Communications & Programs Coordinator

Position Overview

The Communications & Programs Coordinator will play a key role in advancing the mission of Orleans Conservation Trust, overseeing a variety of educational programs, outreach efforts, and events. The role involves coordinating and managing OCT’s public programs and communications to advance our community visibility and standing. The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director and will work closely with staff and committees to design, promote, and execute creative and well-organized programs that engage and educate Orleans community members of all ages to develop broad community support for OCT. This role will have daily interactions with the public and will need to effectively communicate OCT’s mission and work to diverse stakeholders. The Communications & Programs Coordinator will work from OCT’s office at 203 South Orleans Road, Orleans, MA 02653. This is a full-time, exempt position. Willingness and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends required.

Orleans Conservation Trust Background:

OCT is a private nonprofit land trust, founded in 1970. Our mission is to protect and restore natural lands — for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community. The Trust acquires and manages land to enhance habitat, provides opportunities for learning and for enjoying nature, promotes sound conservation practices, and works with landowners who wish to conserve property. We host frequent guided walks and other educational activities, and we maintain several trails and access points on OCT properties.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Passion for environmental protection
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, education, environmental studies, or a related field; or equivalent work experience
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with the public
• Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills (experience with email marketing, newsletters, business-oriented social media, press releases, and/or public speaking are a plus)
• At least three years of relevant work experience in an office setting
• Self-starter, creative attitude and a drive to innovate and improve
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated good judgement and ability to manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• Experience in using a variety of computer programs, including:
  • Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel)
  • Donor database management or customer relationship management (CRM) software
  • Email marketing tools (e.g., Constant Contact, Mailchimp)
  • Website design and maintenance
  • Event registration and donation software
  • Graphic design tools (e.g., Canva)

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Program Management:

• Organize and follow up on OCT’s guided walks and educational activities, including working with the Executive Director and appropriate committees to determine program content; track attendance and program success
• Manage OCT’s environmental education grants program and additional programs in collaboration with the Education Committee, to engage children and families
• Support OCT’s land stewardship-focused volunteer programs and develop volunteer support for OCT’s outreach and education programs as needed

Communications and Marketing:

• Publicize OCT programs and events through various channels
• Generate and distribute press releases in collaboration with the Executive Director and committees
• Manage creation and distribution of OCT’s mass email communications
• Manage the preparation and production of OCT’s seasonal Spring and Fall newsletters and other marketing materials in collaboration with the Communications & Marketing Committee
• Manage OCT’s appeal mailings in collaboration with the other staff members
• Manage OCT’s website and social media accounts to keep current and professional
• Track responses to various mailings and campaigns, providing reports and analysis as needed

Events and Community Engagement:

• Plan, coordinate, and manage OCT events (e.g. Annual Meeting, plant sale, donor and volunteer appreciation events) and coordinate OCT’s participation in other strategically selected community events, including staffing such events as needed
• Explore and evaluate partnership opportunities to leverage OCT’s impact
• Develop relationships with donors, volunteers, and other community groups to enhance OCT’s standing in the community