Communications Associate

Communications Associate

Location: Minnesota, remote (in-state) eligible or hybrid in Minneapolis or Ely Salary range: $52,000 - $58,000 Supervised by: Communications Director

Who we are: Save the Boundary Waters launched in 2013 and is led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness (NMW). NMW was founded in 1996 to provide a local voice for Wilderness protection on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is America's most-visited Wilderness Area, a unique landscape, and the only lake-land Wilderness of significant size in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Save the Boundary Waters includes ~30 environmental NGO partners, > 375 business partners, and ~30 hunting and fishing nonprofit partners, all of which are united in the shared objective of achieving permanent protection of the Boundary Waters from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining in the Boundary Waters watershed.

About the Position

The Communications Associate will work as an integral part of the communications team to mobilize broad public support to protect the Boundary Waters. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist Communications department team members with day-to-day communications tasks including: project management, copywriting, social media support, design & layout, and website updates
• Help cultivate and grow Save the Boundary Waters' online presence through digital engagement and social media
• Write and post website updates including action pages, events, press releases, and blog posts and breaking-news content when needed
• Assist with social media management, posting, monitoring, and creating content
• Strategize and implement new social media strategies, including YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn
• Work with Save the Boundary Waters staff on the ground to capture stories via camera or phone
• Track digital analytics
• Compile and organize visual assets (graphics, photos, etc.)
• Assist with communications-related record-keeping in our database
• Manage projects using Google Drive and Monday.com
• Assist with public events and materials as needed, interacting with the community and supporters in a positive manner
• Occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of current communication and marketing strategies and trends

Experience using social media and digital marketing tools and strategies

Self-motivated and eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges

Ability to manage time effectively and able to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and changing environment, be flexible, and work as a team player

Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and respond quickly to changing needs

Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in everyday work and in fulfilling the mission of the organization

Capable of giving and receiving honest and open feedback

Preferred Education, Experience, Skills, and Qualities

Experience running social media campaigns

Experience with social media and digital marketing tactics, familiarity with Meta ads, Google Ads, and Google Analytics

Experience working with Content Management Systems (EveryAction, NGP VAN, Blackbaud, Drupal, Squarespace, Wix, or other similar systems)

Experience working with Google Drive and Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Experience with creative programs such as Canva and Adobe products including but not limited to: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro

Basic video editing and interview story capturing via camera and phone

Familiarity with the Boundary Waters, outdoor recreation industry, and surrounding communities

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

Wilderness and the pursuit of its protection should be made to be welcoming and accessible to all. Protecting Wilderness relies upon public engagement, which cannot be expected when people are disenfranchised, unwelcome, hurt, or tokenized due to their sexuality, race, age, ability, size, gender identity, gender expression, culture, religion, political affiliation, or anything else. The pursuit of permanent protection for the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining and other threats is no different. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of the organization as it works to protect this special place for everyone and for generations to come.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan (with 3% match vesting after one year of employment)

• $565/mo. stipend for medical, vision, and dental insurance, with organization group plan options

• $2,000 annual professional development stipend

• 9 paid holidays, 18 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), which increases with time accrued at the organization

• Paid medical leave including parental leave per Minnesota's new leave law:

• Work alongside seasoned professionals on a historic national public lands campaign – Save the Boundary Waters

• Do well while doing good