Marketing Communications Specialist - The Society of American Foresters

General Summary

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, it is the largest professional society for foresters and other forest management professionals and academics in the world. SAF’s mission is to advance sustainable management of forest resources through science, education, and technology; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and to use our knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic to ensure the continued health, integrity, and use of forests to benefit society in perpetuity. More information about SAF is available at www.eforester.org.  

The Marketing Communications Specialist supports and advances the mission of SAF by executing the communications and marketing plans supporting program agendas and adhering to the communications and marketing strategy of the organization. 

The chosen candidate will be detail-oriented, proactive, and self-motivated. They are results-driven, able to pivot effectively while managing multiple project deadlines, and communicate effectively on project status and requests within the organizational team structure. 

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Outreach, the Marketing Communications Specialists is instrumental in crafting intentional and creative copy with attention to audience retention and engagement through various mediums. This includes email, promotional messaging, blog and article writing, and more. Effective and tactical management of email marketing systems, project management tools and website platforms are essential job functions. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Supports the execution and evaluation of the SAF communications and marketing strategy in alignment with SAF’s Strategic Plan.
• Contributes to, implements, and evaluates annual Communications and Outreach Workplan.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of program-specific marketing plans for membership, annual convention, certification, accreditation, awards, publications, and other programs as needed.
• Supports the establishment and maintenance of the organization-wide communications and content calendar.
• Develops and distributes information and collateral (print and digital) that increases SAF’s visibility among members, volunteer leaders, sector, and the general public.
• Contribute to the creation, publishing, and monitoring of all content on SAF’s website(s), including eforester.org and forestproud.org.
• Collaborates in the production of organization programming and promotions, including annual convention marketing materials, promotional emails, web copy and maintenance, institutional messaging, and more.
• Cultivates relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, and members. 
• Develops, monitors, and reports (monthly) on communications key performance indicators (KPIs) including, but not limited to, reach, impressions, bounce rate, open rate, clickthrough, and conversion rate for SAF’s digital publications and website.
• Maintains and strengthens brand standards, ensuring all communications adheres to organizational style and brand guidelines.
• Produces SAF’s weekly electronic newsletter eForester.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or any other related field
• 3-5 years of experience with communications for small businesses, nonprofits, or associations or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training required
• Demonstrated experience in marketing and public relations, including, design, copyediting, and contractor relations
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing marketing plans; communications campaign management; and website content management 
• Advanced in Windows-based applications (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite applications for graphic design and video editing
• Working knowledge of website design software and html, association management software (iMIS preferred), Google Analytics, social media management software (Hootsuite), mass e-mail marketing platforms (MailChimp), and Asana project management tools
• Ability to manage several projects at any given time 
• Ability to adapt easily to changing priorities
• Proven ability to work both independently and contribute as a team member
• Excellent customer service ethic; experience in cultivating internal and external collaborative relationships
• Ability to communicate complex issues in an easily understood and impactful way
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to handle multiple deadlines at once
• Desire to take ownership of projects from inception through implementation to completion, following up every step of the way
• Ability to travel occasionally to events and conferences

Preferred Education / Skills

• Experience with a content management system a plus
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources are a plus.

LOCATION

Hybrid, within 30-mile commuting distance of Washington, DC

Salary
$55,000-$60,000 Annually

Other Duties

Please note this position description does not cover, contain or list a fully comprehensive listing of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee in this role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation  

SAF will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the operation of the business. Telecommuting on an ad hoc basis is available following 90 days of successful employment.

EEO Statement

SAF provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identification or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, SAF complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall and transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

SAF expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SAF’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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