Communications Associate
Overview
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.
Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
Position Summary
The Communications Associate will be responsible for contributing to the general communications and engagement efforts of Audubon Great Lakes, a regional office of the National Audubon Society. They will work with the communications team and help execute the organization's editorial, day-to-day communications, and creation of communications and promotional materials. The Communications Associate will work with team members to ensure consistency of Audubon's message and brand across all communications media and will help develop content for digital and print communication channels, including Audubon Great Lakes website and social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious and highly creative digital storyteller with experience in digital communications sourcing, producing, and managing content.
This position will report to the Senior Communications Manager, Advocacy and will help build awareness of Audubon Great Lake’s programs, conservation priorities, policy efforts, and community engagement through a variety of methods to help further Audubon’s mission and goals. The position will be based in Michigan, Indiana or Wisconsin and will work closely with the team across the Great Lakes region.
Essential Functions
- Work with the Communications Director and Senior Manager, Advocacy to implement communications tactics that will broaden Audubon’s visibility, reach, and deepen the impact of our work.
- Assist in securing local earned media for Audubon Great Lakes initiatives and other regional conservation priorities.
- Assist in developing and updating media lists, media pitches, holding statements and talking points.
- Assist in the development of content calendars for communications and social media.
- Produce newsletters, member emails, flyers, brochures, webinars, and other promotional materials.
- Track daily and monthly metrics and analytics for media coverage and digital communications and prepare reports for key stakeholders.
- Assist in the development of content on website and blog; working with staff to design, create, edit, and regularly update content.
- Develop, and publish, content for Audubon Great Lakes social on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging channels.
- Manage photo and video assets.
- Assist with development of advocacy driven communications and events.
- Ensure Audubon’s strategic imperative of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging is included in messaging.
- Use Audubon Great Lake’s Content Management System to make website updates and publish press releases, statements, and other online materials.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism or related field and 0-2 years of professional experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Strong analytical and project management skills; must possess excellent judgment and be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong editing skills.
- A proactive, optimistic approach to work, one with superior interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working with a wide variety of external audiences.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with PhotoShop and Canva a plus.
- Experience with EveryAction, and The Email Machine is helpful.
- Experience using media databases such as Meltwater strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Strong demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
- A self-starter with a proactive approach to assignments, one with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, solve problems with limited supervision, and prioritize tasks.
- Interest in elevating voices, ideas, needs, and concerns of communities of color and other people historically marginalized in America and the conservation movement a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to create, manage and document processes and procedures.
- Experience creating communication materials in Spanish a plus.
- A flexible approach to work, with a willingness and ability to travel about five times a year around the Great Lakes region, as needed, and participate in programs occurring after typical business hours.
This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).