Communications Manager

Organization Description: Founded in 1979, the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Michigan’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and ground water. Based in beautiful Petoskey, Michigan, the Watershed Council works on local issues in the watersheds of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties, as well as state, federal, and binational policy. Hallmarks of the Council’s work include respected advocacy, watershed planning, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, collaboration, and empowering others. For more background information, check out www.watershedcouncil.org.
 
Position Summary: The Communications Manager reports to the Watershed Council’s executive director and oversees communications staff and seasonal interns who assist with carrying out a comprehensive, consistent communications strategy to advance the organization’s reach and public understanding of its mission and the importance of protecting Northern Michigan’s fresh waters. The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing publications, social media, website content, media relations, events, relevant staff training, and setting a high standard for professional internal and external communications.
 
Education, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Environmental Journalism, or like degree with a minimum of five years professional experience.
• Passion for the outdoors and strong interest in the environmental sciences.
• Excellent writing, speaking, and listening skills demonstrated through a portfolio of published articles, publications, presentations and/or other digital media.
• Event planning experience, both in-person and virtually.
• In-depth knowledge of messaging practices to reach targeted audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including time management, goal-setting, multitasking, and prioritization.
• Good data analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Detail oriented, preferably with publishing, photography and videography experience.
• Website and social media savvy with integrated campaign design and implementation experience.
• Knowledge of creative design, printing processes, and contracting creative firms and printers.
• Team building skills and ability to work collaboratively with staff and community partners.
• Highly creative and enthusiastic, willing to think outside of the box to elevate public engagement.

• Develop annual communications strategy aligned with organization’s mission and goals, pressing issues and projects, and annual calendar of events.
• Manage communications staff, ensuring high-quality deliverables are developed within budget and deadlines.
• Produce annual report, print and e-newsletters, brochures, and assist with education and
  fundraising campaigns.
• Prioritize media opportunities, prepare talking points, and other support materials as needed.
• Cultivate media relationships to ensure coverage of issues, special events, public announcements, and
  other projects.
• Plan and oversee media calendar to ensure consistent coverage across all platforms and actively seek new opportunities to expand reach.
• Oversee distribution of news releases and event promotional materials through a variety of outlets including social media, advertising campaigns, and earned opportunities.

• Assist program staff with reports and proposals.
• Identify emerging issues in collaboration with staff and develop creative communication tools and approaches to address those issues.
• Ensure key projects and events are captured through quality photography and videography.
• Plan signature events and engage all staff in appropriate support roles.

• Serve as a community liaison and spokesperson at public functions, meetings, field trips, and events.
• Mentor staff and interns using a supportive and collaborative approach to achieve the Watershed Council’s communication goals.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
   

• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and strategic planning sessions.
• Serve as an ambassador to local communities on behalf of the Watershed Council.
• Answer citizen inquiries.
• Participate in annual staff performance evaluations.
• Track time and expenses in a timely manner.