COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Wayland, MA
POSITION SUMMARY
The communications manager is a newly configured position joining the organization at a critical time of investment and excitement. The candidate will have the opportunity to provide technical expertise and shape the future of Native Plant Trust’s communications department while evolving this position over time to meet growing needs.
The position will report to the CEO and work with them to support Native Plant Trust’s goals of increasing the scope and scale of our work, strengthening existing and building new regional partnerships, reaching those seeking to hear our message of optimism and action in the face of the biodiversity and climate crises, and inspiring supporters who fuel our work through service and philanthropy. The communications manager will utilize an in-progress brand identity update, emerging strategic plan, and vision statement to manage the development of a new website, social media tactics, streamlined digital communications processes, consistent visual identity, marketing materials, and wide-reaching media presence on the eve of our 125th anniversary in 2025. Equal parts translator, champion, connector, and project manager, the communications manager has the opportunity to have an oversized impact on the future of our organization.
This is an exempt, year-round, benefit-eligible position with a starting salary of $60,000 - $70,000 per year. The position offers a flexible work location with the ability to work from Wayland, MA, headquarters a minimum of three days a week with occasional (once per month on average) travel to beautiful and inspiring locations throughout New England.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
3 years' experience in all areas
Publications and social media (50%)
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Manage the production of two magazines and two course catalogs each year. Create and track timelines and coordinate deliverables from staff, guest, and contracted talent including editors, photographers, designers, printers, and shippers. Ensure overall quality of publications.
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Develop, monitor, and adapt multi-platform social media tactics that grow our base of support and partnerships. Work with the Writer-Editor/Social Media Coordinator to conceptualize, source, and create content, campaigns, and themes. Coordinate sourcing content from staff and supporters.
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Develop our e-Newsletter tactics and manage the production of weekly e-Newsletters. Source and create content in coordination with directors. Assess effectiveness of strategies on engagement.
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As needed, assist with the production of technical reports, guides, branded materials, and print media to ensure messaging and brand identity are consistent. Manage publication process, coordinate workflows, and ensure quality of deliverables.
Communications coordination and project management (25%)
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Develop communications tactics, campaigns, and messages that are in line with the organization’s brand identity. Coordinate communications with members, donors, and supporters across the organization to ensure messaging is compelling, consistent, and personalized. Manage the Writer-Editor/Social Media Coordinator, interns (occasionally), volunteers (occasionally), and relevant external consultants and partners.
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Develop and execute annual advertising.
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Provide consultation in organizational marketing as expressed through media engagements, brochures, publications, press releases, and webpages.
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Develop workflow plans, DARCI matrices, timelines, and assignments to ensure communications are accurate, inspiring, and efficiently managed across the organization.
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Serve as a member of Native Plant Trust’s senior leadership team, regularly interacting with senior staff, Board of Trustees, and council members.
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Assist the Director of Finance and Operations with the creation of program budgets.
Layout, graphic design, and photo management (15%)
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Manage Native Plant Trust’s visual assets including hiring photographers and identifying photography needs; creating and coordinating photo/video documentation by staff and partners; maintaining the digital media library and working files; and distributing images internally/externally from the digital library.
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Create print media templates and assist with the design and printing of organizational materials such as invitations, ID cards/name tags, sales signage, mailers, ads, and e-Newsletters.
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Identify, recommend, and coordinate contracted work with writers, editors, designers, graphic designers, and photographers.
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Enforce brand identity standards in relevant works.
Media contact (10%)
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Serve as Native Plant Trust’s point of contact for media relations. Vet media and photo usage requests, prepare staff for interviews, maintain media relations, and coordinate interviews and photo releases.
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Assist staff with conveying the brand identity and messaging authentically.
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Prepare and pitch press releases for key initiatives and successes.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Qualified candidates will have:
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A relevant bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience, or a comparable combination of education and experience.
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Strong interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence and enthusiasm for working with teams.
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Intermediate graphic design skills using common software including InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, and similar software.
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Strong written and editing, verbal, and visual communication skills.
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Strong project management skills and a demonstrated ability to bring publications to press.
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Demonstrated ability to shape nonprofit organizational brands for greater impact.
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Experience creating and guiding the creation of both digital and print materials.
COMPENSATION
Starting salary will be $60,000 - $70,000 plus benefits.
To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF formatted files, with your last name at the beginning of the file name) to businessoffice@nativeplanttrust.org using the subject line “Communications Manager Application.” For full consideration, applications should be received by July 14, 2024.
Native Plant Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access and to being a welcoming and safe place for all who engage with us.