Communications Associate

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting birds and their habitats. The Communications Associate will contribute to the communications and engagement efforts in the Upper Mississippi River region, developing content and supporting various communication channels to raise awareness of conservation priorities and programs.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Vice President and Executive Director, and other members of the Upper Mississippi River leadership team to implement communications tactics that will broaden Audon’s visibility, reach, and deepen the impact of our work
• Assist the science and conservation team with the development of communication resources (i.e. best practices manuals, conservation decision support tools, brochures, etc.)
• Assist in securing local earned media for Upper Mississippi River initiatives and other regional conservation priorities
• Assist in developing and updating media lists, media pitches, holding statements and talking points
• Assist in the development of content calendars for communications and social media
• Produce newsletters, member emails, flyers, brochures, webinars, and other promotional materials
• Track daily and monthly metrics and analytics for media coverage and digital communications and prepare reports for key stakeholders
• Assist in the development of content on website and blog; working with staff to design, create, edit, and regularly update content
• Develop, and publish, content for Upper Mississippi River’s social on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging channels
• Manage photo and video assets
• Assist with development of advocacy driven communications and events
• Use Upper Mississippi River’s Content Management System to make website updates and publish press releases, statements, and other online materials
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism or related field and 0-2 years of professional experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered
• Strong analytical and project management skills; must possess excellent judgment and be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong editing skills
• A proactive, optimistic approach to work, one with superior interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working with a wide variety of external audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Photoshop and Canva a plus
• Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube
• Strong demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society
• A self-starter with a proactive approach to assignments, one with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, solve problems with limited supervision, and prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage and document processes and procedures
• A flexible approach to work, with a willingness and ability to travel about five times a year around the Upper Mississippi River region, as needed, and participate in programs occurring after typical business hours
• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
• Able to travel up to 15% of the time, including occasional overnight and/or weekend meetings or travel
• Experience with EveryAction, and The Email Machine is helpful
• Experience using media databases such as Meltwater strongly preferred
• Interest in elevating voices, ideas, needs, and concerns of communities across the Western Hemisphere a plus
• Experience creating communication materials in Spanish a plus
• Experience with graphic design a plus
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued

Benefits

• This position is classified as hybrid in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing.
• This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

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