Communications Associate

11th Hour Racing  establishes strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities to promote collaborative, systemic change benefitting the health of our ocean – one degree at a time. Since 2010, the organization has been harnessing the power of sport with an innovative and comprehensive approach through three primary areas of engagement: sponsorships, grantees, and ambassadors.

11th Hour Racing invests in, builds, and promotes effective solutions to drive creative, radical change that supports stronger, more integrated, and healthy ecosystems. We envision a future where the ocean is healthy, thriving, and resilient. In this vision, 11th Hour Racing inspires positive change and fosters a lasting legacy to rebalance our relationship with the blue heart of our planet and the people who depend on it.

The Communications Associate will support overall efforts to drive visibility and interest for 11th Hour Racing while enhancing the brand identity and narrative of the organization, its mission, and its projects. The Communications Associate must have an outstanding work ethic, be highly organized, and thrive with a highly productive schedule and tight deadlines within a small team. A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, marketing, and digital media is required.

This regular full-time position is based in Newport, RI, and reports to the Communications Manager. Applicant should submit a cover letter with their resume

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the creation and implementation of a communications strategy across all media platforms to increase brand recognition of 11th Hour Racing, its sponsorships, grantees, and ambassadors.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to schedule social media posts, create engaging content, and interact with followers, ensuring alignment with the overall strategy.
• Contribute to the creation of captivating content for multiple platforms, including websites, social media channels, newsletters, press releases, and internal/external communications materials.
• Liaise with sibling organizations to manage content for internal newsletters and foster collaboration on shared initiatives.
• Assist communications team in preparing reports, presentations, and metric tracking analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts towards established goals.
• Manage website updates, including copy and visual content, and build website pages.
• Collaborate on maintaining content plans and calendars.
• Organize and expand media lists on digital platforms, facilitating outreach efforts and story pitching to relevant outlets.
• Coordinate with media contacts to arrange interviews, pitch stories, and prepare press materials as needed.
• Monitor and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Provide administrative support to the communications team, including managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, organizing digital files, and managing subscriptions to online platforms and publications.
• Coordinate branding assets across all projects, including collecting, organizing, and distributing photo and video archives.
• Support the planning and execution of events, including conferences, seminars, and community outreach programs.
• Assist in the management of at least two internship projects when applicable, serving as a resource for interns and contributing to their development goals.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in communications and incorporate them into strategies as appropriate.
• Provide assistance with other projects and activities as assigned

MINIMUM ABILITY, SKILL, & KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Brings a passion for the mission of 11th Hour Racing.
• Ability to work effectively in a small, dynamic organization with an emphasis on teamwork.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create clear and compelling content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Basic understanding of public relations principles, including media relations, messaging strategies, and crisis communication management.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interface and coordinate professionally with a number of diverse internal and external contacts, including partners, vendors, and fellow team members.
• Strong ability to work through administrative processes with a keen attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects and ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English.
• Ability to work legally in the United States.

MINIMUM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND EDUCATION

• College degree or equivalent education, with a record that demonstrates suitable preparation for this position.
• Experience or education in environmental sustainability, ocean science, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, etc), Adobe, WordPress, Mailchimp, Photoshelter, Sprout Social, Cision, and similar online databases is encouraged.
• Nonprofit experience and/or volunteering experience is an asset.

$25 - $30 an hour based on experience

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Approximately 90% of time spent on the job involves the use of a computer and/or laptop; therefore, the candidate must be able to sit for extended periods and utilize standard ergonomics practices. This position primarily works in an office environment, requiring the following activities: lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 15 pounds, kneeling, and bending. Must be able to use standard office

equipment such as printers, copiers, and faxes.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, and any other status protected under applicable law, and

provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. 11th Hour Racing is also committed to promoting diversity in the workplace

OTHER INFORMATION

Employees must adhere to all applicable organizational policies and procedures. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Willingness and ability to travel and work non-standard business hours, such as nights and weekends, on an as-needed basis is required. Employees must be able to cope effectively with deadlines and multiple demands.

This is a non exempt position.

11th Hour Racing is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued and supported. 11th Hour Racing believes that diversity brings about greater sustainability on all levels and aims to use its resources to generate greater social and environmental diversity through its grant-making and other related investments. 11th Hour Racing is committed to considering candidates for employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability and any other status protected under applicable law, and provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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