Conservation Program Coordinator Jobs in Madison, WI

Program: District Operations

Position Title: Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Exempt/Non-exempt: Exempt

Salary Range: Grade 17 (Steps 1-12)

This position serves as the Outreach & Communications Coordinator for the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District (District). This is an “At-Will”, exempt, full-time position subject to the General Employment Policies of the District. Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District is a local unit of government that operates as a special District of Oregon. The District is governed by a board of locally elected directors, and receives its funding through a permanent tax rate, contracts, and grants.

The position is responsible for the planning and coordination of all District outreach and communication activities. The incumbent works closely with the District Manager and other District staff members to raise awareness of our conservation programs across Clackamas County; help the District reach new audiences and deepen collaborative relationships with existing partners with an eye towards equitable access to our programs and services. The work will incorporate existing, new, and emerging outreach and communications techniques and technologies; and will be designed and implemented in well-thought-out products that align with The District’s Strategic Plan and are relevant to varied audiences throughout the County.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a District-wide communications strategy to showcase the mission of the District and the impact of its conservation programs and build relationships with stakeholders and increase public participation in conservation practices throughout Clackamas County.
• Facilitate community conversations that assess conservation interests and needs; and identify and overcome barriers to accessing Clackamas SWCD programs.
• Ensure media content/messaging is inclusive and engaging for diverse and other target audiences and reflects the equity statement and desired impact and alignment with strategic goals.
• Works with Education and Outreach Specialist in coordination with program managers to develop articles, co-develop content for social media, and create advertisements for District programs or events.
• Manage and update website in a timely manner; oversee website hosting and maintenance contract; coordinate with staff to curate web content about District programs.
• Participate in Management Team meetings when formulating and conducting collaborative strategic communication efforts.
• Prepare and present reports for the Board of Directors to inform of outreach and communication program activities.
• Develop and market District special events such as annual meetings, periodic tours, and make conservation feel accessible for new audiences to engage in celebrations, Tree School, and other periodic education workshops.
• Meet regularly with District specialists to develop and coordinate specific communication and marketing strategies for District program areas. Edit documents for District specialists with an eye for readability by the public and consistency with the District’s overall message.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with key partners and other appropriate organizations and agencies throughout Clackamas County and the State of Oregon.

• Develop informational and interpretive content and outreach materials to communicate about the conservation of natural resources for natural and working lands, public engagement, and learning opportunities the District offers, including those at the Conservation Resource Center Demonstration Farm.
• Lead Education and Outreach Specialist for effective outreach to landowners, organizations, and other interested stakeholders and agencies about District services.
• Lead Education and Outreach Specialist to develop and implement offsite community outreach tabling events and promotional campaigns to engage with the community.
• Assist in managing a Conservation Resource Center Demonstration Farm event calendar to ensure District staff coverage and preparation for priority events; assist staff with developing the outreach and education theme for specific events, assembling materials, and sharing the workload of staffing events at the Farm.
• Speaks at meetings of associations, agencies, schools, and other groups providing information on natural resources and conservation, along with District goals and objectives.
• Establish a local community-based volunteer program to support the Conservation Resource Center Demonstration Farm. Recruit volunteers to assist staff in maintaining grounds and facilities, nest box monitoring, greeting, educating, and guiding visitors and guests through demonstration sites. Provide support for volunteers and schedule and coordinate needs with program managers.
• Represents the District in a partnership-based outreach program for pesticide reduction, and Oregon Department of Agriculture outreach programs.

• Works with Fiscal Administrator and Budget Officer to assess annual education and outreach activities budget needs and purchasing requirements using District protocols.
• Prepares or assists in the production of funding assistance, grant applications, contracts, and agreements, when applicable.
• Responsible for public notices of board meetings, budget meetings, Board elections, and other District business, as appropriate.

• Create and manage contracts, agreements, and Memorandums of Understanding.
• Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings, monthly board meetings, and other events as designated; provide monthly staff reports and submit monthly electronic time sheets.
• Support organizational planning processes as needed, including Annual Work Plan, Strategic and/or long-range plans.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Outreach & Communications Coordinator position is supervised by the District Manager and receives assignments in the form of broad functional responsibilities and overall objectives. The Coordinator fulfills these duties with a high degree of independence, using their own judgment and initiative to resolve many problems without supervisory consultation. Use judgment and discretion in determining which issues or problems should be brought to the attention of the District Manager, and whether to initiate action before consulting the District Manager. Plan work in advance and submit general plans for review. The District Manager will be available to discuss controversial problems; however, work is reviewed in terms of success in meeting performance standard objectives.

The Outreach & Communications Coordinator does not supervise any employees but is appointed as a lead for internal initiatives and processes as assigned by the District Manager. This requires the incumbent to plan and organize work activities in coordination with other outreach and education positions.

The Outreach & Communications Coordinator is expected to develop and implement technical programming, projects, research, and activities consistent with education and outreach goals and initiatives. This includes:

• Knowledge of conservation and natural resource management principles and practices to incorporate them in educational programs, communication campaigns, exhibits, and other public-facing programs.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with computer technology for correspondence, presentations, development of displays, handouts, advertisements, and other educational materials. Proficient with Microsoft Office, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of formal and informal communications to effectively communicate with and facilitate activities of individuals and organizations of varied cultural backgrounds.
• Skill in applying contemporary communication principles, methods, and communications campaign development used to develop and apply media.
• Ability to articulate a vision, foster creative ideas in others, and find solutions.
• Ability to plan and coordinate large tours and events.
• Ability to understand/communicate in Spanish is highly desirable but not required.

• A four-year degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field OR four years of qualifying experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field that demonstrates attainment of the core competencies for the position.
• Education or experience conducting outreach that includes working one-on-one, in group settings, and/or public speaking.
• Experience in the use of a personal computer for correspondence and development of educational materials is required. Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience using social media accounts for business or organizations, including planning and creating content.
• Experience communicating and collaborating with underserved communities.
• Knowledge of developing and disseminating technical or research-based information for community education and understanding
• Skilled across multiple media, including creative writing, graphic design, video, and photography.
• Ability to create original design concepts, artwork, digital photographs, video, graphic designs, audio recordings, and written products that clearly convey important complex natural resources and management information important to the District.
• Proficiency with design and content tools for graphic design, photo and video editing, website, and content management platforms.
• Ability to respond to public criticism or complaints on social media or in person calmly and professionally.

• A four-year degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field OR four years or more of qualifying experience in communications, marketing, journalism in the environmental sciences, natural resources, or related field.
• Experience in assessing and responding to emerging outreach opportunities to help expand public understanding and support of an organization.
• Experience in successfully soliciting and receiving grants.
• Demonstrated ability to apply human dimensions research — understanding values and behaviors — to shape communication strategies that connect with various audiences.

• This position works both in the field and in the office. Work will include significant time at a desk, using a computer, standing at a table, or at an outreach event.
• This position may require work related to festivals, workshops, tours, farmers markets, county fairs, and other District-sponsored programs and events. These events may occur during inclement weather.
• This position is eligible to be under a hybrid work model which allows work to be done at a home office or in the District office with District Manager approval.