Position Summary
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist serves as the primary storyteller and environmental communicator for the Center for the Environment at Catawba College. This position advances the College’s mission of environmental stewardship, regenerative education, sustainability, climate action, and Piedmont ecology conservation by translating complex environmental concepts into compelling, accessible, and inspiring narratives. Through environmental interpretation, strategic communications, educational programming, and multimedia storytelling, this role helps connect students, faculty, visitors, and community members to Catawba College’s innovative environmental initiatives and leadership. The position plays a key role in enhancing public understanding, engagement, and support for the Center for the Environment while strengthening the institution’s visibility and reputation at the local, regional, and national levels.
Primary Responsibilities
Environmental Interpretation Strategy & Program Development
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist develops and implements comprehensive environmental interpretation strategies that communicate the significance of Catawba College’s environmental education, sustainability initiatives, regenerative education model, climate leadership, and conservation efforts.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive environmental interpretation strategy that highlights institutional environmental initiatives and accomplishments.
- Support the design and delivery of environmental education programs that connect audiences with Piedmont ecosystems, sustainability practices, and climate solutions.
- Create engaging interpretive experiences that foster environmental awareness, stewardship, and community engagement.
- Evaluate and assess interpretive programs and educational initiatives to measure effectiveness and audience impact.
- Recommend and implement improvements based on assessment findings and participant feedback.
- Other supportive duties as assigned.
Storytelling, Communications & Content Development
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist leads storytelling and communication efforts that translate environmental and sustainability initiatives into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Develop written content including articles, feature stories, educational narratives, blog posts, and institutional communications.
- Write and manage engaging social media content that promotes environmental initiatives, educational opportunities, and community engagement.
- Translate complex environmental, sustainability, and climate-related concepts into accessible and inspiring stories.
- Create content for institutional publications, websites, newsletters, and external communications.
- Support strategic communication efforts that elevate the visibility and reputation of the Center for the Environment.
Interpretive Media, Exhibits & Educational Materials
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist develops innovative interpretive resources and educational materials that enhance learning and engagement across campus and within the broader community.
- Create and coordinate interpretive materials, including physical and digital signage, exhibits, installations, and educational displays.
- Support the development of printed and online educational resources that support environmental learning and outreach goals.
- Collaborate with campus partners to design engaging visitor experiences and interpretive environments.
- Ensure interpretive materials effectively communicate environmental concepts and institutional sustainability priorities.
Multimedia Storytelling & Public Engagement
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist supports multimedia communication initiatives that expand audience engagement and enhance environmental storytelling across multiple platforms.
- Support the development and production of podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and other multimedia storytelling projects.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to identify and share impactful environmental stories.
- Participate in outreach efforts, presentations, and public engagement activities that support environmental education and awareness.
- Explore innovative communication tools and emerging media platforms to expand audience reach and engagement.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Education, Environmental Communication, Sustainability, Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience in environmental interpretation, storytelling, science communication, or environmental education.
- Strong writing, editing, and narrative development skills.
- Experience creating educational, interpretive, or outreach materials for diverse audiences.
- Ability to communicate complex environmental concepts in clear, engaging, and accessible ways.
- Knowledge of sustainability practices, climate action, ecological systems, and environmental issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience with interpretive design, exhibits, signage, visitor experiences, or place-based education.
- Familiarity with the ecology and environmental issues of the Piedmont region.
- Experience working in higher education, environmental nonprofits, museums, parks, nature centers, or related organizations.
- Skills in multimedia storytelling, including video, audio, podcast, or digital content production.
- Graphic design, visual communication, or digital media experience.
- Grant writing or fundraising experience.
Core Competencies
- Creative storytelling and narrative development
- Environmental interpretation and science communication
- Strategic thinking and innovation
- Public engagement and audience-centered communication
- Collaboration and interdisciplinary partnership building
- Multimedia content development
- Project management and organization
- Passion for sustainability, conservation, and environmental stewardship
Why This Role Matters
The Environmental Interpreter & Storytelling Specialist plays a central role in shaping how Catawba College communicates its innovative work in regenerative education, environmental stewardship, and climate leadership. Through compelling storytelling and interpretation, this position helps inspire action, deepen understanding, and strengthen connections between people and the environment while advancing the College’s reputation as a national leader in sustainability and environmental education.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For full consideration, completed applications must be submitted by August 5.
Applicants must submit the following materials in a single file, pdf version only, to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]:
- Letter of interest;
- Current resume or curriculum vitae; and
- Contact information for three (3) professional references
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Cathy Green at [email protected] with any questions about this position.
ABOUT CATAWBA:
Founded in 1851 in Newton, North Carolina, Catawba was started by German pioneers who had traveled from eastern Pennsylvania to settle in the valleys of the Haw, Yadkin, and Catawba Rivers. In 1890, Catawba became a coeducational institution, and the first woman graduate completed her studies in 1893. In 1925, Catawba moved and re-opened to its current location in Salisbury, NC, which is about 45 minutes from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, two hours from the mountains, and four hours from the beaches.
Today, Catawba College has 41 buildings on 276 wooded acres on a residential campus. Catawba is known for its 189 acre on-campus ecological preserve. Ranked as one of the best colleges in the south, Catawba offers 70 academic majors to approximately 1,300 students representing 34 U.S. states and 19 foreign countries. Students are instructed by nearly 90 full-time faculty, more than 83% of whom hold the highest degree in their field.
Catawba provides an education focused on an institutional philosophy of a liberal education, which entails a broad range of knowledge, intellectual and practical skills, and individual and social responsibility fostered and developed in all academic programs. Catawba is a learning community that provides students with unique opportunities to explore vocation, helping students to consider their calling, their passions, and their purpose as they prepare to reach their highest potential. Catawba’s mission is to provide “students an education rich in personal attention that blends the knowledge and competencies of liberal studies with career preparation” and to enable “students to reach their highest potential while becoming responsible citizens.” More information about Catawba College is located at www.catawba.edu.
Catawba College is an equal opportunity employer. As such, Catawba is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status, unless allowed by law and deemed necessary to Catawba operations. Candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug screening before employment begins, and Catawba complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination.
