Regional Communications Specialist- Two Positions

Position Summary: The purpose of a regional communications specialist is to assist Quail Forever and NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) to grow awareness of the organization’s mission as it pertains to Working Lands for Wildlife Frameworks for Conservation Action in the Central and Eastern U.S. This position works closely with the WLFW Regional Coordinator and framework coordinators plus Quail Forever employee teams on a regional scale to develop news stories and generate news coverage of habitat and programmatic successes. Of particular focus, this position will work closely with our conservation operations team to generate content (news stories, press releases, social posts, and/or blog stories) about new conservation partnerships, habitat projects, land acquisitions, voluntary landowner conservation initiatives, new hunter recruitment events, and new employee hires.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Creates news releases, website content, and publication articles in collaboration with USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service staff.
• Main focus of content will fall within the Working Lands for Wildlife – Northern Bobwhite, Grasslands and Savannahs Framework region and Eastern Deciduous Forest.
• Works collaboratively with contractors managing and maintaining the Landscape Partnership Portal (https://www.landscapepartnership.org/) where all content produced will be cross-posted.
• Works with the organization’s state leadership teams to source habitat successes, unique projects, and newsworthy content
• Works closely with Working Lands for Wildlife staff to create cohesive conservation messaging.
• Builds and manages relationships with journalists in his/her defined region to generate earned media coverage.
• Assesses newsworthy stories for value as internal content (journals, website, social media, etc.) and viability as a media pitch to garner external coverage for the organization’s brand, mission, and successes.
• Serves as an organizational spokesperson with the media, while coordinating interview opportunities for organization’s leaders and partners in their specific region
• Maintain/build relationships with local/regional media, in addition to various outdoor writer associations.
• Maintains the highest code of hunting and conservation ethics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Associate or Bachelor degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred
• Excellent oral, public speaking, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and hit deadlines.
• Ag industry knowledge and experience in hunting and upland habitat restoration/management is preferred.

Compensation:  Starting salary and benefits commensurate with experience. Range: $53,000-60,000 annually.

Reports To: Jared Wiklund, Quail Forever Director of Communications

Location: Positions to be based in the Working Lands for Wildlife – Bobwhite geography, covering a 26-state region. This position will work from their home office, with various travel requirements throughout the year. Preferably, team member is located in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, or South Carolina.