Communications Manager

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

Audubon Southwest (ASW) is seeking a Communications Manager. This person will create and implement communication strategies in support of ASW’s mission, brand, and conservation strategies in New Mexico and Arizona. Reporting to the Executive Director of ASW, the Communications Manager will primarily focus on digital outreach and engagement related to Audubon Southwest education, development, conservation, and advocacy strategies through email, social media engagement, and website management.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, thrives in a fast-pasted environment, and passionate about engaging the public through social media, email campaigns, and other digital communication channels. This is an exciting time to join Audubon Southwest.

Compensation:

$70,000 / year

Essential Functions

• Manage and grow ASW’s social media presence utilizing a strategic posting schedule , and original and curated content. Engage with followers by responding to comments and generating authentic conversation about ASW’s issues and initiatives. Track metrics for post and engagement performance and analyze results for improved campaigns.
• Manage and grow ASW’s email subscriber database, quarterly e-newsletter, and email campaigns that amplify ASW’s events and projects inform about urgent issues and encourage advocacy. Use advanced segmentation, insights, and A/B testing to understand subscriber behavior and improve engagement and reach.
• Manage and update (as needed) the ASW website as an effective and dynamic tool for connecting with constituents and lead generation. Work with website administrator to update and maintain links, pages, and content.
• Write and design communications materials using brand assets and voice, including , fact sheets, flyers, and other promotional materials.
• Identify and create opportunities to feature diverse voices in ASW materials. Highlighting voices that are often not included in the conservation field. Manage Spanish language translation of ASW materials as needed.
• Create and ensure the alignment of communications tactics and messages with the organization’s strategic priorities, which include fundraising to achieve conservation goals.
• Ensure the consistency of brand standards, messaging, mission, vision, and values with all audiences, internal and external.
• Coordinate media outreach and coverage with media releases, TV/radio interviews, feature stories, and other public relations activities. Work with National Audubon Society Communications staff to amplify New Mexico issues.
• Analyze and document the effectiveness of all executed outreach and communications.
• Translate scientific and policy information into effective communications/outreach products.
• Other job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications and Experience

• Five years’ experience in public relations, journalism, or other communications and marketing fields.
• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also considered.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with demonstrated experience writing articles for newsletters, marketing literature, website content, social media, and public relations materials.
• Writing samples and/or writing tests may be included in the selection process.
• Strong facility with web-based analytics to gauge performance of social media and website .
• A collaborative creative who is proactive, flexible, and innovative.
• A self-starter who can manage and prioritize deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment .
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about current conservation issues affecting New Mexico and Arizona birds, wildlife, and habitats.
• Proven experience developing and executing social media strategies.
• Interest, understanding and commitment to the ASW mission and vision.
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign and Salesforce is a plus.
• Basic experience with communication production, such as design and layout, video and audio production techniques and strategies, social media management and distribution , mobile technologies, and e-learning tools.
• A high level of skill and comfort with technology, including experience with multiple computer and electronic communication software and platforms, such as MS Office, Drupal, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience designing, monitoring , and evaluating tools for assessing the impact of communication services.
• Strong planning, organization, and implementation skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• A self-starter with a proactive approach to assignments, one with the ability to work independently and as part of a team, solve problems with limited supervision, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel as the job requires throughout New Mexico and Arizona.
• Ability to work long, flexible hours when needed, including weekends and evenings.
• Interest, understanding, and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitat, especially in the Southwest, is critical, as is the ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.

This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.