Full-Time Communications Manager
Job Description
Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate
Organization
Bluegrass Land Conservancy (BLC) is a community-supported, nonprofit, accredited land trust working to protect land in Kentucky’s Bluegrass region through permanent conservation easements.
We envision a thriving community where land is protected to sustain our identity, economy, and quality of life.
We seek to ensure a future where the region’s distinctive soils, cultural heritage, scenic vistas, natural resources, and farms are preserved forever. By working with landowners who want to place conservation easements on their land, providing technical expertise to other conservation programs, and educating and engaging the public regarding the value of land conservation, we fulfill our mission.
For more information, please visit www.bluegrasslandconservancy.org
Objective/Role
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager is responsible for brand building, and successful execution of Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s communications and marketing programs, including internal and external messaging, media relations, public relations, marketing, social media, long-form articles, direct mailers, newsletters (electronic and print), presentations, website management, education and outreach events management, and oversight of photo and video production, graphic design, and print execution. The Communications Manager implements and advances BLC’s communications and marketing programs which consist of marketing, communications, outreach, and education in accordance with annual organizational goals, in coordination with Development and Land Protection and Stewardship staff, and in keeping with our reputation and recognition as a nationally accredited land trust. As BLC’s Louisville Community Associate, this position serves as a liaison to the Louisville region community, including Oldham, Jefferson, Shelby, Henry, Trimble, Spencer, Bullitt, Nelson, Washington, and Marion Counties, with a particular initial focus on Oldham County. The role of liaison includes creating community relationships to help build support for BLC; finding, registering, and participating in local events; and introducing other BLC staff members (land protection or development) to connections made with key local leaders and landowners.
Desirable Attributes
The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate should be an experienced, enthusiastic individual of high integrity, amiable personality, and a passion for the mission of Bluegrass Land Conservancy, with a demonstrated ability to be creative, solve problems, listen, collaborate, take direction, and be able to represent the organization in appropriate situations while engaging and participating with the staff team.
The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate may often represent Bluegrass Land Conservancy to existing or potential landowners, supporters, and/or the general public. It is imperative that he/she/they have the skills needed to interact with others in a way that adheres to the integrity of the organization, the goals of the communications program, and the requirements of the Land Trust Alliance while inspiring support, confidence, and public trust.
The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate must excel in the following characteristics:
– Judgment/Creativity/Entrepreneurial Savvy – The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate must be adept at overcoming challenges regularly and is responsible for making quick, sound decisions in collaboration with the ED, Board, and staff. It is imperative that he/she/they possess the analytical skills that enable him/her/them to rapidly assess the situation, pursue and evaluate input from staff and stakeholders, and develop creative solutions. He/she/they must have the ability to find ways around significant obstacles and to envision solutions that have not previously been tried.
– Trustworthiness and Respect for Others – Every landowner, individual, and business gives Bluegrass Land Conservancy their support voluntarily. This support is directly tied to the trust they have in the organization and its leadership and staff. The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate must sincerely respect the perspectives of every individual with whom he/she/they engages in the line of work.
– Commitment to a High-Quality End Goal – Clarity in selecting the goal, commitment to reaching it, overcoming the challenges, and creating a high-quality end product are essential to our work and are characteristics for which Bluegrass Land Conservancy is known. The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate must have the confidence and ambition to never give up, even after a string of obstacles, and create an end product that adheres to BLC standards and expectations.
– Engaging Personality and Communication Skills – The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate will potentially represent Bluegrass Land Conservancy in public and to existing and potential donors and supporters. It is imperative that he/she/they have the skill set needed to speak with passion and conviction about land conservation, the Bluegrass region, Bluegrass Land Conservancy, and the importance of charitable giving. The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate must interact with others and communicate in a way that inspires support, confidence, and public trust.
Responsibilities/Duties
Communications
- The Communications Manager sets an annual, cross-platform communications calendar, factoring in appeals, event communications, publications, and programs to meet the annual goals of BLC and the Strategic Plan.
- Oversees and executes the copy, development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, invitations, fundraising campaigns, event materials, press releases, e-newsletters, brochures, social media, signage, and website, coordinating with a graphic designer where needed.
- Builds relationships with BLC’s landowners, conservation partners, donors, and corporate partners to create content that accurately conveys land conservation and donor success stories via social media, interviews, and long-form articles.
- Assists and Coordinates with Office Manager or Development Manager to produce all publication mailing lists, including checking of names and incorporating corrections.
- Assists the organization in preparing grant requests when needed and/or related to marketing, communications, education, and/or PR.
- Develops, prepares, and distributes e-newsletters in accordance with annual organizational goals and the needs of the organization.
- Assists the development program staff during annual fundraising campaigns with print materials, general execution, and communication through website, social media, and e-newsletters.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive social media presence for BLC by publishing content and coordinating with and enabling other staff members to publish area-specific social media
- Serves as one of the points of contact for public/community relations relevant to communications, marketing, PR, and/or education and assists in creating a cross-functional response to complaints and
- Provides communications support, where needed, to other BLC staff members for public presentations, possibly including development of power point slides, print materials, and
Marketing and PR
- The Communications Manager works with the Executive Director and other staff to write and publish press releases, blogs, and newsworthy
- Develops a Marketing Plan in coordination with BLC staff in order to identify relevant market sectors and set annual marketing
- Implements an integrated, strategic marketing approach to disseminate core BLC messages via a wide range of platforms.
