Organization Overview
Save The River, a member-based, nonprofit environmental organization, has been the “voice for the St. Lawrence River” in the U.S. and Canada since 1978. Save The River’s mission has always been to restore, preserve and protect the ecological integrity of the Upper St. Lawrence River through advocacy, education and research. In 2004, Save The River was designated the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and became a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance with the goal of a swimmable, fishable, drinkable River.
As the leading grassroots advocacy organization working to protect the St. Lawrence River, Save The River takes an active role in River policy issues, engaging decision makers, community leaders, residents, visitors and volunteers to make positive change. Every year we work with school districts in the watershed to educate 1,000+ students in a place-based curriculum that stresses age-appropriate aspects of stewardship.
Significant progress has been made in protecting the St. Lawrence River's water quality and habitat, and in expanding the number of people and communities involved in that effort during the 48 years of Save The River's existence. However, much remains to be done and we are looking to expand our team to take on the task.
Position Summary
The Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director on all aspects of internal and external communications with the Board, membership, supporters and the public. The primary focus of this position is to liaise Save The River’s advocacy, programs and activities to the public while bridging the gap between an organization and the community it serves. The O&A Coordinator promotes Save The River’s mission by building strategic partnerships, organizing educational campaigns, and advocating for policy changes or better protection of the River. The Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator reports directly to the Executive Director.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter and references, preferably in pdf format, via email to [email protected]. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. No phone calls please.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Researching and staying in front of Save The River’s advocacy issues and legislation alerts.
- Assisting with mobilizing public support, managing grassroots outreach, and executing the day-to-day administrative tasks required to push environmental initiatives forward.
- Preparing written and online communications from concept to publication, including developing & organizing content for Save The River’s website, social and print media, such as newsletters, press releases, brochures, fundraising appeals and fact sheets.
- Creating and maintaining Save The River’s annual media/publications including our newsletter River Watch, the Annual Calendar, and weekly e-blasts while coordinating with staff input and ensuring communication deadlines are met and content is accurate and relevant.
- Effectively interpret the ecology and science of River issues to the public.
- Interviewing, blogging, photographing activities and programs to promote them effectively.
- Assisting the Membership Coordinator with the design and preparation of fundraising materials including monthly inserts and fundraising campaigns. Prepare regular reports for management.
- Cultivating partnerships with other not-for-profits, community organizations and local governments to promote Save The River's programs and enhance Save The River’s reach and ability to fulfill its mission and the goals of its programs. Participating in direct outreach and community education.
- Assists the Program Coordinator with the online portion of Save The River’s Trash Free River program.
- Cross-Functional Work: Collaborate closely with internal departments to align outreach strategies with broader organizational goals.
- Communicating regularly with the Executive Director about current and potential outreach activities.
- Track & Evaluate: Monitor the effectiveness of outreach and advocacy campaigns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, natural resources, environmental policy, or environmental education plus a minimum of two years experience in a relevant field.
- Excellent oral, writing and listening communications skills; ability to translate complex environmental data into compelling, accessible messaging.
- In depth understanding of and commitment to Save The River’s mission and values.
- Knowledge of the St. Lawrence River, environmental policy and restoration techniques preferred.
- Problem solving skills and professional phone etiquette.
- Prior experience communicating scientific, technical and/or research findings to the public.
- Strong organizational skills and a strong commitment to working as part of a team.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Google Office applications, and Apple hardware.
- Ability to manage projects, partnerships and professional relationships.
- Demonstrated skills with Canva, Constant Contact, Click & Pledge, photo-editing software and social media applications.
- Driver License, Passport and ability to travel to Canada and ability to lift 40lbs.
Preferred
- Prior work experience with conservation or environmental not-for-profit.
- Prior experience with video editing is preferred but not required.
- Proficiency in the Adobe Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Media Encoder, and Premiere Pro.
Work Environment
- Office environment with some outdoor river-related activities. Some weekend work.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the River region and occasionally beyond for meetings and conferences.
- Opportunity for professional growth.
- $38,000 - $41,000: Salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits. Please note: This compensation structure is non-negotiable.
- Save The River is an equal opportunity employer.
For more information about Save The River, visit www.savetheriver.org
Pay: $38,000.00 - $41,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
