Senior Associate, Communications

National Audubon Society•Columbus, OH

19h•$62,000 - $69,000•Onsite

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, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 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. The Senior Communications Associate will support Audubon Great Lakes regional communications efforts and lead communications for Audubon Great Lakes’ Ohio Centers at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus and Aullwood Audubon in Dayton. Serving as a primary spokesperson, this role will manage media, digital, and onsite communications to elevate visibility, drive engagement, and promote Audubon’s mission. The Associate will create and coordinate content across websites, newsletters, emails, and social media channels, ensuring brand and message consistency. Based in Ohio, at the Grange Insurance Audubon Cetner in Columbus, the position will report to the Director of Communications, collaborate with the regional team, Ohio Centers staff and requires occasional travel, evenings, and weekends for events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism or related field and 3-5 years of professional experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Proven ability to drive attendance and engagement through media and targeted digital campaigns.
Strong experience in social media and digital content creation, familiarity with CMS platforms, analytical tools and multimedia asset management.
Strong analytical and project management skills; must possess excellent judgment and be comfortable working independently in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Exceptional attention to detail and strong editing skills.
A proactive, optimistic approach to work, one with superior interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience working with a wide variety of external audiences.
Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Canva, Google Analytics, Ads, and Adobe Suite a plus.
Strong demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
A self-starter with a proactive approach to assignments, one with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, solve problems with limited supervision, and prioritize tasks.
Demonstrated ability to create, manage and document processes and procedures.
A flexible approach to work, with a willingness and ability to travel about five times a year around the Great Lakes region, as needed, and participate in programs occurring after typical business hours.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies Fostering Relationships : Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
Analytical Thinking : Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
Creativity and Innovation : Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
Facilitating Change : Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
Team Leadership : Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

Nice To Haves

Experience using media databases such as Meltwater strongly preferred.
Interest in elevating voices, ideas, needs, and concerns of communities of color and other people historically marginalized in America and the conservation movement a plus.
Experience creating communication materials in Spanish a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with the Communications Director to develop and lead the execution of a cohesive communications plan and content strategy tailored to regional and local Center goals and larger Audubon Flight Plan goals.
Create compelling stories and Implement communications tactics that will broaden Audubon’s visibility, reach, and deepen the impact of our work.
Maintain and update the two Center’s websites and blogs; working with staff to design, create, edit, and regularly update content. Participate in the new website redesign process.
Lead social media strategy, content development and publishing to support Audubon Great Lakes overall strategy and for Aullwood Audubon and Grange Insurance Audubon Center social media channels including Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and other emerging channels.
Serve as media spokesperson and lead all Center communications including draft and distribute press releases, media alerts, manage media relations, statements, messaging and secure media coverage.
Curate, update and grow media lists and deepen relationships with media partners and influencers.
Produce newsletters, member emails, flyers, brochures, webinars, reports, videos and other digital content.
Securing local earned media for Audubon Great Lakes initiatives and other regional conservation priorities.
Help manage regional Communications interns.
Assist in the development of content calendars for communications and social media.
Manage photo and video assets.
Assist with development of advocacy driven communications and events.
Track daily and monthly metrics and analytics for digital communications and prepare reports for key stakeholders.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the hemisphere including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Maintain consistent brand voice and visual identity.
Other job-related duties as assigned.