Communications Manager

Open Space Institute • Albany, NY

5d • $82,000 - $91,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

The Communications Manager is responsible for development and execution of communication materials that maximize external awareness and understanding of mission, programs, and accomplishments of an established organization specializing in land conservation and park development. The work of the Communications Manager is integral to the overall success of the Open Space Institute’s brand recognition, reputational awareness, development effectiveness, and identity. The position is responsible for developing compelling and effective storytelling across new and established multimedia platforms that reflect strategic OSI messaging, generate engagement from key audiences and the public, and galvanize support for land protection and other vital initiatives. The position works closely with the full External Affairs team and other program staff in developing materials for a wide variety of platforms including press releases; content for monthly e-newsletters and print collateral; videos and StoryMaps; social media; OSI’s website; and more.

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for a variety of audiences.
• Strong grasp of adapting messages for different platforms (e.g., website, print, video, and social media).
• Demonstrated success in media relations, including cultivating press contacts and organizing media events.
• Strategic thinker who can connect day-to-day communications work to larger organizational goals.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to move seamlessly between working independently and as part of a team.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in communications.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to create and edit video a plus.
• Experience in environment, conservation, and/or park fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Media and Public Relations
• Develop and execute strategic media relations programs, including cultivation and management of relationships with contacts at new and traditional media platforms.
• Research, write, and edit press releases and related materials (advisories, talking points, op/eds, background materials, etc.).
• Manage day-to-day media inquiries and press events.
• Develop opportunities for local, regional, and national press coverage.
• Manage relevant social media assets and supporting social media outreach.
• Maintain and expand media contact lists.
• Track placements, impressions, and keep up with media trends.
• Content Creation and Management
• Produce high-quality content for monthly e-news and other periodic organizational e-blasts, social media campaigns and weekly posts, print pieces (annual print newsletter, annual report, and others as needed), and other organizational and programmatic collateral needs.
• Multimedia video production management.
• Website content and maintenance.
• Manage relationships with contract writers, videographers, and other vendors as needed.
• Create advertising content and managing placements.
• Support fundraising goals through occasional writing/editing of fundraising materials.
• Strategic Communications and External Relations
• Clearly articulate and promote work from various program areas while ensuring consistent messaging.
• Track topics relevant to OSI’s conservation, park development, and strategic goals.
• Track organizational data sets as needed.
• Shared Programmatic Commitments
• Embed equity in OSI’s overall communications strategy, messaging, and diversify the stories OSI tells and images we present on website and publications.
• Provide communication guidance to all staff as it relates to diversity and equity.

Benefits

• OSI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including a choice of medical plans (both traditional and high-deductible health plans with HSA), with premiums for employees and their dependents covered up to 100% on some plans; dental and vision coverage, with premiums for employees and their dependents 100% covered by OSI; flexible spending accounts; a 403(b) plan with both an up to 4% employer match and 4% discretionary employer contribution after 2 years of service; paid time off, including paid holidays, accrued PTO and sick days, 3 “Summer Fridays”, and 2 floating holidays; life insurance; disability coverage; an employee assistance program; and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level