Communications Director

Scope of Responsibility

Oregon Environmental Council's (OEC's) Communications Director focuses on expanding OEC's media presence and maintaining an engaging online presence via multiple channels. The Communications Director also works with program staff to develop and implement project-specific communications plans. The Communications Director works in a team with OEC's Membership & Marketing Director, whose role is to expand and strengthen OEC's overall organizational marketing and outreach efforts, and OEC's Outreach Director, whose role is to engage and involve our members and supporters to make personal and political change to protect Oregon's environment. The role of the Communications Director is critically important to increase OEC's impact, visibility and financial support over the coming years.

Description of Duties

• Develops and executes an organization-wide media plan designed to build and maintain OEC's media presence and visibility.
• Proactively seeks out and secures earned media coverage statewide and nationally.
• Cultivates relationships with key media outlets, reporters, editors, and bloggers; fields media inquiries.
• Works with program staff to "think media"; prepares and trains program and legislative staff for media interviews.
• Drafts and distributes press releases and advisories; prepares press kits and organizes press conferences/briefings as necessary.
• Tracks media coverage of OEC; maintains press clippings; maintains media contact database. Creates and maintains systems for benchmarking, tracking and reporting on media campaign return on investment.
• Develops and helps identify resources for occasional paid media campaigns.
• Works closely with program staff to design and implement project-specific outreach and communications efforts, including developing effective messaging and communications strategies.
• Assists Membership & Marketing Director in producing general OEC print and electronic communications, including some graphic design.
• Serves as webmaster for OEC's website, www.oeconline.org. Maintains a high-quality web presence and promotes page views and goal conversions. Involves staff in updating website content and shares some web responsibilities with Marketing Director.
• Manages social media tools and strategy, working with others on marketing/communications team.
• Assists with Information Technology management, helping keep OEC's systems working. Works with contracted IT professional. Manages annual IT budget.
• Helps manage Salesforce database and works with program staff to integrate in-house database into communications efforts.

Required:

• Five years related experience with at least three years media relations experience
• A gift for writing and speaking in a clear and compelling fashion
• Expertise in website management and other internet tools
• Experience developing and implementing social marketing strategy.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing sight of the "big picture"
• Self-motivation and initiative
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• Bachelor's degree (advanced degree in a related field a plus)

Desirable:

• Existing relationships with Oregon media
• Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
• Exposure to public policy development and advocacy
• Experience with Salesforce CRM database
• IT management experience

Compensation and Amenities

Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks of paid vacation annually, generous health insurance for employee and family, and employer contributions to a retirement fund.

About OEC

The Oregon Environmental Council advances innovative, collaborative solutions to Oregon's environmental challenges for today and future generations. We work to create innovative change on two levels: we help individuals and businesses live and operate sustainably, and we help elected officials create practical policy that safeguards what we love about Oregon: clean air, clean water and an unpolluted landscape. Our vision for Oregon includes solving global warming, protecting kids from toxins, cleaning up our rivers, building sustainable economies, and ensuring healthy food and local farms.

The organization's annual operating budget is $1.5 million with a staff of 17 and a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors from across Oregon. We were recently ranked among the top ten nonprofits to work for in Oregon (see www.oeconline.org/community/blog). Learn more about OEC at www.oeconline.org.

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, organized, an excellent, fast writer and outstanding communicator. S/he should enjoy working with diverse people. This is a responsible position in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. OEC offers a collaborative, team-oriented, family-friendly workplace that treats employees as the responsible professionals they are. Hours are flexible, benefits are generous, and laughter is frequent.

To Apply

No calls, please. The position will be open until filled, but we will begin reviewing resumes and setting up interviews after February 17. Send cover letter and resume via email (preferred) to karenr@oeconline.org with subject line "Communications Director" or via postal mail to:

Oregon Environmental Council

222 NW Davis St., Suite 309

Portland, OR 97209

OEC is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of color to apply.