Outreach Coordinator

Organization Overview

Save The River, a member-based, nonprofit environmental organization, has been the “voice for the St. Lawrence River” in the U.S. and Canada since 1978. Save The River’s mission has always been to restore, preserve and protect the ecological integrity of the Upper St. Lawrence River through advocacy, education and research. In 2004, Save The River was designated the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and became a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance with the goal of a swimmable, fishable, drinkable River.

As the leading grassroots advocacy organization working to protect the St. Lawrence River, Save The River takes an active role in River policy issues, engaging decision makers, community leaders, residents, visitors and volunteers to make positive change. Every year we work with school districts in the watershed to educate 1,000+ students in a place-based curriculum that stresses age appropriate aspects of stewardship.

Significant progress has been made in protecting the St. Lawrence River’s water quality and habitat, and in expanding the number of people and communities involved in that effort during the 46 years of Save The River’s existence. However, much remains to be done and we are looking to expand our team to take on the task.

Position Summary

The Outreach Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director on all aspects of internal and external communications with the Board, membership, supporters and the public. The primary focus of this position is to liaise Save The River’s advocacy, programs and activities to the public. In addition, the Outreach Coordinator assists the Program Coordinator with delivery of Save The River’s Trash Free River program, and the Membership & Development Coordinator with the design and preparation of fundraising materials. The Outreach Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparing written and online communications from concept to publication, including website organization, developing content for Save The River’s website, social and print media, such as newsletters, press releases, brochures, fundraising appeals and fact sheets.
• Creating and maintaining Save The River’s annual media/publications including our newsletter River Watch, the Annual Calendar, and weekly e-blasts while coordinating with staff input and ensuring communication deadlines are met and content is accurate and relevant.
• Cultivating partnerships with other not-for-profits, community organizations and local governments to promote Save The River’s programs and enhance Save The River’s ability to fulfill its mission and the goals of its programs.
• Researching and staying in front of Save The River’s advocacy issues and legislation alerts.
• Effectively interpret the ecology and science of River issues to the public.
• Interviewing, blogging, photographing activities and programs to promote them effectively.
• Manage the online portion of the Trash Free River program.
• Participating in direct outreach and community education.
• Assisting the Program Coordinator and Education Coordinator in promoting and delivering education/volunteer programs.
• Communicating regularly with the Executive Director about current and potential outreach activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, natural resources, environmental policy, or environmental education plus a minimum of two years experience in a relevant field.
• Excellent oral, writing and listening communications skills.
• In depth understanding of and commitment to Save The River’s mission and values.
• Knowledge of the St. Lawrence River, environmental policy and restoration techniques strongly preferred.
• Prior experience communicating scientific, technical and/or research findings and reports to a general audience.
• Strong problem solving capabilities, organizational skills and a strong commitment to working as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Google Office applications, and Apple hardware.
• Ability to manage projects, partnerships and professional relationships.
• Demonstrated skills with WordPress, Constant Contact and Click & Pledge, photo-editing software and social media applications.
• Driver License, Passport and ability to travel to Canada.
• Ability to lift 40lbs.

Preferred

• Prior work experience with conservation or environmental not-for-profit.
• Prior experience boating, kayaking/canoeing, and/or fishing.
• Proficiency in the Adobe Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Media Encoder, and Premiere Pro.

Work Environment

• Office environment with considerable outdoor river-related activities during the late spring, summer and early fall.
• Some weekend work.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the River region and occasionally beyond for meetings and conferences.
• Opportunity for professional growth.
• $35,000 – $37,000: Salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits.
• Save The River is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information about Save The River, visit www.savetheriver.org