Volunteer and Community Outreach Specialist

Office Location:

Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States

Hybrid

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Volunteer and Community Outreach Specialist (VCOS) develops and supports the volunteer program and activities for the Oklahoma Chapter of The Nature Conservancy.  The VCOS will be responsible for maintaining existing and creating new volunteer initiatives and supports all business unit functions and conservation priorities.   They will help raise the organization’s profile through select and strategic venues and partnerships, may serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, and inspires people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways.  The Volunteer Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of a strategic community volunteer and engagement program aimed at:

• increasing the Conservancy’s visibility,
• engaging a broader constituency in support of conservation,
• engaging those who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy, and
• reaching the next generation of conservation leaders and supporters.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Volunteer Program Management (60%) – Develop and coordinate a comprehensive volunteer program for the Oklahoma Chapter

• Manage all aspects of existing and new volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, tracking, reporting, volunteer appreciation, and enrichment opportunities.
• Supervise volunteers engaged in outreach and administrative activities.
• Coordinate with preserve staff regarding stewardship, science, and maintenance-based volunteer opportunities.
• Coordinate with Philanthropy staff regarding needed events/volunteerism for donor cultivation.
• Ensure that the administrative requirements of the volunteer program comply with TNC policies and procedures.
• Responsible for oversight of volunteers’ youth safety program qualifications.
• Assist with answering general visitor questions in-person, via email, and over the phone.

General Outreach (25%) – Develop and facilitate on- and off-site community outreach programs.

• Coordinate and develop on- and off-site community engagement (such as visitor tours, recreational use, in-person speaking engagements, other outreach programs.)
• Represent TNC at community and regional cultural events.
• Assist in developing temporary and permanent interpretive signage, displays and other resources for preserves and visitor use areas such as preserve trails, following TNC branding guidelines.
• Document/photograph outreach events for reporting/presentation needs and develop metrics to determine outreach impact.
• Work collaboratively to develop content for digital communications.

Community Focused Engagement Outreach (15%) – Develop and maintain targeted community engagement and relationships.

• Develop targeted relationships with strategic communities and groups to facilitate ability to engage a broader, more diverse constituency.
• Partner with other organizations already engaged in certain targeted areas to increase reach and staff capacity for outreach.
• Work with supervisor to identify and seek funding grants to enhance outreach and volunteer programs.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Manage activities within budget, evaluate results, and develop corrective or adaptive strategies as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and physical exertion and/or strain.
• Willingness to travel and work select evenings, and some potential holidays and/or weekends, as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today! 

From grasslands to forests, rivers to mesas, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations. If you envision nature the same way we do, we’d love to have you join our team!  

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, environmental education, business or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
• Skilled writer and editor.
• Experience in the communications arena.
• Communication and public speaking experience.
• Project Management skills.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
• Ability to promote events and communicate with individuals and communities through various platforms.
• Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring strategic outreach plans and programs.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation, and public relations.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteer management and training experience.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspective to apply. 

What We Bring:

We provide a competitive benefits package which includes: comprehensive health care plans (3 options to fit your needs,) flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care,) a 401(k) plan including employer match (8% after 1 year!) 8 weeks paid parental leave, up to 10 days of accrued paid time off in the first year, 2 personal days, 10 holidays, and 10 days to attend to health needs, life insurance (2x salary,) short and long-term disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We also offer an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate Employee Resource Groups. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ! Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

 Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $56,000 – $60,000 annual salary plus housing and paid utilities. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.