Development & Communications Manager

Los Angeles Waterkeeper (LAW), a dynamic environmental nonprofit organization that fights for the health of the region’s waters and communities, is seeking a highly motivated, well-organized individual with strong communications skills to join our team as Development & Communications Manager.

The Development & Communications Manager position will manage LAW’s digital communications, development of collateral materials and reports, grant research, writing and reporting, while supporting public relations and other development and outreach efforts. Candidates ​should have experience in written communications (e.g., grant or report writing), website/blog development and social media management, with some environmental background and design skills (e.g. Canva, Photoshop, etc.) preferred. This position will work under the Development & Communications Director, collaborate with LAW’s outside PR firm (Public Good PR) and support various staff.

• Start Date – As soon as possible, with a target start by September 5, 2023

Responsibilities

• Digital Communications – Oversee management of LAW’s (and affiliated) Squarespace website(s) to ensure content is accessible, engaging and relevant; work with staff to develop and execute a content calendar, including drafting and editing monthly e-newsletter (The Surge) and companion blog posts, and oversee its electronic distribution; and develop and implement a social media marketing strategy, including paid ads.
• General Communications/PR – Work with Development & Communications Director to develop and implement an annual giving/membership strategy; Work with LAW staff to build communications elements into advocacy campaigns; Develop and coordinate brand and issue awareness campaigns; Support media outreach as needed, including coordinating with our outside PR firm to maintain media database, draft and send out press releases/media advisories, coordinating press conferences, and tracking media coverage.
• Donor Communications – Coordinate regular donor mailings, including fundraising appeals, renewal letters, and holiday cards by maintaining calendar, developing and editing content and design, managing digital release, printing and mailing (as needed); Support donor cultivation activities by developing donor outreach materials; Manage development and execution of LAW reports (Annual Report, Safe Clean Water Program Assessment, LA River reports, etc.) including working alongside key staff to develop and edit content, manage design (with contractors and/or consultants as needed), digital release, and printing and mailing (as needed); ; Oversee execution of LAW stewardship strategy (for individual and corporate donors) and refine as needed.
• Grant Writing & Management – Research foundation, corporate and government grants to identify potential funding sources for LAW; maintain database and calendar to ensure proposals are submitted in a timely fashion; Support development of cases for support and/or template grant requests for all LAW campaigns and projects to ensure consistent submittals; oversee drafting of grants in collaboration with program staff and LAW’s Development and Communications Director, and submittal of all grant requests; work with program staff to prepare all necessary progress reports to funders.
• Community Engagement – Support LAW’s Community Engagement Manager and other staff in outreach efforts and events aimed at recruiting new volunteers. donors and educating and engaging the public in LAW’s work and critical water issues facing the LA region, including developing outreach materials and other collateral.
• Administrative support – Undertake administrative tasks related to position, such as developing reports to the LAW board of directors and committees; participating in staff meetings and activities; managing timesheets, work plan and budgets; recruiting and overseeing interns and volunteers as needed, etc.

Qualifications & Requirements

The Development & Communications Manager will be a personable, creative, dynamic, well-organized, and highly motivated person with experience in communications and/or grant writing and a strong interest in environmental protection. Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree, ideally with a focus on communications, the environment, or environmental justice
• Minimum 4 years of experience in communications, public relations, fundraising, grant or report writing, with some of that being around environmental issues.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate complex (environmental) policy issues into understandable and compelling language to inform and engage diverse communities.
• Familiarity with Los Angeles’ communities, ecology and political dynamics preferred.
• Graphic design experience a plus.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Skilled at project management including ability to develop and oversee timelines, task lists and budgets.
• Ability to prioritize goals in line with our strategic direction.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, nonprofit setting. Must be comfortable juggling multiple projects under tight deadlines and adopting new skills as necessary.
  Proficiency with communications and project management tools, ideally the Microsoft suite, Asana, Canva, MailChimp, Squarespace, the Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to thrive in a small team environment where teamwork, creativity, and flexibility are valued.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Some evening and weekend work is required for cleanups, events and time sensitive communications needs (e.g., response to major spills) throughout the year.
  Travel within LA County and access to reliable automobile
  Able to work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day and sit at a desk for extended periods; able to read a computer screen and manual dexterity to operate a keyboard.
  Able to speak clearly on the phone and in person and be understood by others.
  Able to lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
  For events, meetings, and a safe return to the office, COVID-19 vaccine will be required from all staff (medical exemption must be authorized by a medical professional).

Salary, Benefits & Terms

• Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 based on experience. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Development & Communications Director.
• Benefits:
  • paid health, vision, and dental insurance
  • 403(b)-retirement plan with match
  •  hybrid work option (remote and in-office)
  • generous paid time off policy
  • 13 holidays observed annually
  • Winter break Dec 25 – Jan 1

More About Los Angeles Waterkeeper

LA Waterkeeper was founded in 1993 to fight for the health of the region’s waterways, and for sustainable, equitable and climate-smart water supplies.  We envision the region as an international leader on integrated, sustainable, and equitable water management; a region that is water self-sufficient, and where all waterways throughout the county are safe, healthy, and accessible to the public. Learn more at lawaterkeeper.org.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and three references to by August 14, 2023.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.  LA Waterkeeper encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Persons with Disabilities, Women and Gender-nonconforming people especially in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented. We do not discriminate based on any class protected by law.