Communications Specialist

PURPOSE: To promote NMWC’s wildlife rehabilitation and education work and mission to diverse audiences through a variety of communications methods. 

NMWC MISSION: NMWC connects people and wildlife through conservation, education, rehabilitation, and public engagement. 

CLASSIFICATION: Full time, 40-hours per week, hourly, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Assistant Director of Development & Administration

SUPERVISES: N/A

WORK HOURS: Five days a week, Sunday-Thursday, 8:30am until 4:30pm. Some night, weekend, and holiday work hours are required. Some in-state travel required.

SALARY: $20 – $24 per hour

BENEFITS: Partial health insurance reimbursement, Paid Time Off & Sick Leave, 3 paid holidays, monthly COLA stipend of $300 

OVERTIME: Overtime at 1.5x hourly rate, with approval of supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development and dissemination of all external communications for NMWC. The position ensures NMWC messaging is timely, accurate, consistent, and engaging. Key duties include preparing press releases, marketing materials, newsletters, and content for social and traditional media. In collaboration with senior staff, the Communications Specialist develops and implements NMWC’s marketing and communication plans.  Creation of internal, promotional, and informational communication materials is another major area of responsibility. Additionally, the position serves as NMWC’s media point of contact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications

• Create and manage all external communications and marketing materials, in print and digital formats, that are timely, informative, accurate, and engaging.
• In collaboration with senior staff, develop and implement marketing and communications plans.
• Represent NMWC at on- and off-site events, in the community and with the media.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication and marketing activities.
• In collaboration with senior staff, promote the mission and programs of NMWC.
• Develop and implement consistent communication style and branding guidelines.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers so that they may assist in meeting communication objectives.
• Prepare monthly marketing and communications reports.
• Serve as NMWC’s point of contact for communications and marketing vendors.
• Monitor social media, responding to comments in a timely and appropriate manner.

Other

• Answer phone calls, greet visitors, and assist with animal intakes as necessary.
• Open and close visitor lobby, including conducting gift shop point of sales as necessary.
• Accept deliveries and direct service tech/repair personnel as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS

• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Highly proficient writing and editing skills.
• Excellent verbal and public speaking skills.
• Photography and video experience.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and re-prioritize as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain collaborations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Communication, marketing, or related degree; prior professional communication or marketing experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A passion for NMWC’s mission.
• Prior experience in a similar position.
• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, and/or ambassador animal care is strongly preferred. This is not an animal care position, but familiarity with those fields is essential to the crafting of appropriate and effective messaging.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak clearly in English. Spanish fluency desirable.
• A creative storyteller with a strong knowledge of current communications and marketing best practices and techniques.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, Canva, Adobe Suite, Slack, and website content management.
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of social media platforms.
• Possess or obtain a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Able to lift and move 50 lbs.

TO APPLY: Email the following required application materials of cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to matthew@newmexicowildlifecenter.org. No phone inquiries. Only complete applications will be considered. Applications are due by 5:00pm MT on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A large percentage of duties are performed indoors. It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust and harsh chemicals that, if not handled properly, may present a health hazard.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and to talk or hear. Use computer for extended periods of time (repetitive motion).  Sitting for long periods of time.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Specific auditory acuity to identify animal noises, to hear warning signals from safety and security alarms and/or warning signals; to detect sounds associated with malfunctions in mechanical equipment and systems. Must possess sufficient manual dexterity, strength and ability to rotate wrists, elbows and shoulders to operate manual and power tools commonly used in routine, basic custodial/maintenance applications. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment may be exposed to inclement weather; pollen, mold, dust, dirt and other airborne contaminants; and temperature variations. Must be able to tolerate exposure to animal dander, animal wastes and other zoonotic contaminants. Must be able to work in close proximity to native wildlife species. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment. 

• Note: Employees in this classification are required to be COVID vaccinated and may be required to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this role.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of an employee in this position.

EEO STATEMENT:  NMWC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. New Mexico Wildlife Center is an at will employer and all NMWC employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.