Senior Communications Specialist
San Francisco, CA
Save the Redwoods
Date Posted: 10/31/2024
The Sr. Communications Specialist will be responsible for collaborating on and implementing strategic communications initiatives that raise the visibility and enhance credibility of Save the Redwoods League as a leading environmental conservation organization. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role will manage key aspects of media outreach, media tour logistics, proactive and reactive communications, and partner collaborations while tracking and reporting on the success of earned media efforts. Through these efforts, the Sr. Communications Specialist will inspire public awareness and support for our mission.
Key Responsibilities
Messaging & Communications
In collaboration with the Director of Communications, manage and implement comprehensive communications strategies that elevate the organization’s profile and reinforce its position as a leader in conservation.
Collaborate with leadership, conservation teams, and partners to create messaging strategies that align with the Save the Redwoods League mission and the organization's key conservation goals.
Ensure the organization’s messaging is consistent, accurate, and effectively resonates across earned media, speaking engagements, and together with partners in shared announcements.
Media Relations & Public Relations Management
Together with the Director of Communications, implement the proactive media relations strategy to secure story placements, raise visibility, and drive support for the organization’s mission.
Draft press releases, media advisories, statements, and prepare press packets, ensuring consistency in voice and messages. Occasionally contribute to the League’s blog, newsletter, and magazine.
Collaborate with partners on shared announcements to ensure cohesive and engaging storytelling.
Identify and pitch stories to the media that highlight the organization’s conservation programs and achievements.
Share responsibility for planning media tours, interviews, and other media events, including logistics, speaker preparation, and on-site management, ensuring effective program presentations and onsite safety. Will need to balance equipment needs onsite with resource protection, including seeking and understanding guidance from conservation professionals and ensuring outlets comply with recommended guidance.
Pursue and create reactive media opportunities, positioning appropriate staff to participate in media interviews on emerging, relevant topics, addressing inquiries and ensuring timely, accurate, and positive media engagement.
Track and report on media coverage, engagement metrics, and other success indicators to inform future strategies and measure impact.
Coaching & Preparedness
Prepare staff spokespeople for media interviews, public speaking opportunities, and communications-related tasks, ensuring colleagues feel ready for media appearances, equipped with key messages, talking points, and relevant background information.
Collaborate with marketing and communications team members to update and shape the League’s thought leadership program; secure external speaking engagements for staff.
Work closely with program and fundraising teams, communications colleagues, and partners to ensure clear and effective messaging in line with strategic objectives.
Qualifications
Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
5-7 years of relevant experience in communications or public relations, with a focus on media outreach.
Strong writing, editing, and content development skills.
Proven ability to pitch and secure media coverage.
Experience managing media events, tours, and press materials.
Knowledge of conservation or environmental issues is a plus.
Photography skills are a plus.
Organized and efficient, capable of managing multiple projects with competing priorities to the highest standards in a timely manner
Proactive self-starter requiring minimal supervision; able to develop solutions to complex matters independently, but also works well on teams
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint & Excel); and Adobe Creative Cloud programs. Experience with Asana or similar project management systems helpful.
Successful experience in coordinating substantive aspects of multiple projects and budgets; able to organize time efficiently and meet deadlines
Personal passion for preserving the natural world and a strong commitment to Save the Redwoods League’s mission and values
A strong commitment to the League’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values and commitments, as well as the League’s cultural attributes – empowering, accountable, continuously improving, supportive and inclusive.
Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
Working Conditions/Physical Effort:
Regularly sits at a desk or workstation.
Actively utilizes computers, telephones and other office equipment.
Frequently moves about and between offices to collaborate with colleagues.
Occasionally required to hike through forest land when working off-site, including walking on uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and accessing remote locations. The work in forested areas can include a wide variety of weather and field work conditions.
Some work will be performed in remote locations with occasional overnight travel to the Sierra Nevada and northern coastal areas of California.
Some weekend and evening responsibilities.
Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. Comfort driving ATVs or willingness to learn required.
Wilderness First Aid training and recertification provided
Occasionally lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
Work Schedule:
This role is hybrid with a minimum of 1-2 days onsite in our San Francisco headquarters per week. Our weekly in office day is Tuesday (when everyone living in the SF Bay Area is required to come in). Additional days are based on business needs.
Compensation & Benefits:
As a full-time salaried employee, you will be eligible for full benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation annually plus holidays, and a 401k retirement plan, currently with an up to 8% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience and internal/external equity considerations; the salary range for this position is $ 95,000 -105,000 per year.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Save the Redwoods League is fully committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals. The League welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria; if you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply.
About Us:
For over 100 years, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to protecting the ancient redwood forests so all generations can experience the inspiration and majesty of redwoods. Since its founding in 1918, Save the Redwoods League has protected more than 200,000 acres of forests and helped create 66 redwood parks and preserves for everybody to enjoy. To learn more about us, go to www.SaveTheRedwoods.org.
