Job Description

Deschutes River Alliance is the sole organization fighting for the protection of the lower Deschutes River, one of the most beautiful and important Wild and Scenic rivers in the country. We are a dedicated and passionate staff, board of directors and supporters who love the river. We all spend time on the river – fishing, rafting, hiking, birding and more – and we are looking for the right person to join us.

Position Summary – Communications Manager

The Deschutes River Alliance seeks a Communications Manager to lead the design and implementation of strategic communications and outreach efforts to educate and promote engagement with donors/supporters. The Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and will work with all DRA staff as necessary.

This is a full-time, exempt position, reporting to the Executive Director.

Duties / Responsibilities: 

Draft and implement a strategic communications plan that reaches the right audiences at the right time, in the right way, to tell the story of the lower Deschutes River and the aquatic lives that depend on its health and well-being and build support for DRA’s mission. Elements of that plan will include:

• Producing engaging messaging and content in print and digital media
• Creating and distribute DRA’s newsletter, fundraising asks and other appeal emails
• Expanding organizational presence, engagement and support online to targeted audiences through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media platforms
• Creating easily digestible materials to convey complex information
• Distilling complex grants and/or scientific reports into easily communicated and compelling messaging over a variety of platforms
• Managing branded organizational items
• Upholding brand standards and consistency in all projects and publications
• Managing community engagement efforts with special focus on diversifying audiences, and relationship building
• Maintaining and improving website content and functionality
• Creating updating and expanding outreach and fundraising materials across platforms
• Contributing to the messaging, planning and implementation of fundraising and outreach events
• Developing avenues to engage with volunteers for trips and other activities as they arise

Job Qualifications:      

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in marketing, media or communications
• Excellent writing skills and ability to translate scientific research into plain language
• Belief in DRA’s mission
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google platforms, WordPress (HTML coding a plus), and Adobe Creative Suite (or comparable alternative)
• Strong knowledge of social media tools and strategies
• Innovative, self-motivated and confident
• Strong interpersonal oral communication skills
• Detail oriented and efficient
• Sense of humor, outgoing personality, enthusiasm for outreach, fundraising and communications
• Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team

Salary starts at $55,000 – $60,000

Benefits include excellent medical and dental insurance (100% of the premiums paid by the organization), 6 weeks of PTO, 9 paid holidays and a very positive and highly engaged board and staff to work with. 

This position is 80% in Portland, Oregon and 20% in Central OR with some remote hours optional.  The position could also be based in Central Oregon or the Gorge with time spent in Portland.

The Deschutes River Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DRA is committed to supporting a diverse workplace. We recognize that each employee brings their own unique characteristics, capabilities, and experiences to their work. We value such diversity at all levels in the organization, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and religions, as well as veterans and those experiencing disabilities.

How to Apply

Application deadline: Open until August 22. Please provide one PDF file including a resume, cover letter, and a work sample of your writing style to [email protected]. Include your name and the job title in the email subject line and on the PDF file.

Job Categories: Water. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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