Communications Associate

Position Summary:

The Communications Associate will be responsible for contributing to the general communications and engagement efforts of Audubon Great Lakes, a regional office of the National Audubon Society, helping to build awareness of Audubon Great Lake’s programs, conservation priorities, policy efforts, and community engagement. Working closely with the communications team, the position will support editorial, day-to-day communications and the creation of communications materials. The position will help develop content for communication channels, including Audubon Great Lakes website and social media sites and the ideal candidate will have experience in digital communication storytelling.

Compensation:

Salary range based on geo-differentials:

• $23.00 - $26.00 / hour = National

• $26.00 - $29.00 / hour = Alaska, CA (not San Francisco), Connecticut, D.C., Chicago, Oyster Bay, NY

Essential Functions:

• Work with the Communications Director and Senior Manager, Advocacy to implement communications tactics that will broaden Audubon’s visibility, reach, and deepen the impact of our work.

• Assist in securing local earned media for Audubon Great Lakes 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 Audubon Great Lakes 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 Audubon Great Lake’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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.

• Experience with EveryAction, and The Email Machine is helpful.

• Experience using media databases such as Meltwater strongly preferred.

• 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.

• Interest in elevating voices, ideas, needs, and concerns of communities of color and other people historically marginalized in America and the conservation movement a plus.

• Demonstrated ability to create, manage and document processes and procedures.

• Experience creating communication materials in Spanish a plus.

• A flexible approach to work, with a willingness and ability to travel about five times a year around the Great Lakes 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.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships: Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.  

Problem Solving: Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.  

Accountability: Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.  

Supporting Change: Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.  

Critical Thinking: Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.