The National Wildlife Refuge Association is seeking an online communications specialist with a talent for story-telling and a passion for wildlife conservation. The position will manage the Refuge Association's websites and blog, including writing and editing content, maintaining the websites and optimizing content for search. The position will also write and edit our monthly eNewsletter, The Flyer, and manage the organization's social media channels. The position will assist in developing an online communications strategy to support our program and fundraising goals.
This position reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and will work closely with program and policy staff to develop creative and inspiring stories that convey our work and our brand to a growing audience of national wildlife refuge supporters.
Duties:
Online Communications
Website and Blog:
Serve as webmaster:
Edit, update, and consistently monitor accuracy and timeliness of information at refugeassociation.org.
Work with Refuge Association contractors on technical website issues and graphic needs.
Ensure content is distributed to all appropriate Refuge Association-operated websites includingrefugeassociation.org, RefugeFriendsConnect.org, FundRefuges.org.
Coordinate with program staff (Conservation Programs, Friends, Government Affairs) to create interesting, timely content, blogs and information about Refuge Association programs and activities; post appropriately to Refuge Association social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and share with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners as appropriate.
Assist with expansion and maintenance of distribution lists for online communications, including Refuge Action Network, social media and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service communications using The Databank or other constituent management databases.
Assist staff to develop new online media communications strategies including those for fundraising and membership.
The Flyer:
Write, coordinate with staff, post and circulate The Flyer, the Refuge Association's monthly online newsletter
Create and enforce Flyer publication schedule
Social Media:
Manage the Refuge Association's social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms; duties include daily monitoring, crafting effective social media communications and responding to comments or questions in a timely manner.
Develop innovative social media campaigns to promote Refuge Association membership and charitable giving opportunities.
Print Communications
In coordination with program staff, assist with developing, writing and distribution of policy reports, fact sheets, press releases and other communications.
Assist in creating membership and fundraising materials such as membership brochures, appeal letters, annual reports, and contribute to grant proposals as necessary/requested.
Work with program staff to develop PR materials on Refuge Association programs.
Outreach
Assist staff with coordinating logistics and preparing materials for projects, conferences, meetings and events.
Respond to general inquiries and requests for information regarding the Refuge Association's activities and programs.
Assist with marketing efforts pertaining to corporate sponsorships as needed.
Special Programs
Coordinate Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest
Provide overall writing and editing support.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
We seek an experienced individual with exceptional writing skills and top-notch people skills, with experience managing a website, blogging and building an online community using social channels. Outstanding written and oral communications skills and the ability to write clear, creative, and persuasive copy for online consumption are mandatory.
The right candidate is very attentive to detail and organized, excels at managing projects and thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The candidate must be able to work well in small groups and independently while juggling multiple projects and meeting deadlines. The candidate must have experience with WordPress and Microsoft Office and a working knowledge of graphic design. Experience with the Databank or similar constituent management system desired.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or marketing
3-5 years of online communications experience, including demonstrated success writing for the web, blogging and managing websites and social media channels
Outstanding writing, editing, and research skills
Experience with HTML, Google Analytics, Google Adwords, and Facebook Insights a plus
Passionate interest in wildlife conservation
Previous experience working in conservation and/or for a non-profit organization
Ability to work independently while juggling multiple projects
Attention to detail
Ability to develop collegial working relationships – virtual and in-person – with a range of colleagues
Flexible team player
Willingness and availability to travel for job-related activities as necessary.
Capacity to both plan work in advance and respond to timely new opportunities that may arise
Application Procedure
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample or links to writing examples, and three references to Christine McGowan (cmcgowan@refugeassociation.org) by Friday, June 12. Note "Online Communications Specialist" in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Location is flexible: either the Refuge Association's Washington, DC office or remote.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is an equal opportunity employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
See the complete job description: http://refugeassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/OnlineComms..pdf
Organizational Information
Founded in 1975, The National Wildlife Refuge Association is the only nonprofit exclusively focused on advancing the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge Association has a unique niche as the leading partner of the Refuge System, with specialized expertise in advocacy, constituency-building, and on-the-ground conservation to advance the mission of the Refuge System.
Our Mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries.
With 40 years of history as a partner to the Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association provides expertise and capacity to support Refuge System goals while enjoying the flexibility to shift gears quickly to tackle issues the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may not have the capacity to address.
For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.refugeassociation.org
