Communications Coordinator

Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC
Department: Communications
Supervisor: Vice President of Communications

BASIC SUMMARY:

The communications coordinator will be expected to develop a strong knowledge of current issues of importance to the organization and provide support to communications staff on various matters relating to those issues. The communications coordinator will monitor press coverage, conduct research, respond to requests for materials, produce videos to promote our issues and assist the vice president of communications on various projects, in addition to serving as an administrative assistant to the entire communications department, including its publications division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Videos: Work with program and communications staff to produce compelling videos to promote Defenders’ priority issues. Research, develop storyboards, photo and b-roll research and editing. Maintain video equipment. Manage video library.

2) Photo Contest: Manage Defenders’ annual photo contest, including the coordination with the newsletter and membership staff, roll-out, recruit prizes, write newsletter article, manage all technical aspects of the contest, recruit and manage judging, determine contest rules.

3) Wildlife Volunteer Corp: Work with field staff to identify appropriate hands on projects that advance the conservation of wildlife. Work with online staff to recruit volunteers. Coordinate with event organizers and promote to the press.

4) Media Work: Distribute press releases to reporters and post materials on web site. Manage and update “news” webpage. Respond to requests for information on media requests or publication information. Research and provide analysis on various reporter beat areas and positions on issues. Provide daily press clips to all staff.

5) Assist vice president of communications and directors in scheduling meetings, conducting research on various priority projects.

6) Writing: Write blogs, press releases and other press materials and postings to Twitter. Help with research to assist in the development of press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, proposals and national reports.

7) General Duties: Process key paperwork for department, including contracts and budget/expenses; organize and maintain an inventory of Defenders’ publications; respond to requests for past articles and publications from public and staff; assist in soliciting, organizing and tracking and returning photos; maintain internal photo library; and other department administrative duties.

8) General Support:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in Journalism, English, Communication Studies, Public Policy, Broadcasting or other related discipline
Experience: 1+ years of experience working in an office setting
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Other:
Ability to aggressively manage several tasks at once, use sound judgment and follow up on prioritized assignments. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Communications, media, environmental experience or interest preferred.

Office administrative experience and/or training, familiarity with the workings of a communications office; knowledge of Adobe Premiere or Final Cut editing software, MS Word, Excel, Power Point, the Internet; and willingness to learn new or added features.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants please reference Communications Coordinator in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org [1]

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.

COMMENTS:

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.