Communications Specialist

Background:  The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) is a regional, community-based nonprofit organization founded in 1984 and incorporated as an independent, 501(c)3 organization in 1985.

TILT’s mission is to conserve the natural beauty, diverse wildlife habitats, water quality and outdoor recreation opportunities of the Thousand Islands and St. Lawrence River Valley region, for present and future generations.

TILT works with private landowners, community and government leaders, and various conservation partners to conserve flora and fauna, water and air quality, and our region’s important environmental features. The goal of TILT’s work is a greater quality of life, an improved foundation for the economy, and an enhanced environment. 

TILT has been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission since 2009. 

Job Description

The Communications Specialist of the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) is a salaried position that is appointed by the Executive Director and reports to the Director of Development.

In conjunction with the Executive Director and Director of Development, the Communications Specialist is responsible for development and oversight of a multi-channel communications strategy for achieving the goals of the organization. The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing annual marketing and communication strategies adhering to high professional standards, in particular the Standards and Practices of the Land Trust Alliance and in alignment with TILT’s current Strategic Framework.

Supported by a strong, reputable brand and a collaborative team, the Communications Specialist preserves TILT’s trusted voice and galvanizes the community around the value of public trails and conservation lands. The Communications Specialist compiles and shares compelling stories about TILT, complex issues in conservation, recreation, and donor impact with our community. They will lead content development and execution for all of TILT’s communications channels. 

Working through social media, press, events, earned media, effective advertising, soliciting community support and other innovative and systematic approaches, the Communications Specialist’s primary responsibility is to broaden the organization’s overall reach and to deepen its community engagement. The Communications Specialist works closely with all members of the organization to share project updates, stories, events, news and development opportunities. 

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with experience communicating about conservation topics. They will possess a working knowledge of the Thousand Islands community, nonprofit and donor centric communications best practices, and digital marketing strategies. Through effective storytelling, this position will build supporters and personal relationships between Thousand Islands Land Trust and its stakeholders. 

The Communications Specialist will work up to 40-45 hours/week to develop, implement, and grow TILT’s communications strategies.

Tentative start date is January 2nd.

The responsibilities of the Communications Specialist include, but are not limited to the following:

Primary Responsibilities:

I. Communications & Marketing:

• Manage all communications plan activities and build external relationships with the organization's constituencies, including donors, community leaders and the media 
• Responsible for implementing strategies to ensure the successful delivery of all communications strategies in conjunction with the strategic plan
• Develop brand voice and maintain brand integrity across all platforms
• Lead creation and publication of press releases, videos, newsletters, social media content, ads, and other printed materials, including annual reports and invitations
• Elevate awareness via social media, website, print and other community channels regarding the Land Trust, its mission and the programs it offers
• Update and maintain organization’s website, online publications, and social media
• Communicate and collaborate with a range of people and organizations and build partnerships to advance TILT’s mission
• Cultivate an ever-growing library of video, photo and other visual assets
• Support the Director of Development in community relations activities and take lead in community events that support understanding of TILT’s conservation work
• Collaborate with development team on digital and print fundraising appeals and event promotions
• Track engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions
• Collaborate with outreach team to effectively promote programs
• Create and monitor an annual budget to support communications strategies
• Represent TILT at community gatherings and other outreach opportunities in partnership with outreach staff

II. Administration and Board Support 

• Attend staff, committee, and board meetings and other organizational training
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, per TILTreks & Events schedule
• Attend all TILT major events and various outdoor trek programs.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record are required

Required Experience:

• An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in public relations, marketing, or a related field
• Excellent writing, oral, and interpersonal skills
• Supervisory experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance, including conflict resolution
• High energy, positive attitude, flexibility, team-oriented, attention to detail and high degree of initiative
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while having a thorough understanding of strategic marketing and communications
• Formal and conversational writing with attention to detail and grammar
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva and Word Press
• Commitment to the mission and work of the Thousand Islands Land Trust

Preferred Experience:

• 5-8 years of experience in public relations, marketing, or a related field
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in marketing
• Experience working with volunteer leadership including Board of Directors
• Experience with planning, organizing and evaluating successful events
• Ability to communicate complex land conservation and outdoor recreation topics to the general public in a balanced and clear way
• Experience with search engine marketing and Google Analytics
• Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities

Working Conditions:

The Communications Specialist will work indoors at the TILT office and outdoors during TILTreks & Events. Activities will occur on varied terrain and in variable weather conditions. Knowledge of the St. Lawrence River and boating experience is a plus.

To Apply

Applications are due by December 1st, but will be reviewed as received. Applications will not be reviewed without a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and two writing samples. Applications should include your resume and three references. Please send to TILT’s Executive Director, Jake Tibbles, at jtibbles@tilandtrust.org. In order to expedite the internal sorting and reviewing process, please write your name (Last, First – Communications Specialist) as the only contents in the subject line of your e-mail.  More information about the Thousand Islands Land Trust may be found at TILandTrust.org. No phone calls or faxes, please.

Additional information:

Salary – ($42,000-$47,500), benefits (health and retirement), sick time, paid holidays and up to three weeks paid vacation.

Administrative Support – The individual in this position must be prepared to handle his/her own correspondence, filing, and record keeping.