Application deadline: May 21, 2012
Salary: $34,500 to 36,500 (plus 15% cash benefits package after introductory period)
Location: southern Oregon / northern California, based in Ashland, Oregon
Application: Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references, attached to
an eMail with subject “Outreach and Communications Specialist” to kbo [at] KlamathBird.org.
Application deadline: May 21, 2012
Job Description:
This new position is being created to assure effective outreach, science delivery, community education,
and marketing in support of Klamath Bird Observatory’s mission to advance bird and habitat
conservation through science, education, and partnerships. The Outreach and Communications
Specialist will develop interpretive materials and implement activities and events targeting multiple
audiences, including natural resource managers, community members, and donors. Applicants should
have a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in Natural Sciences,
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Communications, Marketing, Environmental Sciences,
Journalism, Education, or a related field with a minimum of four years of project management.
Applicants should have experience in leadership, team building, fundraising, personnel supervision, and
have the ability to work independently and as part of a team for a growing non‐profit organization.
Applicants should be creative, have excellent writing and public speaking skills, and be able to
understand and interpret technical scientific literature to convey its conservation and natural resource
management relevance for a variety of audiences. Additional skill sets include creative design, desktop
publishing, and website content management. Applicants should have a strong interest in birds,
science, and ecosystem conservation.
Job Duties:
Deliver scientific results and bird conservation messages to decision makers in support of
sustainable natural resource management and ecosystem conservation.
Develop targeted Decision Support Tools (DSTs) to address pressing conservation and
management challenges (e.g., http://www.klamathbird.org/publications/dst.html )
Ensure information from important publications are delivered through associated DSTs
Hold collaborative workshops related to oak woodlands, water management,
adaptive/ecological management, avian data center tools, and monitoring
Oversee community education programs that provide unique and diverse learning opportunities,
foster an appreciation for birds, and enhance interest in science-based bird and habitat
conservation. Some or all of the following could be involved:
Promote KBO among partners (e.g., other NGOs, federal and state agencies, and land
managers or owners), members, and the community to strengthen and build our reputation
and to increase access to our services
Produce and distribute high quality outreach materials for the public that promote the
importance of conservation science including the editing and publishing of KBO’s quarterly
newsletter
Further develop website to make it more dynamic, increase access to KBO products, and
add content as needed
Maintain Facebook page with bi-weekly posts and update content on Klamath-Siskiyou
eBird
Increase effectiveness of social media and internet marketing outreach
Give popular presentations at a variety of venues
Foster KBO participation in community education programs, increase youth involvement,
and encourage community education program volunteers
Maintain bird walk program and coordinate fee-based field trips for birders
Create and/or coordinate press releases, newspaper and magazine features, and radio
and TV spots
Conduct evaluations to inform and improve programming
Other job duties
Ensure timely delivery of project deliverables
Recruit and hire staff and interns when appropriate and provide for their training,
support, coordination, and supervision
Assists with grant writing, contract acquisition, and design and implementation of feebased
programming
Develop annual budget for Executive Director approval and provide support for
accounting and billing
Manage grants and reporting as needed
Participate in community outreach activities
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Excellent writing skills
Understanding of and ability to communicate complex science concepts and ideas
Ability to successfully identify and write grants and proposals to obtain funding
Excellent public speaking abilities
Ability to design engaging presentations and interpretive materials
Experience teaching diverse audiences and conducting workshops
Ability to represent KBO to partners, funders, and the public
Experience networking and building partnerships
Ability to provide vision, facilitate group discussion, and help coordinate efforts of KBO staff
Experience working with the media and writing press releases
experience with web design and desktop publishing
Ability to plan for and put on outreach and development events
Ability to identify western birds and knowledge of bird conservation
Proficiency with computer programs (MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Publisher)
Attention to detail and ability to self-manage in a busy work environment
Ability to work well with others, both within and outside the organization
Organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
Experience in supervision and human resource management
Ability to develop, implement, track, and manage a budget
Must provide and maintain own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and meet minimum
insurance requirements
Ability to successfully pass a fingerprint criminal history background check
Dedication to the Mission and Goals of KBO