Communications Manager

Want to inspire people to connect with nature and support its protection?
The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) is seeking a creative and strategic Communications Manager to lead content development across digital platforms and help elevate the visibility of our mission: preserving the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and providing free outdoor access and education for all.TWC operates the largest nonprofit nature preserve system on the West Coast. From redwood forests and alpine meadows to desert canyons and coastal bluffs, our 25 preserves across California, Oregon, and Utah represent some of the most ecologically significant and scenic landscapes in the American West. We believe access to nature is a birthright, and we work to ensure our preserves remain open to everyone, free of charge.We’re looking for a skilled communicator with a strong understanding of conservation, environmental education, and the role of nonprofit communications in advancing mission-driven goals. The ideal candidate can create compelling, mission-aligned content, collaborate across departments, and play a key role in advancing our fundraising and public engagement goals through storytelling, digital strategy, and media outreach.

LOCATION
This position is based at TWC’s Executive Headquarters in Oak Glen, CA, with an option for a hybrid work schedule (two days remote) available after 6 months of employment. Occasional travel to preserves and events is expected.
See wildlandsconservancy.org for more information.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Marketing, the Communications Manager plays a central role in shaping how the public understands and connects with The Wildlands Conservancy’s mission, values, and impact. This position works independently and in close partnership with the executive and philanthropy teams, as well as preserve staff, to implement a coordinated communications strategy that strengthens brand visibility, builds public and donor affinity, and supports fundraising goals.

The Communications Manager oversees content across our website, social media channels, and digital communications; manages press and media outreach; and leads the creation of original stories and visual materials that reflect the scale and heart of our mission. This role collaborates with consultants to manage most, but not all, graphic design needs and execute digital marketing campaigns (e.g., PPC and paid social), and is responsible for ensuring quality, consistency, and strategic alignment across deliverables. The Communications Manager will regularly report results and insights to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Marketing and, as appropriate, to the Executive Team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCross-Team Collaboration & Campaign Support

• Work closely with the philanthropy team to create donor-focused content for fundraising campaigns.
• Partner with outdoor education, stewardship, and preserve staff to ensure communications reflect current programming.
• Oversee consultants supporting graphic design, digital ads, and web performance, ensuring deliverables align with organizational priorities.
• Coordinate reporting and outcomes from digital & print campaigns to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy and Marketing and/or the Executive Team.
• Contribute to communications and marketing responsibilities as needed in support of strategic priorities.

Content Creation

• Develop storytelling content that elevates awareness of TWC’s programs, preserves, and conservation impact and adheres to brand guidelines.
• Write and edit original content for newsletters, website, emails, press releases, blogs, donor communications, and print materials, often in collaboration with the Executive Team, philanthropy staff, or preserve staff as appropriate.
• Oversee production of print collateral, coordinating with graphic design consultants and aligning messaging with digital campaigns to ensure a cohesive multi-channel strategy
• Conduct interviews with preserve managers, partners, and subject-matter experts to inform storytelling and outreach.
• Coordinate photography and video assets in partnership with TWC’s staff photographer and other contributors across the preserve system.
• Organize and maintain a centralized library of photo, video, and design assets to support timely content creation and brand consistency across all platforms.
• Ensure consistent brand voice, tone, and visual identity across all communications.

Website & Email Marketing

• Manage content updates on the website and collaborate with digital consultants to improve SEO and user experience.
• Produce and send at least one email campaign per week in alignment with the marketing and communications strategy, with additional campaigns as needed to support events and appeals.
• Track email performance and adjust strategy based on open rates, clickthroughs, and conversions.

Media Relations & Brand Visibility

• Assists the executive and philanthropy team in drafting and distributing press releases as needed to support programs, events, and milestones.
• Maintain media lists to support press coverage and brand recognition.

Social Media & Digital Engagement

• Manage organizational and preserve-level social media accounts, publishing two to three posts per week on each profile across Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram).
• Collaborate with preserve staff and the development team to gather timely, relevant content and promote programs and campaigns.
• Monitor engagement analytics to inform strategy and strengthen digital outreach.

CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION

• Full-time 40 hours per week (five 8-hour shifts), non-exempt
• Salary range: $65,000 – $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more, in accordance with The Wildlands Conservancy’s employment policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing across platforms including email, website, social media, print, and fundraising communications.
• Strong understanding of conservation, environmental education, and the role of nonprofit communications in advancing mission-driven goals.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience developing and executing communications strategies across print and digital channels.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience developing content that supports philanthropic initiatives, donor engagement, and community outreach.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience in a related role.
• Valid Driver License, insurable under TWC’s policy, and ability to pass Live Scan background check and drug screen.

COMPETENCIES

• Skilled in storytelling and message development that builds emotional connection and drives engagement.
• Strong understanding of design principles, including visual hierarchy, typography, layout, and consistency across media.
• Proficient in digital tools, including Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), and content management systems such as WordPress.
• Familiar with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp or Emma), social media scheduling tools, and digital content workflows.
• Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and Meta Ads Manager is a plus, particularly for assessing content performance and optimizing campaigns.
• Comfortable interpreting feedback, adapting tone and format across channels, and maintaining consistent brand voice.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams—including philanthropy, stewardship, and outdoor education staff—as well as with external vendors and media partners.
• Enthusiastic, organized, and self-directed, with a solutions-oriented mindset and strong commitment to TWC’s mission.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Wildlands Conservancy is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual’s race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, off-duty and off-premises use of cannabis, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Wildlands Conservancy is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employment with The Wildlands Conservancy is on an “at-will” basis. This means employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause.