SAVE–BEES.ORG
Contract Position: Communications Coordinator

General Job Description

A national consortium of organizations, working to advance protections for bees, seeks an experienced contract Communications Coordinator. The position combines content creation and press engagement, and requires strong writing skills, attention to detail and ease with working in a dynamic coalition environment on short deadlines. The ideal candidate will also have a deep interest in strategic communications for social and food system change.

This competitive contract position starts as soon as possible, with an initial contract through January 2016, and potential for renewal thereafter. The position requires approximately 40 hours/month, with potential for growth. The Communications Coordinator must be flexible and able to adjust hours to accommodate breaking media moments in active campaigns. The Communications Coordinator can be based remotely, though preferably located near Oakland, California or Washington, DC.

The Consortium

The Communications Coordinator would work for a consortium of organizations that take public action to protect bees and pollinators. Work can be viewed at www.save-bees.org. Examples of organizations involved include: American Bird Conservancy, Beyond Pesticides, Center for Food Safety, Friends of the Earth, Pesticide Action Network and many others working to advance protections for bees and other pollinators and build a more resilient food and farming system. Honey bees, native bees, birds and other pollinators are responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat and their populations have been declining at an alarming rate since 2006. Increasingly, pesticides are seen as a driving factor in their declines, but the United States policymakers have been slow to take action.

Specific Responsibilities

Content Creation

Draft content, based on communications research and campaign messages
Proof online action alerts, blogs and web content
Research and develop new online cross-posting opportunities
Format written materials
Upload finalized content to website (press releases, blogs, etc.)
Support Drupal website upgrade project as needed

Press Engagement

Research, write and distribute press releases to targeted media and provide support to coalition members
Liaise with coalition partners and key spokespeople
Provide support for media inquiries, individuals and other organizations, often via telephone and email
Support events, including press conferences, briefings and other media events

Strategic Communications

Support collation and analyzing of key media coverage
Support development of key messages and facilitate uptake among coalition partners

Social media

Monitor and post content on social media channels
Develop content for and support coalition members social media engagement

Communications Team Support

Manage and maintain editorial calendar
Facilitate communications and media trainings and one-on-one support with key coalition members
Participate in coalition meetings, contributing to strategic and logistic decisions
Additional support as relevant

Qualifications:

Required

At least three years working in professional communications, preferably focused on social change campaign communications;
Strong project management skills and follow-through;
Excellent verbal and writing skills, including familiarity with online and offline communications;
Proven attention to detail;
Familiarity with social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter;
Ability to work in diverse teams;
Ability to manage time and workload effectively;
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word;
Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative and solve problems creatively.

Preferred

Prior professional experience working in a nonprofit setting;
College degree in English, Communications, Media Studies or similar;
Strong research skills;
Understanding of environmental health, social justice and/or food system reform is strongly preferred; work experience, political savvy and passion around these issues is ideal.

We strongly encourage people of color to apply.

How to apply

Please email a letter of interest stating why you want to work with this national consortium, a resume with work experience and one writing sample that you alone have authored to sara@panna.org with “Communications Coordinator application” in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with interviews beginning as soon as qualified candidates are identified.