location:Ithaca, NY (Hybrid – Remote Work and Community Outreach)\
Position Type: Part-Time, Federal Work-Study\
Supervisor: Executive Director
About Us
The West Village Community Drop-In is a free, play-based early childhood program serving children ages 18 months to 5 years and their families. Located at the West Village Community Center in Ithaca, our program provides a welcoming, nurturing environment where young children can play, explore, and learn while parents and caregivers receive much-needed childcare support.
Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and a commitment to community care, our program strives to make high-quality early childhood experiences accessible to families who might otherwise go without them.
Position Overview
We are seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and community-minded Federal Work-Study student to help us spread the word about the West Village Community Drop-In!
The Marketing & Community Outreach Assistant will work closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement a marketing and outreach plan that connects local families with our free program.
This hybrid position combines flexible remote work with in-person outreach at playgroups, community centers, libraries, and other family-friendly locations throughout Ithaca.
This is an excellent opportunity for a student interested in marketing, communications, early childhood education, nonprofit work, or community organizing.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement a marketing and community outreach plan.
- Design engaging marketing materials, including flyers, posters, brochures, and digital graphics.
- Create and schedule social media posts to promote the program, share activities, and connect with families.
- Help maintain a consistent and welcoming message across our communications.
- Brainstorm creative ways to increase awareness of the Drop-In and reach families who could benefit from our services.
- Visit local playgroups, libraries, community centers, and other family-friendly locations to share information about the Drop-In.
- Distribute flyers and promotional materials throughout the community.
- Build relationships with organizations and individuals who work with young children and families.
- Identify new outreach opportunities, particularly those that help us connect with underserved families.
- Represent the West Village Community Drop-In in a friendly, professional, and welcoming manner.
- Maintain a list of community outreach contacts and locations.
- Track outreach activities and help evaluate which strategies are most effective.
- Meet regularly with the Executive Director to discuss progress, share ideas, and plan next steps.
Semester Goals
With guidance and support from the Executive Director, the student will work toward the following goals during the semester:
Develop a marketing and outreach plan that identifies target audiences, outreach locations, communication strategies, and a realistic timeline.
 

Establish connections with at least 10 community organizations or family-friendly locations to increase awareness of the Drop-In.
 

Develop and maintain a consistent social media posting schedule to share program information, highlight activities, and engage local families.
 

Create a collection of reusable marketing materials, including flyers, digital graphics, and social media templates.

Track outreach efforts and results to identify successful strategies and recommend next steps.
These goals will be developed collaboratively and adjusted as needed throughout the semester.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone who is:
- Creative, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about community engagement.
- Comfortable communicating with families and community organizations.
- Interested in social media, marketing, graphic design, or community outreach.
- Organized and able to manage tasks independently.
- Comfortable traveling to different locations throughout Ithaca.
- Passionate about supporting children, families, and equitable access to early childhood education.
Experience with Canva, social media platforms, or creating promotional materials is helpful but not required. Training and guidance will be provided.
Work Environment & Schedule
This position offers a flexible combination of remote work and in-person community outreach. Much of the marketing, planning, and social media work can be completed remotely, while outreach activities will require visits to community locations throughout Ithaca.
The student will work collaboratively with the Executive Director while also having opportunities to take initiative and develop their own creative ideas.
Join us in helping more families discover the West Village Community Drop-In!