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Job Description
About the Open Space Institute
The Open Space Institute (OSI) protects scenic, natural, and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats, and sustain community character. OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, special loan programs, creative partnerships, community engagement and analytical research.
Position Summary
The Open Space Institute seeks a motivated, hardworking, and experienced communications professional to join a fast-paced 5-person team and help the SVP of Communications manage and oversee communications.
Responsibilities include managing the development of communications materials (news releases, statements, talking points, publications, marketing materials, videos, website content, etc.); expanding news coverage and assisting with press inquiries; overseeing communication staff; and coordinating with development and program staff.
Qualified candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to comprehend, summarize, and communicate complex topics; demonstrate the ability to meet and manage multiple deadlines, and exercise sound judgment. Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in a management capacity. Marketing experience is preferred.
Primary/Essential Responsibilities and Duties
Reporting
Position is a management role, reporting to the Senior Vice President for Communications and overseeing a staff of three.
Media and Publications
• Write and edit news releases, background pieces, newsletters, fact sheets, and other news-related information
• Proactively pitch events, stories, and secure feature pieces to appropriate local, regional, and national media and outlets
• Responding to reporters, crafting statements, organizing news events, and drafting press releases
• Develop profiles on targeted reporters and create strategic opportunities for outreach
Management and Organizational Support
• Coordinate the work of communications staff
• Work with OSI program staff and leadership to effectively execute all matters of communications on behalf of the organization, its projects, and initiatives
• Maintain an understanding on programmatic work
• Create talking points and perform briefings
• Provide communications support for program staff and leadership
• Work with and support the selection and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as needed
• Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing and communications
• Perform other duties as assigned
Social Media and Website
• Support social media strategy and content, including digital toolkits
• Support efforts to maintain updated website
• Support promotional and marketing campaigns to elevate the organization and fundraising efforts through publications, website materials, videos, etc.
Required Skills
Media and Publications
• Superior writing and editing skills including experience preparing Op-Eds, press releases, fact sheets and other media related materials
• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills
• Ability to understand and distill information then transfer into and convey compelling stories
• Experience in media relations, building relationships with members of the press, and arranging press events, both remote and onsite
• Proficiency in Internet-based research
• Working knowledge of both digital and traditional communications
• Experience managing advertising and marketing campaigns
• Strong interpersonal and management skills
Management and Organizational Support
• Ability to anticipate public reaction and think strategically
• Ability to be a team player
• Developing and carrying out comprehensive communication plans
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Ability to work well with different team members and manage reporting relationships
Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required
• Five to seven years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field, including five years in a management capacity
• A minimum of three years performing pro-active media outreach.
• Familiarity with environmental issues and/or land conservation a plus.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
• Work indoors in an office
• Frequently sit, speak, read, write, and use a computer keyboard
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending
• Limited travel required as needed
• Home workspace
This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.
To apply, upload your cover letter, resume, and a relevant Writing Sample at OSI’s online Career Center linked on our Careers page, https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Application deadline is May 31, 2022. Position salary range: $105K-$115K annualized salary (commensurate with experience)
Competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and paid holidays.
OSI is an equal opportunity employer and is actively recruiting a diverse workforce. Land conservation benefits all people. Our mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all genders, diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
Application Details
To apply, upload your cover letter, resume, and a relevant Writing Sample at OSI’s online Career Center linked on our Careers page, https://www.openspaceinstitute.org/careers
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Application deadline is May 31, 2022
