Communications Coordinator

The Pinchot Partners are searching for a part-time, contracted Communications Coordinator to help us share our successes. A successful candidate will manage our social media accounts; create promotional materials; contribute copy and blog posts to our website; assist in note taking at our monthly board meeting and subcommittee meetings; interact with local news outlets and diverse stakeholders; and manage outreach events to effectively tell our story to the public. The most qualified candidates possess superb written and verbal communication skills, basic graphic design, and the ability to communicate in a way that accurately reflects collaborative diversity.

The Communications Coordinator is a contracted part-time remote position reporting to the Executive Director, and will primarily work from a home office. Some in person meetings, mostly in Lewis County, are required: monthly board meetings on the third Wednesday of each month in Packwood, Randle, or Toledo, WA; 2-3 full day seasonal field tours on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; a two-day annual meeting in March; and a minimum 3-5 other public events during the year. Candidates can expect approximately 1-3 in-person meetings/events per month.

Areas of Responsibility

Digital Communication - 30%

• Create a variety of content to support storytelling efforts, including monthly newsletters, website copy, blog posts, etc.
• Write copy, schedule posts, respond to comments/messages, and monitor analytics for Facebook
• Identify and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner

Community Outreach - 30%

• Assist in planning and executing effective outreach events to a variety of audiences including high schools, colleges, universities, job fairs, community events (farmers markets, etc.)
• Prepare appropriate and targeted promotional materials for outreach events
• Ensure that all promotional and marketing materials align with our brand identity

Media Liaison - 25%

• Perform outreach to local press outlets and build strategic partnerships, including writing and submitting press releases
• Respond to media inquiries and maintain relationships with local journalists and other vital communication partners

Administrative Support - 15%

• Assist the board Secretary in taking accurate and thorough notes at board and subcommittee meetings 
• Ability and willingness to assist in finding and securing funding to support this role

Qualifications*

Required

• 2 years of experience in a communications role or relevant life experience
• Strong time-management, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines
• Exceptional interpersonal communication, writing, and editing skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Experience in managing a website using Wix or similar web design platform
• Familiarity with business applications of social media platforms
• Knowledge of email marketing software (MailerLite)
• Basic graphic design experience
• Proven knowledge of communications and marketing ethics and best practice

Preferred

• Experience in communicating forest-related issues or other technical information is preferred, but not required
• Advanced experience with graphic design and video production is preferred, but not required

Compensation

This position is part time, approximately 10-20 hours per week at an hourly rate of $18-20 per hour (depending on qualifications) with additional travel reimbursement where appropriate. The position starts with an initial 6 month contract, followed by an employee review and potential contract renewal up to 12 months at a time at the discretion of the Executive Director and Executive Committee. Contract renewal and possible expansion of hours and/or pay rate is dependent on job performance and funding capacity. 

To apply, please submit an application including cover letter and resume to Janene Ritchie, Executive Director, at janene.ritchie@pinchotpartners.org. The position is open until filled. For strongest consideration, please submit by June 1, 2024. 

*A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, and other candidates from marginalized communities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. We are looking for the right person, not simply a checklist of traits.

The Pinchot Partners are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works within the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding areas to promote watershed health, create quality local jobs, and encourage sustainable recreation. The Pinchot Partners are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age, parental status, or any other non-merit factor.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Janene Ritchie, Executive Director, at admin@pinchotpartners.org. The hiring committee will begin reviewing applications on June 1st, 2024; the position is open until filled.