Wissahickon Trails is a community-based conservation organization headquartered in Ambler, PA. For 67 years, we have worked to protect and restore nature in the Wissahickon Valley, preserving 1,300 acres of critical open space, building 24 miles of trails for public access, and protecting the health of the Wissahickon Creek. We are seeking a new member of our team who will have the opportunity to impact local environmental conservation and improve the quality of life in the Wissahickon Valley.
The Communications Manager is responsible for creating and implementing communication campaigns that further the achievement of the organization’s strategic initiatives. The Communication Manager supports cross-departmental collaboration and collateral development and ensures that all communications tactics align with our strategic goals and brand identity and support the mission and values of the organization. Through digital and print communications, the Communications Manager creates meaningful and long-lasting connections between the people living, working, and recreating in the Wissahickon Valley and Wissahickon Trails.
We are seeking someone who is eager to contribute to a culture that values relationships, prioritizes listening to others, and has a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director. Some work on weekends and evenings is required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Create and implement strategic communications campaigns (identifying key audiences, goals, strategies, messaging and tactics) supporting organizational programs and initiatives.
• Develop content across all communication platforms, including wissahickontrails.org, print newsletters, Constant Contact email campaigns, social media accounts, blogs, flyers, brochures, print ads, maps, and signs.
• Collaborate with Conservation, Development, and Engagement teams to maximize the organization’s storytelling and promote events and initiatives to further the mission. Work with all staff members to maintain style guides and organizational voice to promote consistency in communications.
• Maintain and update communications protocols and processes, including crisis communications and conduct performance tracking for monitoring and evaluating key outcomes.
• Cultivate and manage media relationships, pitching story ideas to journalists to increase the visibility and profile of Wissahickon Trails. Includes writing press releases, media alerts, talking points, and op-eds as part of earned media strategy.
• Take photos and videos at preserves and events to share digitally and use in print collateral. Develop and deploy guidelines for staff and volunteers to provide content for possible use in campaigns.
• Outsource, coordinate, and oversee work with external vendors to ensure high-quality services (e.g. graphic design, map making, trail signs, videos, promotional items, printing etc.) are delivered on time and within budget. Periodically collaborate with consultants engaged in organization-wide communication assessments and strategy development.
• Build relationships with supporters, event attendees, partner organizations, and volunteers to ethically share their stories and deepen community engagement. Coordinate with external partners on joint communications efforts.
• Serve as co-chair of the Communications Advisory Committee.
• Full-cycle management of communications budget, working in partnership with program directors to identify needs and track spending.
• Additional tasks and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications, Experience, & Core Competencies If you meet at least 75% of the criteria below we encourage you to apply
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in communications or marketing. Knowledge of best practices in strategic communications, audience research, and message development is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and training will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with graphic design (including Canva), photography (including smart phones), and basic video editing is desirable.
• Team-oriented with strong relationship-building, collaborative, and interpersonal skills.
• Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional growth.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility and implementing best practices for inclusive and accessible communications.
• Ability to manage time and priorities independently while being flexible and responsive to emerging situations.
• Excellent verbal, written, editing, and analytical skills with the ability to craft compelling content.
• Demonstrated ability to measure the impact and success of communications strategies.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver communications products on time and within budget.
• Must be able to travel independently around the region for programs and meetings.
• Must pass background clearances.
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