Communications Assistant

Media Narrative Curator

Walnut Way Overall Responsibilities: We are seeking a passionate and innovative Media Narrative Curator to join our team. This role is pivotal in shaping and managing the narrative around environmental justice issues within media platforms. The Media Narrative Curator will be responsible for crafting compelling stories, managing media relationships, and utilizing various channels to influence public perception and drive advocacy efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in media, communications, and social justice, with a deep understanding of environmental issues and community engagement. Finally, this position is responsible for sharing compelling narratives that highlight the experiences and voices of the Lindsay Heights community, and showcase Walnut Way's work, impact and aligns with the general Walnut Way narrative.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Content Creation & Strategy:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media narrative strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and goals.
• Create, curate, and manage engaging content across various media platforms, including social media, blogs, newsletters, and press releases.
• Collaborate with team members to generate content that reflects diverse perspectives and addresses key environmental justice issues.
• Monitor media coverage, social media trends, and public discourse related to environmental justice and the organization's initiatives.
• Analyze the effectiveness of media campaigns and narrative strategies, providing regular reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Storytelling :

• Craft and share compelling narratives that highlight the experiences and voices of the Lindsay Heights community, and showcase Walnut Way's work, impact and aligns with the general Walnut Way narrative.
• Use data and personal stories to create powerful, relatable content that resonates with target audiences.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with community members, activists, and stakeholders to gather stories, insights, and feedback for content development.
• Support community-driven media projects and initiatives that promote environmental justice and raise awareness.
• Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage resident inquiries to enhance the organization's visibility and impact.

Collaboration & Coordination:

• Work closely with the EJII and Walnut Way Project Leads to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of organizational goals and strategies.
• Work with the grants manager to develop stories for grant applications and create impact reports.
• Maintain relationships with funders through regular digital updates.

Digital Literacy:

• Use digital marketing and content creation as digital training tools for community members.
• Integrate digital literacy into all communications efforts, making them educational for the community.
• Amplify Walnut Way's message and build digital skills within the community.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Ability to work with diverse populations and a variety of neighborhoods.
• Experience developing residents and connecting them to the community.
• Up to 35 hrs. per week.
• Flexibility to work - days, evenings, and weekend shifts.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position is not required to supervise staff.

Requirements

Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Writing Skills: Strong written communication skills, including the ability to create clear, engaging content.
• Social media: Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) and content creation tools.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
• Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with content management systems (CMS) and email marketing platforms is a plus.
• Creativity: Ability to contribute fresh ideas for content, campaigns, and outreach efforts.
• Interpersonal Skills: Good verbal communication skills and the ability to work well with a team.
• Adaptability: Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and trends in digital communication.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, it will typically be in an office setting. Frequently required to operate a computer and file and retrieve written documents. The physical demands include, but are not limited to, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching and bending. The positions can be mentally challenging. As a result, this position is more mentally challenging than physically challenging.

Work Environment

There will be extended periods of sitting required when performing administrative tasks and while attending meetings. Non-physical demands include a work environment where the noise level is usually quiet to moderate but may be loud on occasion. The nature of the position may expose moderate levels of tension when dealing with issues. The level of tension is usually moderate, with high levels of tension occurring occasionally.

About Walnut Way Conservation Corp

Walnut Way Conservation Corp. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization founded in 2000 by Lindsay Heights residents to reclaim and redevelop the economic health and vitality of their community. In the years since, Walnut Way and its partners have rolled out a series of successful and innovative programs and initiatives addressing the neighborhood's most pressing economic, environmental, and health issues. Walnut Way is located inside a renovated house situated in the residential neighborhood of Lindsay Heights. Grounded in grass-root principles, Walnut Way properties extend additional blocks and include an orchard, carryout cafe, print shop, and construction and landscaping business. The ideal candidate will typically work Monday - Friday with occasional nights and weekends as needed.