Communications Coordinator

~ Members of Dakota Resource Council use grassroots actions to influence public opinion and shape public policy to protect agriculture, natural resources, livelihoods and community well-being. ~

Dakota Resource Council was formed in 1978 to protect North Dakota's land, air, water, rural communities and agricultural economy.

DRC is working for preservation of family farms, enforcement of corporate farming laws, soil and water conservation, regulation of coal mining and oil and gas development, protection of groundwater and clean air, renewable energy, and sound management of solid and toxic wastes.

Dakota Resource Council is a nonprofit, grassroots activist organization. The mission of DRC is to form enduring, democratic local groups that empower people to influence decision-making processes that affect their lives.  

Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Communications Coordinator is responsible for: 

• Managing DRC communications.
• Developing and maintaining media relations, maintaining media list.
• Drafting and sending news releases, handling media requests and connecting media with DRC member spokespeople, coordinating news conferences.
• Developing DRC spokespeople with assistance of organizers, providing media preparation assistance as needed to members for interviews, letters to the editor, talk radio and other situations, and assisting with media and spokesperson training workshops for members.
• Developing and maintaining up-to-date website, Facebook, and Twitter.
• Producing Weekly Report.
• Coordinating and writing quarterly Newsletter.
• Working with organizers and the Executive Director to write and send email action alerts, as needed.
• Handling communications technology for the DRC annual meeting and other events and communications efforts.
• Handling advertising and promotion for issue campaigns.
• Working with organizers and Executive Director on rapid response communications.
• Performing the administrative tasks necessary to accomplish his or her job. 

Qualifications 

• Commitment to the mission and goals of the organization, and the community organizing approach to social change.
• Excellent communication and people skills; ability to write well.
• 5 years experience in communications, particularly with media or advocacy group.
• Knowledge of how the media system works in North Dakota; relationships with some media personnel is a plus.
• Skills and knowledge in websites and social media.
• Familiarity with the public policy process.
• Leadership and organizational development capabilities.
• Comfortable with farmers, ranchers, rural people, and others from a diversity of backgrounds; and knowledgeable about one or more of these issues: family agriculture, oil and gas development, and/or clean energy.
• High level of maturity.
• Experience in issue campaigns, political campaigns, community organizing activities and/or fundraising ability is a plus.
• Capacity to work independently as a salaried employee on a flexible schedule.
• Willingness to travel either in- or out-of-state may be necessary on a limited basis, using a DRC vehicle when possible, but able to use his or her own vehicle (with mileage compensation) when necessary. 

To Apply 

Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, a resume, writing sample, and 3 references to: 

Don Morrison, Dakota Resource Council
1200 Missouri Avenue, Suite 201
Bismarck, ND
58504  

Note: Application Deadline - Position open until filled.