Communications Officer

EcoLogic Development Fund ("EcoLogic") is a nonprofit organization that for over 17 years has taken a people-centered approach to environmental conservation and sustainable development in rural Central America and Mexico. EcoLogic works with poor, rural communities to help them become better environmental stewards in order to save their forests and water and improve their living conditions. We ensure local people are in charge of projects, providing them with the tools they need to sustainably manage their natural resources and globally valuable biodiversity. EcoLogic staff members are based in the U.S. and across Mexico and Central America, including a Regional Office based in Guatemala.

Position Overview:

This position leads the development and implementation of the organizational communications strategy, with the goal of cultivating and expanding EcoLogic's base of support. Under the framework of that strategy, responsibilities include:

• develop and implement annual communications plans and budgets;
• ensure consistent and appropriate use of EcoLogic's messaging and brand;
• write and produce print publications (annual report, newsletters, brochure, etc.);
• cooperate with and support development staff on communications for fundraising;
• manage electronic communications, including website content and updates as well as electronic newsletters, in close coordination with the Program Officer for Online Giving;
• raise and manage EcoLogic's profile through advertising, outreach, and media coverage, positioning EcoLogic as a thought leader;
• collaborate with the Regional Office on Spanish-language communications;
• facilitate internal communications and reporting between staff in the US and the field, and with the Board;
• and provide oversight for all external communications materials. The position reports to the Managing Director.

Responsibilities:

1. Publications (40%):

• Write and coordinate the design and production for all print publications (newsletters, annual. report, program profiles, brochures), working with other staff members as well as outside consultants.
• Coordinate with vendors for design, printing, etc. of publications.
• Cooperate with development staff on content and timing of communications for fundraising. Coordinate the creation of new promotional materials.

2. Electronic Communications (35%):

• Manage website by regularly updating material and removing old content.
• Provide input for EcoLogic's profile in online social media portals;
• Write, design, and send monthly Enews updates to current and potential donors, friends, and other interested parties.
• Evaluate website user statistics periodically to determine effectiveness of content. As necessary, redesign pages.
• In the above functions, coordinate with development staff and especially closely with Program Officer for Online Giving.

3. Public Relations (10%):

• Based on strategies and tactics identified in the communications strategy and plans, raise EcoLogic's profile in the wider world through print, online, and other advertising as well as outreach and media/press coverage, and other publicity efforts. Includes positioning EcoLogic as a thought leader.
• Develop relationships with media contacts, write and disseminate press releases, identify strategic opportunities for outreach. Prepare press kits and promotional materials as needed.
• Monitor and compile clippings of press coverage from the US and the region.

4. Strategy Development (5%):

• Prepare and periodically revise the communications (and marketing) strategy in collaboration with key staff and others.
• Develop and implement annual communications plans and budgets.

5. Spanish-Language Communications (5%):

• Collaborate with Regional Office to determine priorities for Spanish-language external communications materials and advise on their content and use.
• As appropriate, coordinate the writing, design, translation, and production of Spanish-language materials.

6. Internal Communications (5%):

• Ensure consistent and appropriate use of EcoLogic's messaging and brand, and provide related support and guidance to staff, the Board, and volunteers.
• Facilitate communications between staff in the US and in the field by facilitating reporting and sharing of information. Maintain internal electronic files for communications (e.g., photos, presentations)
• Compile monthly reports to the Board of Directors highlighting key accomplishments and challenges in all areas of the organization.
• Provide oversight of all external materials to ensure consistent and appropriate use of messaging and branding.
• Provide support and guidance to staff, members of the Board, volunteers, and key donors to ensure that they understand and follow EcoLogic's communications guidelines.
• Coordinate learning sessions in conjunction with other staff.

Supervisory Responsibility: Interns on a temporary or part-time basis

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communications/marketing or journalism, or in international relations/development, environmental studies, Latin American studies, or a related field.

Experience:

1 to 3 years of previous communications experience required, preferably in a nonprofit setting. Experience in Latin America preferred, especially in community organization/development and conservation issues. Very strong written communication skills are required.

Language:

Fluency in English and proficiency in both oral and written Spanish are required.

Travel:

Availability to travel internationally at least twice per year is required.

Desired Skills/Characteristics:

• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level strategy and detailed implementation simultaneously.
• Strategic and creative thinker with an understanding of the fast-evolving field of nonprofit communications and fundraising.
• Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to deal with detailed projects.
• Capacity to simultaneously work on multiple tasks and projects, and set priorities for a challenging workload.
• Excellent computer skills; specifically Microsoft Office and Adobe PhotoShop. Proficiency and experience with HTML, electronic newsletter tools, databases, and Convio software preferred.
• Strong self-motivation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of staff.
• Ability to operate effectively and respectfully in a multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with environmental issues and Latin America.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, résumé and references.