Position Summary

WTA is looking for a strong writer and editor with exceptional social media management skills who can collaborate with WTA staff to promote our programs. As a member of WTA’s communications team, the Communications Associate will support communications across the organization, using the website, social media, email messaging, magazine and other platforms to engage WTA members and supporters. The Communications Associate reports to the Digital Content Manager. The ideal candidate will be passionate about trails and able to bring that enthusiasm to our communications efforts.

About WTA

Washington Trails Association preserves, enhances and promotes hiking opportunities in Washington state through collaboration, education, advocacy and volunteer trail maintenance. We are committed to leaving a rich legacy of trails and wild lands for future generations to enjoy.

WTA is the largest statewide hiking organization in the country, serving a deeply-engaged community of 3 million people through our website (wta.org), social channels and member magazine. Our trail maintenance program deploys more than 3,000 volunteers to repair and maintain 205 trails throughout the state every year. Our advocacy, youth and outreach programs engage and empower hikers and educators of all interest levels and ages.

Responsibilities

Content Curation (60%):

• Curate website and other digital content in support of WTA’s programs. This includes blogging, writing seasonal and how-to features and re-purposing content about WTA’s work and events. (WTA uses a Plone CMS.)
• Support publication of WTA’s bi-monthly magazine by coordinating content, locating collateral and translating print content to the web.
• Assist in the production of email messaging and WTA’s newsletters: Trail News (monthly), Green Hat and Families Go Hiking (bi-monthly) and Daubert Report (summer only).
• Coordinate WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Community Management (30%):

• Assist in the cultivation and engagement of WTA’s social communities (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube).

• Work with the communications team to build content designed to create passion and grow the community both on and off the website.

• Post relevant content in accordance with our content calendar.

• Listen to the needs and requests of our community. Respond to email, direct messages and comments to foster a positive online community and add value to our users’ experiences.

• Provide information and advice to community members looking for trail and hiking information.

• Implement strategies for increasing our reach.

• Analyze and report on the effectiveness of online communications and social campaigns. Suggest possible strategies for improving engagement

General (10%):

• Assist with other WTA events as needed (includes occasional nights and weekends).

• Attend and participate in WTA, trainings, retreats, and other program events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job skills and Personal Traits preferred:

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in writing and communications, preferably with a nonprofit organization.
• 1-3 years social media and/or digital communications experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds. Prior cultural competency training, a plus.
• Exceptional writing, copy-editing and proofreading skills. Demonstrated ability to write in a variety of styles that complement WTA’s other external communications.
• Ability to map daily responsibilities to the organization’s mission and goals.
• Creative, self-starting and detail-oriented individual.
• Ability to balance daily demands with long-term deadlines.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about hiking in Washington state, preferred.
• Design and image formatting skills, including use of Photoshop and InDesign, a plus.
• Video and audio editing skills, a plus.
• Experience with producing and sending email messaging through email marketing and database tools, such as Exact Target and Salesforce, a plus.
• Bilingual, a plus.

Compensation

This is a new position, based in Seattle. Annual salary range for the position is $33,000 – $35,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision and long-term disability insurance; retirement plan; transit pass; and holiday, vacation and sick leave.

Washington Trails Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, gender identity, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.