Southern Ohio Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Specialist

The Nature Conservancy•West Union, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Southern Ohio Partnerships and Engagement Specialist is part of TNC’s Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program and implements projects and programs in coordination with the Southern Ohio Program Manager and others to engage people with nature. They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results. The Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation through outreach, shared conservation priorities, education, youth specific programming, volunteerism, and other nature-based community programs. The Strategic Partnership and Engagement Specialist will develop and grow a community engagement program and activities at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in partnership with adjacent communities, both geographical and cultural, within Adams County. The Southern Ohio Partnerships & Engagement Specialist brings enthusiasm to assist Program staff on a variety of projects and tasks, including relationship management, event organizing, and volunteer program administration duties involving youth engagement and safety, leading stewardship events, expanding community engagement, and working with indigenous and tribal communities throughout Southern Ohio. As the Strategic Partnerships & Engagement specialist, efforts will be directed to developing projects that TNC and the community can do together. In order to communicate TNC’s work, they will occasionally assist preserve staff with conservation and stewardship field projects, will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Working some evenings and weekends is required monthly. This position must be based in Southern Ohio; working location at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in West Union, Ohio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in conservation, environmental science, public relations, environmental education or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
Experienced in community relations or relationship building.
Communication and public speaking experience.
Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
Experience working with youth.
Writing and editing experience.
Project Management and Marketing experience.
Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
Ability to promote events and communicate with individuals and communities through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring outreach plans and programs.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation, and public relations.
Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
Volunteer management and training experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead on-site community engagement opportunities such as volunteer events, youth centric activities, visitor hiking, stewardship field days, recreational use, and other outreach programs on TNC preserves and partner lands.
Serve as a liaison between the local community and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio.
Collaborate with the SOH Manager and teams to achieve engagement and stewardship action plans; participating in conservation stewardship field days to further experience and education around conservation action within the community.
Assist with aspects of the volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, communications, reporting, evaluation, training, recognition and enrichment opportunities and other duties as assigned.
Implements programs that adapt through time centered by community values.
Provide support for Programs and Outreach at the Eulett Center in collaboration with conservation partners.
Cultivate and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increase trust and rapport, aim to increase access, decrease barriers and empower communities.
Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community-based listening sessions.
Maintain and administer sensitive program paperwork and confidential program information including youth safety SOP compliance.
Attend regular meetings of local elected officials such as township trustees, county commissioners and village councils.
Coordinate multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail.
Attend programmatic and business unit meetings.
Oversee and direct work of volunteers, trainees and interns.
Assist with program reporting, compliance, budget preparation and monitoring.
Performs daily program implementation under the guidance of supervisor who is remote.
Makes day to day decisions as delegated by the supervisor.