Communications Specialist

Mission

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, awards the accreditation seal to community institutions that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission's mission is to inspire excellence, promote public trust and ensure permanence in the conservation of open lands by recognizing land trust organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and that strive for continuous improvement. More information is available on the Commission’s website, www.landtrustaccreditation.org (link is external).

Relationship with Alliance

The Land Trust Alliance’s mission is to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. Created in 2006 as a separate corporation but supporting organization of the Alliance under Section 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Commission was organized exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of, the Alliance.

The Commission is governed by a board of volunteer commissioners, who are diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the country. The Alliance provides financial management, human resources, communications, and information technology support services to the Commission.

Summary of Position

The Communications Specialist is part of a dedicated team that, in collaboration with the program director, implements the national accreditation program to build and recognize strong land trusts, foster public confidence in land conservation, and help ensure the long-term protection of land. The Communications Specialist will be the point person for the Commission’s communications strategy and efforts in engaging the network of accredited land trusts as part of promoting and advancing the accreditation program.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the key staff person to project manage and implement the Commission’s communications and marketing program by developing and implementing:
  • An annual communications strategy that informs and engages accredited land trusts across all media platforms (web, print, social media) and through Commission representation at the National Land Conservation Conference (Rally) and other conferences and events
  • Ongoing strategies to help land trusts promote the accreditation seal and oversee land trust use of trademarked materials
  • Periodic strategies to promote accreditation to external stakeholders and coordinate outreach to stakeholders (outreach may be done by other staff)
  • Systems for managing, tracking, and reporting on annual communications budget and expenses and, as applicable, vendor relationships and implementation of contracts

• Coordinate, contribute to, and maintain Commission website and land trust resources, including:
  • Project manage communications for the annual external Requirements Manual update process, including the public comment process
  • Create and produce marketing and communication print pieces, including brochures, mail pieces, signage, and other collateral
  • Create and publish monthly e-Newsletter and quarterly Saving Land article
  • Review and edit external public correspondence to meet tone and style guidelines

• Engage with prospective applicants and accredited land trusts to maintain connections and promote resources, including:
  • Diplomatically counsel potential and active program participants about accreditation program benefits and accreditation process
  • Complete annual calls to build and maintain relationships with land trusts
  • Help develop and maintain accreditation training resources for land trusts
  • Present orientation and training webinars and workshops online and in person

• Assist with database administration and reporting by:
  • Creating and generating standard and ad hoc reports for external and internal use
  • Helping analyze data to identify and correct errors, duplicates, and missing information
  • Completing other standardized data entry tasks

• Serve as a member of a team dedicated to the advancement of a successful accreditation program by:
  • Providing proofreading and writing assistance
  • Maintaining positive personal demeanor and professional and courteous interactions with colleagues and external parties
  • Building positive relationships with commissioners, Alliance staff, and contractors
  • Maintaining the program’s integrity and credibility
  • Completing other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum four-year degree from accredited college or university
• At least three years of direct experience in communications or member engagement
• Ability and availability to travel for up to four weeks annually
• Proven skills conceptualizing and implementing nonprofit strategic communications and marketing initiatives
• Demonstrated graphic design and social media experience with creating, editing, and publishing print and digital media
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (particularly Office, SharePoint, Teams), Adobe Creative Suite or similar graphic design software, customer or case management databases, and other standard business software
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills including public speaking
• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail and follow-up
• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for the accreditation program goals
• Flexibility, creativity, and sense of humor
• Self-directed, confident problem solver

Compensation

The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with skills, years of experience, and unique background and qualifications of the candidate.

The Commission offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and other health coverage; life and disability insurance; paid vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave; and 403(b) retirement benefits.

Application

Please submit your application for this position, attaching your resume and cover letter, on the following link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/6227417D7628634A011AD3C831A6FA87/jobs/188012. If the electronic application is not an option, applications will be accepted by mail to Human Resources, Land Trust Alliance, 1250 H St, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.

The Alliance and the Commission are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.