Associate, Communications

National Audubon Society•Columbia, SC

11d•$27 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety. Position Summary: The Communications Associate will contribute to Audubon’s team in South Carolina by supporting general communications and community building efforts, helping raise awareness of our mission, programs and places across the state while educating and activating key audiences in support of our conservation and policy priorities. Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager and other staff, the Communications Associate will oversee day-to-day communications activities, supporting earned media efforts as well as the creation and distribution of content across web, social media, email, and other owned and paid channels. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of Audubon's offices and centers in Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Audubon Silver Bluff Sanctuary in Jackson, SC or Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Beidler Forest in Harleyville, SC.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required in journalism, communications, marketing, political science, environmental studies or other relevant areas of focus.
1-2 years of professional experience with public relations, brand management, writing, editing, campaign organizing, project management and/or advocacy preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills a must; ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups across a decentralized organization is also necessary.
Excellent English language writing skills, spelling, and grammar with a knack for online communications and messaging required.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and obvious ability to easily learn how to use tools to manage online communications tools.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion and belonging.
Strong proficiency in a wide range of digital platforms and programs, including Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, EveryAction, Mobilize or similar email management system.
Must be willing to travel, as well as commit to some evening and weekend work as needed.
Must have reliable transportation and/or a valid driver’s license.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Photography, sound and video recording and editing capabilities are a plus
experience in the nonprofit sector on issues related to conservation
knowledge of South Carolina and its people/geography/history/environment.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Support Senior Communications Manager in the development of annual communications work plans for Audubon’s team in South Carolina.
Serve as primary implementer of day-to-day communications, working with leadership team to broaden Audubon’s visibility and reach.
Work with program staff to proactively gather stories of our conservation and policy work and lead the production of consistent, high-quality storytelling that amplifies these stories via newsletters, blogs, social media, and other channels and promotional materials.
Produce and/or manage video and photo coverage of programs when appropriate.
Assist in securing local earned media for initiatives for Audubon's work/initiatives in SC.
Manage media lists and develop relationships with reporters.
Support policy and community building staff with outreach and advocacy campaigns, leveraging tools like EveryAction and Mobilize to engage and grow membership.
Support the coordination, execution and documentation of special and annual events, including outreach and media coverage.
Track metrics and analytics across our channels, including earned media, social media and website, and develop regular reports for staff highlighting trends.
Preparing materials for our community and campus chapter use to amplify our advocacy and conservation outcomes.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other job-related duties as assigned.