Communications and Outreach Associate

~ Conservation Northwest has a 28-year track record of success protecting and connecting wildlands in Washington and British Columbia and recovering our region’s iconic wildlife including wolves, wolverines, fishers, lynx and grizzly bears. ~

Our M.O. is simple: connect the big landscapes, restore the most vulnerable wildlife, and protect our natural heritage for future generations. Our approximately 20 staffers represent over 4,000 dues-paying members in Washington, British Columbia and beyond. Our conservation community also includes over ten thousand activists, supporters and online followers.

Position Overview

We are looking for an organized, creative and motivated person to join our Communications Department as an Associate, assisting with communications, outreach, publications and other duties based out of our Seattle office in the Queen Anne Neighborhood.

This position, tailored for a communications professional with one to three years of relevant experience and strong writing and editing skills, is an excellent opportunity to break into the world of wildlife and wildlands conservation and communicating for environmental progress in the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities

Communications and Outreach Associate duties include:

• Working with the Communications Director to support writing, editing, production, and administration of conservation, environmental, outdoor recreation, and other content for our organizational communications channels including:
  • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Medium, YouTube, Flickr)
  • Organizational website, Wild Northwest blog and News Updates and statements
  • Monthly Conservation Connection E-Newsletter
  • Biannual print Conservation Northwest Newsletter
  • Supporting overall WordPress website administration, maintenance and content for www.conservationnw.org
• Design and production of brochures, mailers, postcards and other printed publications developed in-house
• Coordinating outreach events and community relations initiatives
• Working with Communications, Development/Membership and Conservation Program staff to engage the public at events, tabling opportunities, happy hours, habitat restoration planting parties, holiday parties, and other venues to raise the profile of the organization and maintain strong relations with the public, local communities, peer organizations, the outdoor industry, and our members
• These duties include some volunteer coordination and event planning
• Some outreach events include advocacy on behalf of regional wildlife and wildlands conservation efforts
• Other events are coordinated with Development/Membership staff to grow organizational membership and solicit support
• Monitoring relevant news, blogs, social media and other available information to support organizational communications, including Google News Alerts, Weekly Digests from state and federal agencies, and news and information published or shared by other environmental organizations and colleagues
• This occasionally includes preparing information into reports for key staff and leadership
• Additionally, this position will support Development/Membership and Communications staff in the planning and hosting of our annual Hope for a Wild Future auction and dinner each spring
• Other duties required as assigned

Qualifications

• Applicants must have one to three years of professional experience in a communications, public affairs, marketing or environmental advocacy role
• Experience from internships is acceptable
• A strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities, creative thinking, organization and attention to detail are required
• The ideal candidate will be a strong writer eager to engage the public through communications and community outreach, as well as a resourceful self-starter passionate about environmental conservation in the Pacific Northwest
• Proficiency with graphic design software including Adobe Creative Suite, online marketing and communications experience, and event planning experience are highly valued but not required

Technical requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education
• One to three years relevant professional experience
• Proficiency with social media channels, norms and standards
• Experience with media writing and editing. Familiarity with AP Style preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other basic PC software
• Experience with or a willingness and ability to learn website administration and content management, particularly WordPress
• Experience with or a willingness and ability to learn SalesForce, Salsa, Vertical Response and other email marketing, CRM database and communications software platforms

Additional Information

Hours:

• Full time based in our Seattle office (1829 10th Ave W, Suite B, Seattle, WA 98119), with regular business hours and occasional evening or weekend work as needed (compensation days provided when appropriate).
• Occasional regional travel, including to our Bellingham and Twisp office locations, is anticipated and organizational vehicles are available.

“Keeping the Northwest wild” since 1989, Conservation Northwest is a regional conservation organization working to protect old-growth forests and other wildlands, connect large landscapes and vital habitats, and restore native wildlife. For more information, please visit our website.

Compensation: Competitive salary dependent on experience, plus medical/dental/vision insurance, Simple IRA benefits, and a generous vacation package starting at three weeks of paid vacation.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your résumé and a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in this position with Conservation Northwest by email to Chase Gunnell, Communications Director.

Applicants granted an interview will be asked to provide up to three professional writing or other work samples as well as two professional references.

Position is open until filled. Priority consideration given to applications received by December 15, 2017. Please no follow-up calls.

~ Applicants of diverse social, racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. as an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without preference given to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background, veteran or disability status. ~