Outreach and Communications Associate

Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in Canon City, CO. The River Corps program places AmeriCorps Members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on helping the efficiency, efficacy, and scale of healthy rivers and watersheds. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support in low-tech process-based river restoration (LTPBR), water quality sampling, in-stream flow (ISF), on-the-ground project monitoring, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado.

Service Site Overview: Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative (ARWC) champions watershed health initiatives for economic, ecological, and societal benefit throughout Colorado’s Arkansas River Basin. We create resilient and healthy watersheds, build networks of informed and active community members, and provide expertise and support in the wake of wildfires. Together, we’re not just envisioning—we’re actively building—a sustainable legacy for the Arkansas River Basin. Discover more at arkcollaborative.org.

Service Position Summary: The Outreach & Communications Associate supports the implementation of ARWC’s communications strategy. This role focuses on building awareness of watershed health issues, increasing visibility of ARWC’s initiatives, and fostering community support for the organization’s mission. The Associate uses creative and strategic communication approaches to connect people with the Arkansas River Basin and ARWC’s work. This position requires a creative, organized, and deadline-driven individual who thrives in a nonprofit setting and can adapt to evolving priorities.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

Communications & Outreach (40%)

• Execute strategic communications that inform, inspire, and promote watershed health initiatives in the Arkansas River Basin while increasing visibility and support for ARWC’s mission and strategic goals.
• Coordinate outreach activities, including attending and supporting community events, presentations, and volunteer activities.
• Develop and maintain an engaging digital presence by creating and publishing content for social media, newsletters, press releases, blogs, and other communication channels.
• Create and manage campaigns that engage the community, strengthen ARWC’s brand, and generate interest in organizational initiatives.

Content Management & Media Relations (25%)

• Ensure consistency with ARWC brand standards across all communications, including visuals, messaging, tone, and purpose.
• Assist in developing and managing organizational collateral such as brochures, impact reports, and presentations.
• Support management of ARWC’s website, including content updates and routine maintenance.
• Design and publish content across print, web, social media, and video platforms, and oversee printing and distribution of materials as needed.
• Maintain a content calendar to ensure consistent messaging and regular engagement across communication channels.
• Draft press releases, pitch stories, and serve as a media contact in collaboration with the leadership team.

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

Volunteer Management & Events (25%)

• Manage our volunteer program, including recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteer activities in collaboration with program staff.
• Organize community events, workshops, and trainings related to watershed health, including logistics such as venue coordination, event promotion, and volunteer management.

Field Support (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with community groups, stakeholders, and partners to expand ARWC’s reach and cultivate new opportunities for programs, events, and sponsorships.
• Represent ARWC at regional meetings, community events, and in communications with stakeholders.
• Support ARWC’s River Watch water quality data collection in the Upper and Middle Basin regions.
• Assist with post-fire recovery and pre-fire mitigation fieldwork as needed.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to collaborate effectively within a hybrid team, demonstrate flexibility, take initiative, and proactively seek guidance and support from ARWC and River Corps staff.
• Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in diverse outdoor environments, including rivers, riparian areas, and post-wildfire landscapes.
• Physical capacity to carry equipment, hike extended distances, and navigate uneven or rugged terrain.
• Strong attention to accuracy and consistency in data collection, monitoring protocols, and scientific or technical documentation.

Qualifications:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated and dependable, with the ability to stay focused and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with guidance, demonstrating strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while contributing to a respectful and positive team environment.
• Interest in conservation, watershed health, and building community connections.
• Familiarity with basic graphic design concepts and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), or willingness to learn.
• Experience assisting with or managing organizational social media accounts, or eagerness to develop these skills.
• Comfort using general office and computer tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management software, and social media platforms.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a personal vehicle, and willingness to travel occasionally for work-related activities (mileage reimbursed).

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications:

• At least 17 years old at start of service
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

 Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a Three Quarter Time (TQT) national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 37-40 hours per week). The position begins February 16, 2026 and ends September 30, 2026. While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 1200 hours, including holidays, time off, and missed hours to makeup.

Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. water quality data collection, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative, Cecilia Timberg, Communications Coordinator, Cecilia@arkcollaborative.org, (202)744-3187, as well as by Allison Palmasano, River Corps Program Director, allison@river.science / 719.429.3707. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other. 

Location and Service Conditions: This position is based in Leadville, Salida, or Cañon City and will involve service of the entire Arkansas River Basin. Primary Office: 349 E 9th St, Suite #100 Salida, CO 81201

Benefits:

• A living allowance of $17,500 will be made every other week (on Fridays) payments of $1060.61. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of term of service
• Training certificates in Water Quality & Ecology, and Hydrology Technician 1
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
• Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

River Conservation Corps(RCC) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. RCC defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.

Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.