Public Outreach Specialist

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is a nonprofit, membership organization and is an advocate for the environmental and economic health of the Catskill Mountain Region of New York State. Our headquarters are located in Arkville, in Delaware County.

Please visit our website.

Position Overview:

The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is seeking a Public Outreach Specialist.

Responsibilities:  

• Assess current offerings and provide direction and management of community-focused programs that will ensure growth in engaging diverse audiences;
• Provide insightful and creative approaches to the development and management of Catskill Mountain Region community-focused programming capable of increasing membership, engaging local and second-home owner populations and tourists;
• Face-to-face constituent outreach;
• Develop a robust volunteer program to support CCCD's programs;
• Coordinate Catskill Mountain Region community partnerships and events;
• Develop event/program plans to include goals, objectives, timelines, and budgets;
• Manage all event-related operational and logistical issues, including dates, venues, permits, vendors, and volunteers, as well as solicitation and oversight of speakers and performers;
• Develop and monitor event and program budgets and report quarterly;
• Assist in production of fundraising events, as requested;
• Manage the development, design and production aspects of cultural events;
• Manage creation and production of all event and program-related materials, records and files;
• Help ensure funding for programs and events by working closely with the Executive Director to develop and manage sponsorship opportunities;
• Draft press releases, media advisories, letter-to-the-editor templates, op-eds and other content as needed;
• Pitch stories to news reporters;
• Work with Executive Director on media strategy and obtain media coverage for CCCD's initiatives and public programming;
• Develop and implement CCCD's annual communication plan;
• Developing campaign messaging;
• Write copy for CCCD materials, media releases, newsletters and eNewsletters;
• Edit copy of program staff;
• Create publications and educational materials (media releases, newsletters and eNewsletters) that speak to a wide range of CCCD's constituents;
• Interact with staff and coalition partners to ensure that events are marketed to a diverse set of audiences;
• Research, develop, and implement online marketing activities to grow CCCD's online presence;
• Engage online communities through unique strategies and campaigns to increase website traffic;
• Grow the CCCD's eNewsletter list and increase open and click-through rates, leading to increased member activism, donations, and volunteers;
• Research and lead online marketing activities, including tagging, online advertising, viral marketing, and search engine marketing and optimization;
• Work with staff to create compelling online actions and program promotions;
• Expand and integrate social networking efforts with existing and new technologies, including blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and others;
• Assist development department in executing online fundraising campaigns;
• CCCD is particularly interested in developing programs that attract people from the Catskill Mountain Region's diverse communities, including local residents, second homeowners, and visitors to the region;
• Represent CCCD at community events, festivals, and meetings;
• Work with staff to develop and implement communication actions for coalition-focused initiatives;
• Assist in the preparation and management of the organization's public outreach and communications budget;
• Coordinate strategies to mobilize and support local activism for CCCD's public programming and policy initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• An understanding of the dynamics of rural communities.
• Knowledge in the use of Web-based technologies, including development of Web 2.0 strategies and traditional public relations, including media releases.
• This position requires a minimum of 2 to 3 years in public relations, journalism, advertising, public programming and event planning, or related fields.
• The successful candidate will possess a desire to promote and develop public programming and media opportunities to encourage rural sustainability (smart growth, natural resource protection, ecotourism, etc).
• Be an energetic self-starter with an ability to play a significant role in developing and managing civic engagement, community-focused programs.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing an effective media and outreach plan (news and social networking).
• Skills in graphic design and photo layout for print and web publications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent organizational skills are required.
• High energy and enthusiasm. Ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well under pressure and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic media plans to increase an organization's visibility, membership, and participation in public programming.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects against tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to be an extremely organized project manager.
• Willingness to work long hours, evenings, and weekends when necessary.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team are required.
• The ideal candidate will be a community-oriented, hands-on team player motivated by the Catskill Center's balanced approach to conserving environmental resources and promoting economic vitality in the Catskill Mountain Region.

To Apply:

Please email your resume and letter of interest.  The deadline to receive your resume is April 30, 2010.  If you have any questions, please call.