[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Natural Areas Association

[Lisa Smith]

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 social
media 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, LSm...@naturalareas.org. Please include a cover letter, current resume or CV and a list
of three references.