- Develops relationship with local media outlets including print, television, radio, and social media to promote and publish BLC accomplishments, announcements, and events.
- Assists development staff with the promotion of fundraising activities through the BLC website, social media, e-newsletters, event platforms, and other media outlets.
- Researches, develops, and provides initial coordination of public speaking and marketing opportunities for the Executive Director, Director of Conservation, and/or other staff across the BLC service
- Provides or coordinates the permission and use of photographs of eased lands and/or iconic landscapes for publications, promotions, and/or future
Louisville Community Liaison
- As the Louisville Community Associate, this position is responsible for growing BLC’s recognition and relevance amongst the greater Louisville region community.
- Attends at least twenty (20) relevant community events annually throughout the region, representing BLC and helping to make strategic connections.
- Serves as a community liaison, helping to maintain positive relationships with local landowners and potential donors, introducing other BLC staff members to further relationships.
Events
- The Communications Manager assists the Development and Events Manager in the planning and execution of all events including the BLC annual auction, farm-to-table dinner, and other events as needed.
- Seeks new, creative elements for recurring events to keep them relevant, attracting repeat and new attendees.
- Oversees the development, printing, and mailing (where applicable) of all event publications, including but not limited to, event save-the-dates, invitations, programs, sponsor reels, sponsor boards, and video presentations, coordinating with a graphic designer where needed.
- Develops and implements plans to grow event impacts (attendance, and awareness) for current events as well as ideas for any new event opportunities.
- Works with Land Protection and Stewardship staff to coordinate community outreach efforts and/or events related to land conservation and community
- Develops and coordinates a functional volunteer program to assist BLC’s organizational needs and educational outreach.
- Researches and coordinates a BLC presence at relevant community events throughout the service area – particularly in the Louisville region, representing BLC by tabling or coordinating volunteers and/or other staff members to table at any scheduled events.
- Designs, orders, and updates as necessary a BLC educational table display, including but not limited to table covers, banners, and signs, coordinating with a graphic designer when
- Works with the Executive Director and other staff members to develop and update educational materials for table displays, coordinating with a graphic designer when needed.
Other (as needed)
- Bluegrass Land Conservancy is a cross-functional charitable organization in which all employees are expected to perform many tasks other than those for which they may be specifically hired. As an employee, you will be expected to perform such additional cross-functional tasks as may be assigned from time to
Qualifications
The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate will be thoroughly committed to Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s mission. The candidate should have concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications including the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or 2 years of experience working in a professional position with demonstrated experience in communications management.
- A historical and/or working knowledge of the Bluegrass region, with preferred experience or connection to the Louisville region.
- Ability and willingness to attend daytime, evening, and weekend events as needed.
- Interest in all aspects of BLC and a dedication to promoting BLC’s mission and goals through developing excellent relationships with Board Members, staff, donors, and the public.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills, including demonstrated writing examples with a preference towards interview and article creation.
- Willingness and high comfort level with in-person meetings, making phone calls, and attending events alone at times.
- Impeccable organization and memory retention skills, including demonstrated experience planning and executing events.
- Ability to interact well with a wide variety of people, including a diverse Board of Directors, donors, landowners, local, county, state and federal officials, business professionals, real estate and tax professionals, attorneys, scientists, and the general public.
- A capable professional with a style of open communications, accountability, and engagement in generating ideas.
- Ability to travel the Bluegrass region with a valid driver’s license, have access to a reliable vehicle, and own a cellular phone with GPS service for use in the field.
Details
Administrative Support
Limited. BLC’s Operations and Office Manager assists all BLC staff; however, this position must be prepared to handle his/her own correspondence, filing, records, and report formatting. This position must also be prepared to handle a minimal amount of office space coordination for BLC’s Louisville office.
Supervision
Reports directly to the Executive Director.
Salary, Benefits, and Schedule
Location
- The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate may work out of the BLC offices in Louisville, Kentucky or remotely from their home or other location, with an understanding that the demands of the job may include regular travel to Lexington or Louisville and across the region for meetings and events.
Salary
- Annual salary commensurate with experience, with starting range of $45,000 – $55,000.
- Salary increases based upon performance determined by the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors.
- Year-end bonus and retirement contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Benefits
- Benefits include full employee health and dental insurance.
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, and sick days as detailed in the BLC Personnel Manual.
Schedule
- Full-time, salaried employment.
- The Communications Manager and Louisville Community Associate will be expected to attend events and meetings that occasionally may occur during evenings or weekends.
- Flexible schedule and compensatory time off, at the approval of the ED.
Bluegrass Land Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We strive for, encourage, and protect diversity in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective.
How to Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Jessie Wilder Hancock at [email protected]. Applications accepted through July 31, 2022. Position will remain open until filled.Apply for this Job
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