Career Opportunities

Communications Manager

  • Position Title: Communications Manager
  • Supervisor: Director of Marketing and Communications
  • Location: Arlington, Virginia (2 Blocks from the Rosslyn Metro)
About Us

NatureServe, a 501(c)3 conservation science and technology organization, provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. With nearly 100 staff and an international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere.

Summary of Position:

The Communications Manager works as part of a team to develop and implement all facets of NatureServe’s communications and marketing programs. The focus is on marketing materials, publications, websites, and media relations. Key audiences include policy makers, natural resource managers, state and federal agencies, media, scientists, and conservation partners. This position reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications and works collaboratively with fellow staff on all communications and marketing projects.

Essential Job Functions:
  1. Write, edit, and produce communications and marketing materials, such as brochures, fact sheets, annual reports, website content, posters and displays, and PowerPoint presentations.
  2. Do graphic design and layout of communications and marketing materials, using desktop publishing tools.
  3. Lead all media relations efforts, including writing and distributing press releases, maintaining media databases, organizing media events, cultivating reporters, tracking coverage, and arranging interviews for senior staff and scientists.
  4. Work with NatureServe project managers to coordinate the editing, design, and production of NatureServe technical reports, field guides, and other project–related publications. Ensure these reports are produced in a high–quality manner consistent with NatureServe’s organizational identity.
  5. Research, write, and produce quarterly electronic newsletter for network staff located throughout the Western Hemisphere. Develop other NatureServe newsletters, both print and online, as need arises.
  6. Write content for NatureServe websites. Work collaboratively with staff throughout the organization to help them develop ideas for new content. Work with website manager to develop effective graphic presentations of the content.
  7. Along with other marketing and fundraising staff, write and edit grant proposals, letters, and donor reports as needed.
  8. Collect and maintain an organizational archive and resource center to make fact sheets, organizational information, graphics and images, video, and other communications resources accessible to all staff.
  9. Coordinate needed work on publications by photographers, illustrators, design firms, print vendors, and other contractors.
  10. Carry out special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Required Experience & Qualifications:
  1. Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a field such as communications, journalism, marketing, or a related area, and at least three years of experience in communications or marketing. Experience working in non–profit organizations preferred.
  2. Outstanding skills in writing, research, and editing. Ability to translate complex scientific information into understandable, persuasive prose. Ability to speak extemporaneously with confidence and to listen effectively. Fluency in Spanish helpful but not required.
  3. Good understanding of and familiarity with issues related to environmental conservation and biodiversity.
  4. Experience with the production of printed materials, especially working with graphic designers and printers. Knowledge of or ability to learn desktop publishing and graphic design tools such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Ability to do basic graphic design.
  5. Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of tools, especially Word and PowerPoint.
  6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, from colleagues to partners to senior staff and Board members.
  7. Ability to self–manage time and assignments; capable of working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines while juggling multiple tasks. Well–organized, with exceptional attention to detail required in all written and printed materials.
  8. Excellent interpersonal skills needed to build relationships with a wide range of people. These include: excellent oral and written communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills, effective listening, diplomacy, and tact.
Preferred Skills:
  • Personal commitment to and belief in conservation of the environment
How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

  • Attn: Job #CM894
  • NatureServe
  • 1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor
  • Arlington, VA 22209
  • E–mail: jobs@natureserve.org (Please refer to Job#CM894 in the subject line)

For more information about NatureServe, go to www.natureserve.org

NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer