Outreach and Communications Specialist (California Tahoe Conservancy)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the California Tahoe Conservancy, is recruiting 1 Outreach and Communications Specialist to participate in supporting program outreach activities to collaboratives, partners, and Tribes for the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI). Through outreach activities, this position will also support the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program by identifying the capacity needs of partners to advance forest health across the landscape.

About TCSI

The TCSI is a 2.4-million-acre landscape-scale effort to restore resilience to forest ecosystems and communities, increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, and increase the use of restoration wood byproducts. It is a multiagency, multijurisdictional effort composed of the California Tahoe Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Forest Foundation, and California Forestry Association. As a regional effort, TCSI is poised to elevate the needs of partners and local entities, lead regional coordination, and champion policies that advance forest restoration across landownerships. A hallmark of TCSI is its innovative core, and ability to pilot new approaches and establish frameworks for future initiatives and projects. More information about the TCSI can be found here: https://www.tahoecentralsierra.org/ 

Position Description

The Outreach and Communications Specialist develops and strengthens equitable partnerships through expanded engagement and outreach to local jurisdictions, Tribes, non-profits, and community groups. This position identifies and articulates regional partner successes, challenges, and needs across various landownerships and communicates the collective achievements, challenges, and priorities of regional partners. They lead TCSI communications and outreach efforts including ongoing information sharing and sustained partner engagement through one-on-one meetings, regional partner meetings, and newsletters in alignment with the TCSI 10-year regional plan and state initiatives. The incumbent will report to the TCSI Coordinator.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead TCSI communication and outreach efforts

• Develop a TCSI communications and outreach strategy
• Create and distribute a quarterly TCSI newsletter
• Maintain the TCSI website (https://www.tahoecentralsierra.org/)
• Develop regularly updated informational materials such as TCSI storymaps, infographics, and brochures.

Develop and strengthen equitable partnerships

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with collaboratives, partners, Tribes, and communities within the TCSI landscape
• Liaise with collaboratives, partners, Tribes, and local governments to collect and share TCSI information and data
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate partner meetings, presentations, field trips, technical workshops, webinars, and similar events.
• Engage Tribal voices and private landowners in TCSI initiatives and programs

Support TCSI project management and workgroups

• Develop agendas and materials, present updates at quarterly TCSI steering committee meetings, prepare meeting notes, track and follow-up on action items, and schedule calls and other meetings
• Support program staff in managing work plans, writing annual reports, and hosting annual retreats
• Attend relevant conferences, meetings, and trainings that will allow them to stay current with the latest trends, research, and best practices in the field and result in new skills and knowledge to improve their performance and productivity.

Supervision

• The position may serve as a work manager to interns or staff to assist with efforts.

Timeline:

• March 2025, 2-year term with possible extension pending available funding and positive performance review.
• Full time (40 hours/week). Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Location

This is expected to be a telework position. Candidates should be located within 30 miles of the TCSI landscape (see map here:  https://www.tahoecentralsierra.org/about/). The Outreach and Communications Specialist will use their personal vehicle for transportation to periodic in-person meetings with partners.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $31.00-$35.00 hourly depending on experience

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Qualifications

• Experience in outreach, communications, partnership-building, and networking;
• Experience with facilitation, public-speaking, and event-planning;
• Bachelor’s degree with focus on resource management, forestry, conservation planning, environmental studies, or related field;
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and trusting working relationships;
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment;
• Proficient using Microsoft Office suite;
• Proficient using communications and creative software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and WordPress;
• Ability to facilitate agreements while working with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions;
• Strong interactive skills and ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• A willingness to quickly build working knowledge in local natural resource issues;
• Experience working collaboratively in a multi-organization environment is desirable; and
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative Program