Communications/Development Coordinator

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt

Date: Until the position is filled

Compensation: $18 per hour to start. A merit increase is available after a six-month probationary period and performance review. The candidate should be available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is searching for a talented Communications/Development Coordinator to support its communication strategies as well as resource development activities to promote and advance a volunteer service-learning program devoted to natural resource conservation in communities throughout Pennsylvania. This role involves creating public relations and promotional materials across various platforms, including social media, websites, newsletters, and press releases; overseeing website updates; managing internal and external communications and outreach to strategic partners; cultivating and stewarding volunteers and donors, and other responsibilities as needed. Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills along with a relevant background in communications/marketing, resource development, and/or non-profit management.

This role is a part-time, hourly position (15-20 hours per week. This position may be asked to work additional hours during busier times of year); stipend of $18 per hour to start, nonexempt and reports to the President/Executive Director but works across departments, supporting communications and fundraising/resource development. This is an administrative position. The person in this role is expected to travel to training and partner sites via their own transportation. Hourly stipend will be commensurate with qualifications including education and experience. Benefits include supporting meaningful conservation work throughout the state, a flexible work schedule, and paid training in all aspects of programming.

Location

This is a remote, work from home position. Preference will be given to candidates who reside in Central Pennsylvania. The candidate will be required to travel throughout the state, attend virtual meetings and staff training, and be present in-person at scheduled volunteer training courses, board meetings, Annual Meeting, and other Master Naturalist activities.

Essential Functions

  • Develop and implement communication strategies to promote the PA Master Naturalist organization’s mission and programs.
  • Create engaging content for various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, website, and press releases.
  • Manage the organization’s social media presence and engage with followers.
  • Cultivate relationships with media outlets and respond to media inquiries.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
  • Track and analyze communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns.
  • Support volunteer recruitment and retention efforts through targeted communication.
  • Write a variety of different content to support communications and marketing efforts, including newsletters, website copy, brochures and press releases.
  • Communicate with donors, sponsors, and partners to build and maintain relationships.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining files.
  • Analyze fundraising data and prepare reports to inform decision-making processes.
  • Assist with budget management and forecasting for the development department.
  • Manage and maintain the organization’s donor database and fundraising records.
  • Coordinate and assist with the planning and implementation of fundraising events.
  • Provide support to the development team in the research and identification of potential donors.
  • Assist with the creation and implementation of fundraising campaigns.
  • Research and develop gift opportunities through grants and foundational giving.
  • Prepare and distribute fundraising materials, such as proposals and donor reports.
  • Assist with writing grant proposals and reports.

Other Functions

  • Volunteer Coordination: Assist in recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers.
  • Graphic Design and Multimedia Production: Create visual content such as graphics, videos, and infographics to enhance communication materials and engage the audience effectively.
  • Website Management: Updating and maintaining the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist’s website with relevant content, news, partnership information, staffing/board members, and volunteer resources and opportunities to provide a user-friendly experience for site visitors.
  • Crisis Communication: Work with administrative and program team to develop protocols and messaging strategies to address and manage communication during challenging situations or crises effectively.
  • Continues Learning and Professional Development: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in communication, resource development, and nonprofit management through training, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Required education: bachelor’s degree at time of appointment in communications, public relations/marketing, project management, resource development, business or nonprofit management, or related field with a minimum of two years of previous experience related to position responsibilities preferably within the nonprofit sector.
  • Required skills and abilities:
    • Experience in project coordination or management.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences and communication channels.
    • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
    • Proficiency in using communication tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing software, content management systems, and graphic design software.
    • Knowledge of branding principles and experience maintaining brand consistency across various communication materials.
    • Demonstrated creativity and the ability to generate engaging content, such as social media posts, newsletters, and press releases.
    • Experience with media relations, including writing press releases, pitching stories to journalists, and responding to media inquiries.
    • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising databases.
    • Proficiency with project management software and tools.
    • Familiarity with fundraising techniques and donor relationship management.
    • Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
    • Detail-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
    • Understanding of the development or non-profit sector.
    • A passion for nonprofit work and a commitment to the organization’s mission and values, along with a commitment to volunteerism and community service.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience working or volunteering in the nonprofit sector, particularly with organizations focused on community service in natural resource conservation or education.
  • Previous experience managing communication campaigns or projects from conception to implementation, demonstrating the ability to drive results and meet objectives.
  • Familiarity with volunteer management systems or databases for tracking volunteer information, hours, and activities.
  • Experience with fundraising or donor communications, including writing grant proposals, donor appeals, and acknowledgment letters.
  • Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) principles and strategies to optimize content for online visibility and engagement.
  • Experience with event planning and promotion, including coordinating logistics, developing promotional materials, and leveraging communication channels to attract attendees.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and make data-driven decisions.
  • Experience with crisis communication management, including developing communication protocols and responding effectively to sensitive or challenging situations.
  • Additional language skills or multicultural communication experience to engage diverse communities and audiences effectively.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for this role involve standard office work conditions, which may include:

  • Extended periods of sitting at a desk or workstation while using a computer.
  • Regular use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment.
  • Occasional lifting or carrying of light to medium items such as paperwork, event materials (to include organizational display), or supplies.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and listen effectively in person, over the phone, and via video conferencing.
  • Potential for occasional travel to attend meetings, events, or community outreach activities.
  • Adaptability to different work environments, including office settings, remote work, and on-site event locations.
  • Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in communication materials.
  • Flexibility to accommodate occasional evening or weekend hours for events, meetings, or deadlines.
  • Ability to navigate stairs, ramps, and other physical barriers in office buildings or event venues.
  • Compliance with any relevant health and safety protocols or guidelines, such as COVID-19 precautions.

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability in any of our policies or programs.

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization with its central administrative office located in Elysburg, PA. Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a cooperative program based on a national initiative that connects people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work.  

It is a venture directed toward developing a local corps of “master volunteers and service providers” to offer education, outreach, and service dedicated to the understanding and management of natural areas within their communities. It was founded on the belief that to sustain the state’s natural resources for future generations, cooperation among organizations and citizens is imperative.  

By cultivating partnerships and training volunteers, the program has a broad, synergistic impact; it expands the reach of regional organizations to new audiences, facilitates the critically needed stewardship of urban and suburban ecosystems, empowers citizens to make responsible environmental choices, and promotes volunteerism and community action. Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a year-round program with three core components: intensive natural science training, continuing education, and conservation volunteer service.

How to Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three professional references via email to Michele Richards at info@pamasternaturalist.org. The position will remain open until it is filled.