As the Ecology Center's work continues to broaden and expand, so does our need for visionary and creative leadership throughout our organization. Join us in developing innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet.
Current Job Opportunities
Communications Coordinator & Storyteller
Advocate, Storyteller, Organizer, Collaborator, Relationship-Builder
Ecology Center is hiring a Communications Coordinator & Storyteller (CCS) to collaborate on communications content and strategy with a team of advocates at the Ecology Center. The CCS will help to identify and tell compelling, change-provoking stories about our work. The Ecology Center's mission is to develop innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet.
Working in collaboration with the Ecology Center advocacy programs as a member of the Ecology Center communications team, the CCS will support content development and strategy of:
- ‘Impact stories’ that highlight the impacts of our work and the people that benefit
- Movement-building stories that highlight our work in the context of broader movements
- Explanatory or persuasive stories that inform or advocate
- Creative and compelling fundraising materials
- Engaging action alerts, press events, press releases, and social media content
- Media relations to advance our mission
Compelling stories that engage and move readers are critical for advocacy and organizing. They help advance our environmental justice campaigns, persuade and motivate, and communicate our work to the general public, members and donors.
We are seeking a candidate with experience or interest in:
- Developing compelling ideas and content for stories to create positive change
- Collaborating with a team and across NGO coalitions
- Shaping advocacy content to reach diverse stakeholders and audiences
- Managing and completing writing and communications projects
- Engaging with media outlets
- Creating fundraising materials and strategies
Storytelling is a central advocacy tool. The Ecology Center shares stories about our work through our website, emails, action alerts, social media channels, advocacy campaigns, fundraising letters, among other communications strategies.
Working as an integral part of the communications team, the CCS will use the following communications technologies: open source website software (Drupal 10), CRM communications software (Salsa Engage), project management software (Trello), and cloud-based design software (Canva). Knowledge in the above stated or additional communication technologies is desirable but not a requirement for hire, as training will be provided.
The Communications Coordinator and Storyteller will report to the Communications Director. This is a full-time position (1.0 FTE) and is a hybrid/remote position with some in person work required at the Ecology Center’s office in Ann Arbor, MI. (Hybrid-remote)
Organization
Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center works to develop innovative solutions for healthy people and a healthy planet. In recent years, the Ecology Center has been at the forefront of protecting communities from PFAS, lead exposure, air, water, & plastic pollution, among other environmental health concerns. In addition to our environmental health work, the Ecology Center is a leading advocacy organization in Michigan’s clean equitable energy revolution. The Ecology Center is the parent organization of Recycle Ann Arbor, founded in 1977, which works to build zero waste communities through convenient and innovative services. The Ecology Center has offices in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Duties and Responsibilities
The position requires excellent writing abilities and attention to detail. The CSO must be organized, responsive, with good time/project management skills. Candidates should also be comfortable with fundraising communications, communication’s technology, collaborating with many people, and enjoy work in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. The ideal candidate will excel at working independently, as well as with teams.
Core Job Duties
- Write engaging articles, op-eds, press releases, social media posts, video storyboards, reports, emails and action alerts designed to appeal to various diverse audiences.
- Regularly meet with staff across the organization to learn and write about work.
- Develop and produce creative and compelling print and online communications for development functions including appeals, case statements, annual report, newsletters, and social media fundraising campaigns.
- Coordinate Ecology Center media relations and press relations
- Help cultivate press relationships and strategy.
- Help build email lists and targeted messages.
- Work to build an engaging and active EC presence on social media channels.
- Participate in the EC Communications team meetings and organizing activities.
- Assist in keeping website content fresh and up to date.
- Assist in developing press strategy and attracting earned media.
- Assist in writing content for grant reporting and proposals.
- Help maintain and refine communications systems.
- Cultivate expertise working in Salsa Engage – creating and launching email fundraising campaigns, action pages, donation pages, and event pages.
- Serve on the Ecology Center Creative team.
- Serve on the Ecology Center Comms Stories & Strategies team.
Reports to: Communications Director
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
- Excellent communication skills: writing, editing, listening, and presenting
- Ability to read and distill content, interview skills a plus
- Friendly and outgoing personality, with exceptional customer service skills
- Demonstrated skills in, and aptitude for advocacy and fundraising writing
- Experience with media relations
- Strong track record of high quality communications project management experience
- Knowledge and passion for environmental causes and demonstrated commitment to social justice and progressive social change.
- Demonstrated experience crafting fundraising campaigns and communications
- At least 2 years experience in relevant communications
- Ability to foster a cooperative, team-oriented work environment
- Experience working in diverse organizations, coalitions, alliances, and nonprofits
- Ability to learn quickly and work efficiently with technology: Drupal, Salsa Engage, Canva
Salary and Benefits
Range : 50K to 65K
This is a salary position and wages are commensurate with experience.
Generous benefits package including health, dental, FSA, 403(b), ongoing training, and growth opportunities. Upbeat, collaborative, and goal-oriented office atmosphere
To Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include how you heard about the position.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Ecology Center is committed to diversity and inclusion in our internal practices and opportunities, and in how we fulfill our mission of working for healthy people and a healthy planet. The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ communities.
Application Deadline
Please apply by Monday, June 17th, 2024. Applications received by that date will be given priority, but we will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.