Communications Coordinator and Digital Specialist
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it.
Sierra Club is comprised of staff across the country and a network of local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: The Communications Coordinator/Digital Specialist works with Michigan Chapter staff and volunteer leaders to support and promote Chapter work and priority issues in order to build grassroots support and volunteer engagement as well as strengthen the Chapter’s profile throughout the state and region. The position is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating the Chapter’s digital and earned media strategy, communications materials and messaging for chapter conservation campaigns, public education and other activities, with an emphasis on regional Great Lakes issues. The position works with staff and volunteer leaders to ensure that equity and environmental justice are fundamental to our communications and messaging.
Job activities include but are not limited to:
- Develops, implements, and coordinates digital and earned media strategy that promotes chapter conservation campaigns, public education projects and other activities to elevate chapter’s profile in social and conventional media.
- Collaborates with staff and volunteer leaders to create and update website content, social media and email communications.
- Monitors social media and communicates with social media followers, including responding to queries in a timely manner.
- Leads Search Engine Optimization (SEO) activities, implementing on-page and off-page optimization and research to improve accessibility of Chapter information. Provide strategic, actionable insights for improving organic and local search rankings.
- Ensures email Chapter Update goes out twice monthly and assists volunteer editors/writers as needed.
- Produces creative visual assets (photos, videos, infographics) for website, email, blog and social media use. Develops chapter fact sheets and other communication materials as needed.
- Pitches Sierra Club stories to the media. Writes and releases statements to the press. Coordinates responses to the media on all appropriate topics. Assists with rapid response to fast-emerging issues.
- Cultivates and maintains relationships with journalists and editorial boards. Develops and updates media lists. Organizes and maintains media clips for the chapter.
- Writes and places opinion pieces for chapter staff and volunteers.
- Works closely with volunteer leaders and chapter and regional office staff to coordinate media events.
- Provides digital media support for Chapter groups, committees and networks if needed.
- Ensures national and chapter style policies are understood and followed by staff and volunteer leaders.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
- Experience in communications or closely related field; familiarity with conservation and environmental justice issues in Michigan is a plus.
- Experience in social media content creation, digital strategy, and/or digital marketing and in managing social media tools and technologies, including monitoring and digital marketing metrics.
- Strong public/media relations skills and ability to communicate well with writers, editors, and publishers.
- Understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices and strategies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Equity Analysis and Practice -- You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies:
- Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and a good eye for visual design; Possesses a creative approach and a vision for storytelling
- Photography, videography and editing skills are an asset
- Proficiency in the use of computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail, fax and social media applications.
- Familiarity with AP style.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is $60,000.