Communication Director

Highstead is located on 150-acres of conserved land in Redding, Connecticut and has a staff of 6 conservation professionals. It was founded in 1982 as an arboretum and has expanded to a regional organization with the mission of inspiring curiosity and building knowledge about plants and wooded landscapes, in order to enhance life, preserve nature and advance sound stewardship practices. Our work is focused on New England and is centered in 3 main areas: Ecology and Research, Regional Conservation and Land Management and Collections. Highstead's programs include public lectures, conservation and science-based workshops, student internships, art exhibitions and guided walks through Highstead's wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

Position Overview: 

Highstead, a non-profit organization dedicated to understanding and conserving natural landscapes, seeks a creative self-starter with a strong conservation ethic and education background to lead a new communication effort supporting the mission of Highstead and the broader Wildlands and Woodlands (W&W) Initiative.

The Wildlands and Woodlands Initiative is a partnership to permanently protect 70% of New England in forest over the next 50 years. It is led jointly by Highstead and the Harvard Forest, the 3500-acre outdoor lab and classroom of Harvard University, with other conservation organizations and professionals committed to advancing conservation.

The ideal candidate will be committed to Highstead's mission and to the Wildlands and Woodlands Vision. S/he will welcome the challenge of stepping into a newly created role and working with a diverse team to shape and implement an innovative and sophisticated communication program.

Responsibilities:

General Outreach and Communication:

• Develop and coordinate a comprehensive outreach and communication strategy to advance Highstead's programs and the Wildlands and Woodlands Initiative.
• Help shape the public messages and identity for Highstead and the W&W Initiative and develop new approaches for positioning these entities effectively within target markets.
• Design, coordinate and monitor an online communication plan utilizing the web and social networking tools.
• Identify and implement robust communication technologies for recording and broadcasting meetings, lectures, and other events to expand the visibility of Highstead and the W&W Initiative.
• Manage activities, communications, and outreach for special events, workshops, meetings, and conferences.
• Oversee and manage the communication activities of office staff and interns; coordinate closely with the outreach and communication staff at the Harvard Forest and other partners.

Media Relations:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive media strategy for Highstead and the W&W Initiative including earned, paid advertising, feature story opportunities, and new media presence.
• Implement media roll-out activities related to major Highstead and W&W projects.
• Engage writers and journalists in the Highstead mission and W&W Vision through activities such as workshops and field trips.

Publications and Multi-Media Content:

• Develop, coordinate, write, edit, and oversee the production of the Highstead newsletter, event announcements, and other publications.
• Assist in the content development, design, production, and dissemination of conservation publications, including annual W&W Updates, W&W Stewardship Science reports, and land conservation policy & planning reports.
• Lead new approaches to creating and distributing multi-media content related to Highstead and W&W.

Qualifications:

• Masters in communication or environmental field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in cause marketing, public relations, media campaigns, and non-profit communication.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Extensive event organization and promotion experience.
• Demonstrated success in organizational branding and positioning.
• Strong experience with website development and content management systems.
• Fluency with conservation and science and ability to translate complex information into persuasive text appropriate for multiple media formats.
• Proficiency in use of social networking and new media tools.
• Nonprofit organization experience or demonstrated understanding of the nonprofit environment.
• Strong organizational habits, extremely detail-oriented and quality-focused.
• Ability to organize time, manage varied activities, and balance multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Familiarity with the New England landscape and commitment to its conservation.

Terms: This is a full-time position with a flexible schedule with limited evening and weekend work required. Day-to-day activities of the Communication Director are supervised by the Director of Highstead. Given the shared responsibilities with the Wildlands and Woodlands Initiative, the Communication Director will report to and implement direction set by the Communication Committee of the Board.

Compensation: $50-70,000 depending on qualifications.

To Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume; reference Communication Director Application as the email subject. Include names and contact information for 3 relevant references as part of your application. Application deadline: January 21, 2011 or until position is filled.

Highstead is an Equal Opportunity Employer.