Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (LSRA) seeks a Communications & Outreach Coordinator to join our growing, interdisciplinary, and highly collaborative team to manage and implement content creation, social media campaigns, email marketing, website functionality, and ensuring communications and marketing programs are on track with the strategic plan.

Job Description

The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will be well-rounded, detail-oriented and a self-starter. They are self-sufficient and possess the ability to work independently as well as with a team. Ideally, they are committed to environmental justice and protecting and preserving our water resources. Our ideal candidate has strong organizational, design, speaking and writing skills. Candidates should be able to look at processes and determine the system that will enable and sustain success, as well as have strong organizational practices that align with our values. The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will oversee the day-to-day operations of our communications, marketing & outreach activities. This individual will also assist with fundraising initiatives, event planning, grant writing, and any tasks assigned by the Executive Director or Deputy Director. The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will report to the Deputy Director. 

About Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is a licensed Waterkeeper® organization dedicated to improving the ecological health of the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. The organization works across the Lower Susquehanna Watershed that encompasses 22 counties in PA and 2 in MD. With law and science, we collaborate with local communities to build power, fill gaps in regulatory enforcement, and push back against water injustices and irresponsible development. The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper patrols the river for illegal pollution, and when necessary, enforces environmental laws to protect the river and communities that depend on it.

Responsibilities

Content Creation for Advocacy, Programs & Events 

• Design digital content relating to specific advocacy initiatives, programs & events

• Design print materials (informational graphics, displays, signs, etc.)

• Work with our vendors and contractors to develop materials, including video. 

• Draft, edit and distribute campaign materials, press releases, blogs, letters to the editor, letters to elected officials, feature articles, Op-Eds, etc. on behalf of the Riverkeeper.

• Create presentations using PowerPoint or other applicable software as needed.

• Create content for action alerts and promote through marketing channels.

• Organize repository of content in staff shared drive

• Complete other tasks as assigned by staff

Social Media

• Maintain strong presence on FB, IG, and LinkedIn accounts.

• Create ≥1 post per day

• Monitor comments, manage inquiries/messages from the public 

• Create and manage social media ads, boost organic posts, and track metrics for staff/board 

• Coordinate messaging with public outreach committee

• Link campaigns to EveryAction CRM where appropriate.

• Communicate directly with staff and partners for specific content to share.

• Leverage other social media pages or influencers to promote our work. 

• Keep up with trends in social media - do’s, don’ts, new platforms 

Email Creation, Delivery & Management

• Develop familiarity with all email functions of our CRM, EveryAction.

• Distribute consistent communications to general audience and segmented audiences

• Write and send Quarterly newsletter

• Report results to staff (email opens, clicks, etc.)

• Coordinate messaging with public outreach committee

Maintain Website

• Manage website platform (Wix) & oversee content updates 

• Oversee event calendar and update accordingly

• Compile website engagement statistics i.e., Google Analytics. Report to staff. 

• Coordinate messaging with public outreach committee

• Integrate EveryAction campaigns/capabilities where appropriate.

Other Duties

• Maintain general email inbox and communicate messages to appropriate staff. .

• Manage comms and outreach projects and tasks that are contracted out. 

• Identify and apply for grant opportunities which help cover position and program expenses.

• Assist with major signature fundraising events including Give days, Dam Bridge Challenge, and other events that may be conducted.

• Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to cultivate major donors and recruit members (i.e., friend-raising and soliciting sponsors)

The Communications & Outreach Coordinator reports directly to the Deputy Director. This job involves flexible hours to include working after hours, evenings and weekends.

Qualifications & Requirements

Highly competitive candidates will have some combination of the following:***

  Required

• At least 4 years marketing and communications experience, or relevant bachelor’s degree in marketing and/or Communications

• Familiarity with CRM software, email platforms, and website functions. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) 

• Proficient in Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides) 

• Proficient in design software such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite essentials like Photoshop and InDesign, Final Cut Pro (Adobe Premier), AdobeAnimateCC, or other editing software.

• Experience in social media/email, advertising, graphic design, & videography. 

• Highly detail oriented 

• Possessing excellent written and verbal communication skills, and public speaking skills

• Possess a self-starter attitude 

• Ability to work remotely, independently, and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Ability to manage multiple functions, projects, and timelines with a positive attitude. 

• Welcoming work as a partner of a non-profit team seeking organizational growth.

• Ability to access reliable wi-fi connection, computer, video conferencing, and phone at home. 

• Must be flexible and open to changing priorities and needs, including working hours (some weekend and evening work required)

• Commitment to supporting impacted communities.

• Commitment to racial justice, anti-racism, and understanding of and commitment to using anti-racist lens in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

  Desired

• Experience in a nonprofit work or volunteer setting

• Familiarity with Google Ads & Google Analytics

• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply (especially those who speak Spanish).

• Exhibit basic understanding of environmental literacy 

• A love for the Susquehanna River Watershed.

***Research shows that some individuals are more hesitant to apply for a job because they may not meet all of the qualifications listed. The candidate hired may not precisely meet all of these qualifications, but will show the desire and capacity to grow into the role and fit within our small, close-knit team. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

The Communications & Outreach Coordinator will obtain real world experience in the non­profit business world and gain exposure and education regarding the challenges facing our natural resources. The Coordinator will receive experience in the core workings of a nonprofit business and have opportunities to attend regional conferences. There will also be numerous opportunities to network with a wide variety of environmental non-profit organizations, environmental decision makers, politicians and other individuals working in the environmental sector of PA & MD. This opportunity will be both demanding and rewarding and allows a chance for the individual to help promote our mission. 

Schedule/Location

We allow for flexible work schedules so our staff can be responsive to community needs and balance work and personal responsibilities. Some local travel is required. Our staff meets in person once per week, and when necessary or beneficial, this position will be expected to occasionally meet with staff and partners or attend other events in person. Given the place-based, community-centered nature of this work, the applicant must live within the Lower Susquehanna Watershed. Hybrid working is permitted. 

Salary & Benefits

$20-24.75 per hour to start based on experience. This is a contracted part-time, at-will, non-exempt position up to 25 hours per week to start. There are no additional benefits as a part-time employee. See employee handbook. 

Application Instructions

For equal consideration, please send a resume and letter explaining your interest to ted@lowsusriverkeeper.org with subject line “Communications & Outreach Coordinator.” 

Our Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring, and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. 

The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.