Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Areas Association

Natural Areas Association
Job Description
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Position:        Communications and Outreach Coordinator
Status:        Part-time, 20 hours per week
Reports to:    Executive Director
Location:          Southwestern Pennsylvania
Salary Range:     Dependent on experience

Purpose of Position

The Natural Areas Association (NAA) seeks to strengthen and grow the organization’s education and outreach programs, and is hiring a part-time Communications and Outreach Coordinator.

The Communications and Outreach Coordinator will further the mission and strategic plan of the NAA through the development and production of compelling outreach materials that present a unified organizational message, for print, online and through traditional and social media outlets. The Coordinator will ensure that all the organization’s communications are dynamic, engaging and professional.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Communications and Outreach Coordinator include, but are not limited to the following:

•    Taking a leadership role in implementing strategic programs and initiatives designed to improve NAA’s public visibility and the public’s understanding and support of NAA’s mission through consistent messaging and branding across all communications materials
•    Developing an improved communications plan with well-defined communications strategies using a variety of communications tools
•    Working under the direction of the Executive Director and Communications Committee of the Board of Directors to implement the strategies identified in the communications plan to reach its goals
•    Overseeing the development of a new and updated organization website.  Writing and editing content for the web. Managing and maintaining NAA’s website and Facebook page as well as maintaining a strong online presence through other social media outlets. Working with appropriate staff, board members and consultants to develop online content and keep these communications tools regularly updated
•    Proposing and developing new communications vehicles based on our members’ needs
•    Drafting, editing copy and overseeing production/distribution of some of NAA’s publications including the Natural Area News (newsletter), published three to four times per year); an annual report and other materials for specific programs in coordination with appropriate staff and board members
•    Drafting and sending regular organization email blasts as directed
•    Taking a leadership role in creating new and enhanced outreach programming for NAA’s members and partners
•    Developing and administering a regularly scheduled land stewardship webinar series
•    Working with partners to create on-the-ground workshop opportunities for members
•    Overseeing the development and production of all NAA outreach materials
•    Assisting with the creation of NAA’s outreach presentations
•    Ensuring that NAA has appropriate images for all publication and outreach efforts. Work with Conference organizers to develop a “photo-volunteer” team
•    Maintain and expand NAA’s visual resources library
•    Drafting feature articles and press releases as needed
•    Willing to take on assignments as needed to help NAA meet its goals

Qualifications:

•    Creative, enthusiastic, friendly personality who enjoys working with people; willingness to collaborate as a team with a wide variety of participants, including staff, board, volunteers, contractors and interns
•    Systematic, results-oriented person who thrives in an innovative, tactical  environment
•    Bachelor’s degree in communications, graphic design or environmental science, natural resource science, or other applicable field; advanced degree a plus. Prior experience and training may be substituted, if applicable
•    3-5 years prior communications, outreach (including media), public relations and marketing experience preferred. Graphic design experience a plus
•    A proven track record of website and social media development and management. HTML and other web programming skills, as well as familiarity with WordPress, and/or Drupal a big plus
•    Must have outstanding writing, editing, marketing, and verbal skills
•    A proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher and email marketing software such as Mail Chimp
•    Willingness to stay up to date with technology and enhance skills through professional development and training
•    Must be highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, establish priorities and meet project deadlines
•    A self-starter, with a desire to learn and keep current with media trends, including socialmedia and technology
•    Willingness to work beyond conventional office hours as required
•    Willingness to travel to the Natural Areas Conference each year, as well as one – two other meetings of staff and/or board in various locations across the country
•    Willingness and discipline to work from home and/or office
•    A commitment to, and basic understanding of, natural areas conservation and NAA’s mission, vision and values

Physical Demands:

Normal office duties as performed at a desk (may require long periods of sitting and computer typing). Ability to carry equipment up to 20lbs. Outdoor work generally involves visits to properties and the ability to walk on properties that may or may not have developed trail systems and occasionally consist of steep terrain.  Driving to sites may require the use of personal vehicle.

Work Environment:

Approximately 95+% indoor office work and less than 5% outdoors. Office work is primarily sitting at a desk with a computer or in meetings. Most travel is outside of PA for meetings, conferences, and trainings.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is dependent on experience.  Schedule can be flexible with mutual agreement of supervisor, There is no health insurance or retirement plan with this position.

The Natural Areas Association is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status.

To Apply:

Applications are due September 20, 2015, but will be reviewed as received. E-mail to Lisa Smith, LSmith@naturalareas.org. Please include a cover letter, current resume or CV and a list of three references.