ShoreRivers Seeks Communications Specialist

Ann Frock

ShoreRivers seeks a Communications Specialist to manage and implement our communications strategy—ensuring high quality, professional, on-brand materials and messages through all avenues. The most critical skills for this position are excellent verbal and written communications, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and organization. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, based on experience. Position begins in June 2022, or as soon as possible.

The Communications Specialist reports to the Executive Director and works out of the Chestertown or Easton offices with a flexible schedule. This is a full-time position; the employee must be flexible to work weekends, evenings, and longer hours when necessary and to travel when necessary. The employee must be willing to live in the communities we serve. The employee must be vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide a copy of his or her vaccination card. To apply, send your resume and a one-page writing sample to Ann Frock, Office Manager, at afrock@shorerivers.org by Friday, May 27, 2022.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing ShoreRivers’ annual communication strategy and calendar; ensuring high quality, professional, on-brand materials and messages through all avenues; acting as the primary manager and editor of ShoreRivers’ communications channels; and managing teams of staff on communications efforts.

Responsibilities include:

Manage our media presence including press releases, letters to the editor, and interviews.

Manage the website.

Manage ShoreRivers’ email blasts through Raiser’s Edge NXT. Coordinate production of the Riverkeeper monthly emails; ensure other department emails are on-brand and on time.

Coordinate social media calendar and staff team.

Produce the bi-annual, printed Advocate Newsletter.

Assist the Riverkeeper Department in producing written and oral testimony for advocacy efforts during the Maryland General Assembly and throughout the year.

Assist in updating and producing ShoreRivers’ promotional materials as needed.

Contribute to the writing and editing of content for annual reports and grants as needed.

Contribute to ShoreRivers’ diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts.

Support the fundraising and development efforts of the organization.

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POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must have a strong commitment to environmental protection and to ShoreRivers’ mission.

Experience & Education

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience in the area of communications.

Minimum five years’ professional experience in a combination of the following: communications, journalism, marketing, technical and/or science writing, media, or graphics design.

An understanding of environmental issues that affect water quality.

Knowledge of environmental laws and regulations pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort.

Skills & Technical Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, editing and proofreading skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Excellent organization, attention to detail, and time management.

Fluent in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Experience with website design platforms; SquareSpace experience ideal.

Design training and/or experience with design platforms such as Adobe and Canva a bonus.

BlackBaud Raiser’s Edge NXT experience a bonus.

Creativity in writing and messaging.

Ability to interpret and communicate water quality data and policy initiatives to a wide range of audiences.

Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and as a manager. Ability to collaborate effectively with ShoreRivers staff, partners, and volunteers as well as third-party vendors.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter familiarity preferred.

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SHORERIVERS

ShoreRivers seeks to protect and restore Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education. We have a dedicated staff of Riverkeepers, educators, scientists, restoration specialists, and advocates focused on policies and projects that will improve the health of our rivers. Our staff are a strong, collective voice for Eastern Shore waterways.

ShoreRivers believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our staff, board, supporters, and programs is critical to achieving our mission of clean water. We believe that access to waterways fuels environmental stewardship; inclusion of diverse communities is essential to long term success; and diverse representation in our membership, staff, and board makes us stronger.

ShoreRivers believes that swimmable, fishable, clean, and safe rivers are for everyone in our communities. ShoreRivers is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants.