Communications and Outreach Associate

~ Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) is a nationally accredited, regional land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting North Carolina’s eastern Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills, including watersheds, environmentally significant habitats, forests and farm lands for this and future generations. Based in Morganton, N.C., the conservancy has permanently protected more than 50,000 acres since its founding in 1995. ~

Ancient mountains, rivers and streams, and the diverse and rare ecosystems they shelter, surround us. Supported by people like you, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina strives to ensure these special places have a future. A nationally accredited, non-profit regional land trust, we serve North Carolina’s eastern Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills.

Position Overview

The Communications & Outreach Associate is responsible for implementing outreach and communications programs which increase the conservancy’s community visibility and the public’s understanding and support of FCNC. This full-time position reports to the Development Director.

Responsibilities

• Work with Development Director to develop and implement FCNC’s marketing plan/budget to help meet strategic community support and funding goals
• Serve as lead writer for all media content, including biannual print newsletters, monthly e-newsletters, social media and website content, ensuring consistent formatting and messaging
• Develop displays, brochures, flyers, Power Point presentations and other materials as needed
• Assist Development Director with drafting fundraising appeals and other solicitation materials
• Serve as primary staff photographer and videographer
• Maintain high level of competency with DonorPerfect software, keep accurate donor records, track donor data & produce reports
• Regularly update content of donor acknowledgement letters and generate timely donor letters as required by the IRS
• Maintain and execute annual donor renewal notification system
• Maintain grants calendar and assist with writing grants and reports as needed
• Plan and maintain annual outings/events calendar and help organize attendees
• Assist Development Director with planning and executing fundraising events
• Along with Development Director, provide staff support for the Development & Outreach Committee

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, or communications and 1-3+ years of related experience

Experience and Skills:

• Excellent writer and editor
• Strong verbal communication and marketing skills
• Experienced content writer for print, social media, website and media releases
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress
• Proficient with DonorPerfect or similar software
• Excellent organization and planning skills, attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and work both independently and as a team-member
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters with discretion
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, flexible, positive attitude
• Persistence, sense of humor, and entrepreneurial spirit
• Commitment to land conservation and basic understanding of land trusts and FCNC’s mission
• Travel within FCNC’s 8-county service area may require use of personal vehicle if conservancy vehicle is not available
• Periodic overnight travel
• Approximately 85% indoor office work, 15% outdoors work requiring ability to carry equipment up to 20 lbs and to walk on steep terrain, sometimes for more than a mile

Compensation: Full-time position with competitive pay and benefits package commensurate with experience and skills.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply" to upload your cover letter, resume, and 3-5 published writing samples to Beth Willard-Patton with “Communications Position” in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Open until filled.

~ FCNC is an equal opportunity employer ~