Communications Specialist

Position Summary

Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southern grasslands are nearly extinct, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we only now realize how extensive our grasslands used to be. If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid and unparalleled in magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will take some of American conservation and philanthropy’s brightest and most creative minds to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s team?

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a temporary, full-time Communications Specialist position ($25/hour). SGI has one year of funding for this position, and future funding opportunities may be available. This position will be responsible for creating, writing, and distributing various materials to increase messaging and marketing of grassland and savanna conservation, as well as communicating the mission and purpose of SGI and the USDA NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife framework.

The Communications Specialist will be expected to foster relationships with the NRCS Public Affairs division staff across the applicable NRCS state offices and opportunities for joint messaging with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. This position will also work with numerous other SGI partners and stakeholders and regularly write news releases, blogs, newsletters, and other materials to be shared on various web and social media platforms and with the public. This position will lead the drafting of SGI’s annual report, working with other SGI staff, including the leadership team. The Communications Specialist will report to SGI’s Chief of Staff. The selected candidate must be located within a one-hour drive to Clarksville, TN (greater Nashville area, or similar), as we expect this position to often connect with SGI team members working at our project sites in or near Clarksville.

Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Create, write, and distribute a wide variety of materials (such as blog articles, newsletter editions, and web and social media content) to communicate information about grassland conservation and restoration efforts, SGI’s research, the NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife program, and SGI events.
• Manage and organize content for social media, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
• Lead the drafting, assembly, and editing of the SGI Annual Report, working with SGI staff and leadership.
• Work with NRCS Public Affairs and Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever teams to create and distribute communications materials about grassland restoration.
• Collect information, photos, and details about the daily activities of the NRCS grant-funded project that will assist in communications.
• Plan SGI’s annual communication agenda.
• Collect information, photos, and details about SGI’s daily activities.
• Work on other SGI communications-related items as needed and may occasionally join other SGI team members in the field to cover stories, capture photographs, film, etc.
• Work with SGI’s many other partners and stakeholders to create and distribute communications materials about grassland restoration or highlight partnerships and collaborative work.
• Work collaboratively with communications staff at Austin Peay State University to promote SGI stories.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A B.S. in communications, journalism, or a related field with an emphasis on environmental conservation is preferred.
• Minimum three years working in communications with a preference for experience in biodiversity conservation.
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with various audiences, including the broader public, federal, state, local, and tribal agencies; non-governmental organizations and interest groups; industry; and other stakeholders.
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances.
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively as a positive contributor to the team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions.
• Good organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and proactive in completing tasks.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to layla.dunlap@segrasslands.org  with “Communication Specialist” in the subject line. Interviews will begin in early April.