Communications & Engagement Manager

Position Summary 

The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts (COLT) is hiring a Communications & Engagement Manager to amplify the work of land trusts in Oregon. This position leads COLT’s communications and storytelling strategies as well as manages communications channels including email, printed publications, website, and social media.

The role provides broad exposure across COLT’s programs including fundraising, policy, and Indigenous land justice, and will help unite land trust messaging and communications across the state. As a valued staff of our statewide coalition, this role provides experience in all aspects of a small nonprofit organization and facilitates connections with a passionate community of conservation professionals. 

Benefits: COLT provides a competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health, vision and dental coverage, generous paid time-off, including half-day Fridays in the summer months, a 403b retirement plan with 6% employer contribution, an annual bicycle/alternative transportation stipend, and a professional development allowance.

About COLT 

The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts represents 31 conservation organizations that work to protect our land, water, and wildlife—for all people, forever.  The mission of COLT is to serve and strengthen the land trust community in Oregon. COLT does not own nor steward land, but we help our members do what they do best – protect wildlife and wild places, defend working farms and forests, provide recreation and parks, champion clean water for all, and engage communities to advance Indigenous land justice. Learn more.

COLT’s work is guided by a strategic plan that aims to 1) Advocate on behalf of land trusts 2) Support a thriving land trust community in Oregon, and 3) Strengthen our coalition. 

Our Culture & Team 

We are a small and nimble team that makes space for different learning styles, values diversity and supports ongoing team-building. COLT’s goal is to nurture an inspiring organization by supporting the growth, well-being and inclusivity of all staff. COLT works to promote diversity within the land trust community and foster an equitable, just and inclusive statewide coalition.

COLT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage all applicants to apply even if they may not meet all the qualifications. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives and voices and do not discriminate. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Communications, Design and Media (60%)

• Set and manage communications strategy and plans, including an annual strategic communications roadmap, annual report, messaging, social media strategy, annual internal activities calendar, and regular reporting
• Oversee, populate, and grow COLT’s social media presence, including tracking and reporting on digital metrics
• Design and distribute COLT’s newsletter and  emails to member organizations and general subscribers
• Manage website; develop and deploy regular web content, including blogs and stories
• Design and manage printed products (flagship annual State of the Lands report, event postcards, summer tour flyers, merchandise, business cards and more)
• Oversee development of new content (video, graphic design and press releases etc.) to support COLT’s communications needs
• Support communication, outreach needs and messaging for COLT programs, including: the pro bono legal program, water program, conservation policy and advocacy program, The Future of Oregon’s Lands and Waters philanthropy project and the Oregon Land Justice Project
• Oversee and manage communications contractors and deliverables (earned media, website maintenance and special projects)

Engagement (30%)

• Oversee COLT’s statewide communications, including collaborating with member organizations
• Maintain outreach and support to COLT’s cohort of communication staff across our membership
• Coordinate logistics for external-facing and coalition events like State of the Lands release party, Earth Day Oregon, and annual membership meeting
• Support events, training and webinars for members, staff, board and COLT programs

Fundraising (10%)

• Manage, develop, and design annual fundraising appeals in partnership with the Executive Director and the Philanthropic Project Manager
• Support COLT’s fundraising and donor cultivation/retention efforts through targeted donor communications, working closely with the Executive Director and the Philanthropic Project Manage
• Provide support for COLT’s grantmaking program in collaboration with program managers, Philanthropic Project Manager and Executive Director

Key Experience & Competencies 

COLT seeks a highly organized and proactive manager with excellent collaboration skills, a talent for bolstering community connections, an interest in storytelling, and a vision for uplifting conservation work through strategic communications. The ideal candidate will be motivated by the opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of work at COLT and will be a details-driven team player. We are looking for someone with strong communication, community engagement, project management and time management skills.

We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and encourage all applicants to apply even if they may not meet all the qualifications. A combination of relevant education, professional, and lived experiences will be considered. These include:

• Strong background in, and passion for, heart-centered storytelling and community engagement
• Experience with graphic design, publication software, and donor databases. COLT uses Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Squarespace, MailChimp and Little Green Light
• Strong experience in social media and growing audiences
• Demonstrated project management and ability to manage multiple tasks at once
• Strong written and verbal communications skills; meeting facilitation skills a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect and serve a diversity of people
• An interest and passion for land conservation in Oregon
• Familiarity and experience working with nonprofits a plus

Working Environment 

COLT is a hybrid workplace with a flexible work schedule. Our office is located in Portland, Oregon. Full-time, Portland-based COLT staff typically work 1-2 days a week in the office. Non-Portland-based staff typically work 3-5 days consecutively a month in the Portland office. This job will include occasional out-of-office meetings with community partners and overnight travel throughout Oregon. Residency in Oregon or SW Washington required. All candidates, regardless of location will be considered and are encouraged to apply.

ADA Statement 

This job requires sitting at a desk and talking on the phone. There are occasional outdoor meetings, tours and field trips that will require walking and standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.