Outreach Specialist

Full time - 40 hours, non-exempt, benefited

Salary Range - $52,200 - $56,376

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Outreach Specialist is responsible for understanding and promoting the Whidbey Island Conservation District’s role and mission in order to enhance public awareness and knowledge of the value of healthy natural resources. The Outreach Specialist will maintain District social media accounts, develop promotional materials as needed, and attend community events on behalf of the District.

Familiarity with local communities and conservation issues is essential. The Outreach Specialist will assist with identifying conservation education needs and opportunities, and in the coordination and implementation of District grants and programs.

The Outreach Specialist assists in implementing programs to increase community awareness of local natural resource conservation needs and to encourage a conservation ethic within the community; ensuring enhanced community engagement (parents and families, urban residents, historically underserved communities), increased public input into the District’s planning processes, increased awareness of the District’s programs (including availability of technical and financial assistance), and increased conservation practice implementation. The Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Community Engagement Manager and Executive Director.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Work with the Community Engagement Manager and other staff to plan and create approaches, products and campaigns to support ongoing communication and engagement activities with community members and partners

● Assist in planning and/or teaching workshops and events attended by diverse audiences,

including the preparation of District educational/outreach materials

● Improve and maintain District social media channels for the advancement of program priorities

● Track and provide data on engagement activities, grant deliverables, and project successes

● Coordinate and attend District sponsored events as required, including coordination of the Annual Native Plant Sale, and occasional weeknight and weekend field or venue events

● Support efforts to increase producer-to-producer and affinity networks for the dissemination of conservation knowledge (e.g. Whidbey Island Growers Association, Firewise communities)

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Environmental Sciences or Studies, Education, or a related field OR four years of qualifying experience
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, with colleagues and the public
• One year of experience managing social media and content creation, as well as designing and developing print and online outreach material
• Experience designing and executing successful public outreach campaigns
• Experience with meeting facilitation, and preparing and delivering presentations to the public
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects, deadlines, and work both independently and cooperatively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Canva, Email marketing, and Google Workspace
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle available for work travel (mileage reimbursed)

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

● Good understanding of local conservation issues, resource concerns, and conservation needs.

● Local to or has an established connection with Whidbey Island

● Experience using graphic design tools such as Adobe suite, Canva, or other software

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

● Based at the WICD office in Coupeville, Washington with remote access opportunities

● Shared office space; significant computer and telephone work (repetitive movement – typing)

● Frequent sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, bending, and occasional lifting (50 lbs)

● Periodic travel to events and meetings

● Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and overnight travel required

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Qualifications are representative and essential for satisfactory job performance.

The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. WICD will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

BENEFITS:

WICD provides sick and vacation leave; medical, dental, and vision insurance (or equivalent health stipend); an Edward Jones Traditional IRA with 3% match; and 12 paid holidays per year.

ABOUT US:

The Whidbey Island Conservation District was established in 1967. We engage our community on Whidbey Island in voluntary actions that keep our air, water, soil, habitats, and working lands healthy for all. We are a non-regulatory, political subdivision of Washington State. We do not enforce compliance or impose penalties, but instead work collaboratively with land managers to develop stewardship strategies to meet their goals. WICD employees are recognized for their ability to assist the Whidbey Island

community with a high level of professionalism and expertise. WICD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• TO APPLY: Submit a resume, cover letter, and 1-3 examples of written work or outreach samples you’ve created to michelle@whidbeycd.org. Priority deadline is July 19, 2024. Position open until filled