Application Deadline: October 19, 2018
American Bird Conservancy (ABC), an international bird conservation organization, is seeking to employ a Communications Specialist for the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture (AMJV). This is a full-time position with ABC. The AMJV Communications Specialist works for the AMJV partnership, which consists of state, federal, and NGO conservation agencies and organizations that have assumed responsibility for the implementation of national and international bird conservation plans within the Appalachian Mountains Bird Conservation Region. The Communications Specialist, working collaboratively with the AMJV’s partners, will coordinate communication strategies that highlight the activities and accomplishments of the AMJV and its partners and develop products that promote the priorities of the partnership.
This position requires an understanding of the AMJV’s and ABC’s mission, and a basic knowledge of Joint Venture structure and function. There is extensive contact with others within and outside the organization and partnership, in person, by telephone, and through e-mail and other correspondence. The work requires initiative, flexibility, and attention to detail. It is essential that the staff member in this position is able to prioritize tasks and work in a team environment. The position reports to the AMJV Coordinator.
Primary Duties:
Responsible for developing and implementing the AMJV Strategic Communications Plan. Coordinates and distributes communication products to AMJV partner organizations. Initiate and maintain contacts with key partners to facilitate sharing of conservation tools, products, news, and events.
Create or assist in creating professional-level content, web pages, and multimedia applications as well as manage the AMJV website and social media accounts to promote AMJV priorities and activities. Working with AMJV staff and partners, takes the lead in assembling, creating, and maintaining up-to-date content in news and events pages, project updates, and funding notices.
Translate technical and science-related information into a variety of media including printed and electronic news releases, brochures, fact sheets, videos, web content, annual reports and other outreach and communication materials for the AMJV staff and partners, decision-makers, and general audiences. Work with staff, partners, and broader organizational representatives to determine the most appropriate communications product(s) for a given item.
Engage the broader bird conservation community across the country and represent the AMJV and its partners within national organizations (e.g., Partners in Flight, North American Bird Conservation Initiative). Prepare reports and make presentations and recommendations to the AMJV Management Board.
Position Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and or equivalent level of training and or experience. An understanding of forestry and natural resources management, conservation implementation, ornithology, or wildlife biology as well as working knowledge of ecology and natural resource issues of the Appalachian Region, especially of neotropical migrant and resident birds, preferred.
Experience managing and creating dynamic content for websites and social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs.
Proficiency using various software applications (e.g., PowerPoint, Word, Publisher, Acrobat document and forms, Photoshop) to produce communications products such as fact sheets, newsletters, posters, etc.
Experience with recording, editing, and production of videos.
Ability to effectively research and obtain relevant information quickly, then translate to diverse audiences the acquired understanding of large amounts of complex information regarding biological diversity, fish and wildlife conservation, cultural values and economic and environmental benefits and services provided by healthy and sustainably managed ecosystems;
Desire to work collaboratively with a diversity of stake-holders. Demonstrated networking and communication skills (presentation, inter-personal, reading, writing); project management experience, and organizing and leadership skills.
Results-oriented. Demonstrated ability to accomplish ambitious objectives.
Ability to work and coordinate multiple projects at the same time. Ability to set priorities, work independently, efficiently and accurately, and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and the ability to adapt messages to a diverse audience that includes habitat managers, conservation administrators, academia, and the general public.
Ability and willingness to travel for significant periods of time.
Application Instructions:
Please upload your resume and cover letter to BambooHR at the following website: