Communications and Outreach Coordinator

The Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD) is dedicated to providing educational outreach, technical assistance, and financial support to farmers and community members to protect the soil, air, forests, and water resources we all depend on. By fostering collaboration among community members, agencies, and organizations, HHCD works to preserve the ecological integrity and economic vitality of the Hampden-Hampshire region for future generations.

Position Overview
The Communications and Outreach Coordinator (COC) will play a vital role in promoting HHCD’s mission, with a focus on supporting environmental conservation and local food systems. The COC will develop and implement outreach strategies, create engaging content, and plan events that connect the community with HHCD’s programs. Additionally, the COC will organize and lead HHCD’s first Local Working Group meeting, an initiative aimed at fostering community-led conservation.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Promotion: Promote HHCD’s Healthy Soils and Native Plant Programs, as well as USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and services.
• Content Creation: Develop content for social media platforms, a quarterly newsletter, articles, and other media sources.
• Outreach Materials: Design pamphlets, brochures, fliers, and other outreach materials that promote HHCD’s mission, programs, and services.
• Graphic Design: Create visually compelling graphics to include in promotional materials.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Assist with planning, organizing, publicizing, and hosting outreach events. Document outreach activities through photos, videos, and written recaps.
• Metrics and Reporting: Track outreach metrics to support grant reporting and program evaluation.
• Local Working Group Coordination: Assist with planning and organizing HHCD’s Local Working Group meeting, scheduled for late summer/fall 2025. Local Working Groups (LWGs) are community-based groups composed of farmers, ranchers, foresters, government representatives, and other stakeholders who provide recommendations on local conservation priorities and program implementation. The COC will be responsible for coordinating HHCD’s first LWG, facilitating discussions, and ensuring successful engagement and outcomes.

Position Details

• Type: Grant-funded position with guaranteed funding for one year. Potential for continuation based on future grants.
• Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience
• Hours: 15-30 hours per week, averaging 24 hours. Flexible schedule with hybrid work opportunities (Hadley USDA office, home, and field locations).
• Equal Opportunity: HHCD is an equal-opportunity employer. If you don’t meet all qualifications, we still encourage you to apply—training can be provided for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
• Experience with graphic design and communication tools, especially Canva and Constant Contact.
• At least one year of experience in outreach and/or communications, preferably with a nonprofit or environmental organization.
• Ability to pass a USDA security clearance for office access.
• Ability to travel to the USDA field office and field locations (carpooling available).

If you’re passionate about environmental conservation and supporting local food systems, we’d love to hear from you!