Communications Manager

Society of American Foresters • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is seeking a Communications Manager to support the execution of its communications strategy. This role is crucial for advancing SAF's mission through compelling content creation, brand marketing, and social media engagement. The Communications Manager will serve as the digital face and personality of SAF, #forestproud, and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Responsibilities range from social content creation to managing communication campaigns. The ideal candidate is self-driven, proficient in social platforms and communications, and eager for professional growth. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Marketing, this position involves curating and monitoring social media engagement and content creation for SAF’s primary social platforms, utilizing target audiences and strategic, brand-based messaging. This role is an essential part of the SAF Communications and Business Development team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, forestry, or relevant field.
• Previous experience as a communications professional for a small business, university, nonprofit, or association.
• 2-4 years of hands-on experience creating and managing digital assets, channels, and content calendars.
• Advanced in Windows-based applications (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite applications for graphic design and video editing.
• Experience with Google Analytics, social media management platforms (e.g. Hootsuite), and digital ads management.
• Top-notch verbal, writing, and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and keen creative vision.
• Self-motivated with proven ability to work both independently and contribute as a team member.
• Excellent customer service ethics; experience in cultivating internal and external collaborative relationships.
• Ability to communicate complex issues in an easily understood and impactful way.
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to handle multiple deadlines at once.
• Ability to travel occasionally to events and conferences.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with a content management system is a plus.
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Act as a central liaison for the communications and marketing team to align project efforts with organizational campaigns and marketing initiatives.
• Track and manage project progress in Microsoft Planner to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery, in coordination with supervisor.
• Lead project management efforts by coordinating with the team and other departments to develop, execute, and oversee comprehensive campaign briefs, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ensure all marketing projects are managed efficiently from initiation through completion, maintaining clear schedules, resource allocation, and progress tracking throughout each phase.
• Provide creative graphic design assets to enhance social media initiatives and organizational campaigns.
• Create and edit engaging video and motion graphics content to support a variety of departments and programs.
• Design, update, and maintain website content for various SAF brands, adhering to the style guide.
• Set, plan, and implement social media and communication campaigns and strategies for all organization brands, including SAF, #forestproud, and US Capitol Christmas Tree.
• Work with Chief Strategy Officer/Development Manager to manage and lead internal communications strategies for the organization.
• Strategically amplify, monitor, and engage with social media content of partners and sector leaders to grow SAF’s presence and following.
• Stay up to date with digital marketing trends and best practices and make recommendations for the department as needed to maintain best industry practices.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the annual Outreach Team Workplan.
• Contribute to and help maintain organization-wide communications and content calendar.
• Develop, monitor, and report (monthly) on communications key performance indicators (KPIs) including, but not limited to, reach, engagement, and impressions.
• Maintain and strengthen brand standards, ensuring all communications adhere to organizational style and brand guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
• Telecommuting on an ad hoc basis is available following 90 days of successful employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees