Communications Manager
Whitebark Institute, Mammoth Lakes, CA, United States
Whitebark Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and fostering resilient communities in California’s Eastern Sierra. Our work prioritizes landscape and community adaptation to climate change, particularly wildfire risk reduction.
We advance regional wildfire resilience by bringing together scientists, environmental planners, government agencies, Tribal partners, educators, communities, and businesses to collaboratively develop, plan, and implement projects across Inyo, Mono, and Alpine Counties.
Whitebark Institute makes a meaningful impact in our communities while providing a supportive and engaging workplace. We are a small, growing organization with a skilled interdisciplinary team deeply connected to the Eastern Sierra. Collaboration is a core value, and we recognize that a healthy work‑life balance is essential to long‑term success.
About the Position The Communications Manager coordinates and manages Whitebark Institute’s communications and storytelling efforts. This role reports to the Community Engagement Program Manager and works closely with program staff and the Leadership Team to ensure communications align with organizational priorities, partner commitments, community needs, and strategic goals.
Working collaboratively with program and organizational leadership, the Communications Manager develops and implements communications strategies that clearly convey Whitebark’s work, values, and impact.
This role translates complex scientific and technical information related to forest health, fire ecology, community preparedness, and regional resilience into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
As part of the Community Engagement team, the Communications Manager collaborates across programs to support shared initiatives, public events, partner communications, and donor engagement.
This position is ideal for a
self‑directed, highly organized professional who excels at strategic storytelling within a collaborative team environment.
This is a full‑time, year‑round position with benefits.
Key Responsibilities Communications Strategy & Content Development (40%)
Contribute to the development and implementation of an organization‑wide communications strategy aligned with Whitebark Institute’s mission and program priorities.
Collaborate with staff across programs to identify and elevate stories highlighting projects, partnerships, funding outcomes, and community impact.
Translate scientific and technical concepts related to forest health, wildfire, community preparedness, and ecology into accessible public‑facing content.
Identify key audiences and tailor messaging to support outreach, education, partnership development, and organizational visibility.
Digital & Media Communications (25%)
Manage Whitebark Institute’s social media platforms, including content planning, creation, scheduling, and engagement.
Develop content for newsletters, website updates, outreach materials, grant reports, and internal communications.
Track communications performance metrics and provide insights to support adaptive strategy and improvement.
Partner & Collaborative Communications (10%)
Coordinate with external partners to align communications related to forest health initiatives, regional resilience efforts, and shared events.
Support joint announcements, campaigns, and storytelling with agencies, nonprofits, Tribal partners, and community organizations.
Ensure communications reflect shared goals, funding requirements, and partnership agreements.
Events & Public Engagement (15%)
Coordinate communications planning and promotion for public events, workshops, and community meetings.
Support in‑person engagement efforts including tabling and outreach.
Develop and manage event communications materials including promotional campaigns, presentations, digital content, and follow‑up materials.
Development & Donor Communications (10%)
Support leadership with donor and funder communications including cases for support, impact summaries, grant reporting content, and fundraising materials.
Collaborate with staff to gather metrics, outcomes, and narratives that communicate organizational impact.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental studies, journalism, marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
At least
3 years of experience
in communications, storytelling, or related roles.
Experience contributing to or managing communications strategies.
Strong writing and editing skills with emphasis on narrative storytelling.
Ability to translate scientific or technical information for public audiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Comfort representing an organization in public‑facing settings.
Preferred
Experience in environmental, natural resource, or science‑based fields.
Experience using social media strategy and analytics to engage audiences.
Experience working with nonprofits, public agencies, or collaborative partnerships.
Experience supporting events, community engagement, or fundraising communications.
Experience with visual content creation, photography, video, or design tools.
Work Environment This position is based in Mammoth Lakes, CA and is primarily office‑ and community‑based with regular in‑person engagement for meetings, events, and outreach across the Eastern Sierra. Occasional travel to field sites and partner locations is expected.
Hybrid remote work arrangements are acceptable.
A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and personal vehicle insurance are required.
Compensation & Benefits Salary:
$70,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
75% employer‑paid medical insurance
100% employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance
Employer‑contributed retirement program
Generous vacation policy
11 paid holidays per year
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We advance regional wildfire resilience by bringing together scientists, environmental planners, government agencies, Tribal partners, educators, communities, and businesses to collaboratively develop, plan, and implement projects across Inyo, Mono, and Alpine Counties.
Whitebark Institute makes a meaningful impact in our communities while providing a supportive and engaging workplace. We are a small, growing organization with a skilled interdisciplinary team deeply connected to the Eastern Sierra. Collaboration is a core value, and we recognize that a healthy work‑life balance is essential to long‑term success.
About the Position The Communications Manager coordinates and manages Whitebark Institute’s communications and storytelling efforts. This role reports to the Community Engagement Program Manager and works closely with program staff and the Leadership Team to ensure communications align with organizational priorities, partner commitments, community needs, and strategic goals.
Working collaboratively with program and organizational leadership, the Communications Manager develops and implements communications strategies that clearly convey Whitebark’s work, values, and impact.
This role translates complex scientific and technical information related to forest health, fire ecology, community preparedness, and regional resilience into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
As part of the Community Engagement team, the Communications Manager collaborates across programs to support shared initiatives, public events, partner communications, and donor engagement.
This position is ideal for a
self‑directed, highly organized professional who excels at strategic storytelling within a collaborative team environment.
This is a full‑time, year‑round position with benefits.
Key Responsibilities Communications Strategy & Content Development (40%)
Contribute to the development and implementation of an organization‑wide communications strategy aligned with Whitebark Institute’s mission and program priorities.
Collaborate with staff across programs to identify and elevate stories highlighting projects, partnerships, funding outcomes, and community impact.
Translate scientific and technical concepts related to forest health, wildfire, community preparedness, and ecology into accessible public‑facing content.
Identify key audiences and tailor messaging to support outreach, education, partnership development, and organizational visibility.
Digital & Media Communications (25%)
Manage Whitebark Institute’s social media platforms, including content planning, creation, scheduling, and engagement.
Develop content for newsletters, website updates, outreach materials, grant reports, and internal communications.
Track communications performance metrics and provide insights to support adaptive strategy and improvement.
Partner & Collaborative Communications (10%)
Coordinate with external partners to align communications related to forest health initiatives, regional resilience efforts, and shared events.
Support joint announcements, campaigns, and storytelling with agencies, nonprofits, Tribal partners, and community organizations.
Ensure communications reflect shared goals, funding requirements, and partnership agreements.
Events & Public Engagement (15%)
Coordinate communications planning and promotion for public events, workshops, and community meetings.
Support in‑person engagement efforts including tabling and outreach.
Develop and manage event communications materials including promotional campaigns, presentations, digital content, and follow‑up materials.
Development & Donor Communications (10%)
Support leadership with donor and funder communications including cases for support, impact summaries, grant reporting content, and fundraising materials.
Collaborate with staff to gather metrics, outcomes, and narratives that communicate organizational impact.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental studies, journalism, marketing, or related field, or equivalent experience.
At least
3 years of experience
in communications, storytelling, or related roles.
Experience contributing to or managing communications strategies.
Strong writing and editing skills with emphasis on narrative storytelling.
Ability to translate scientific or technical information for public audiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Comfort representing an organization in public‑facing settings.
Preferred
Experience in environmental, natural resource, or science‑based fields.
Experience using social media strategy and analytics to engage audiences.
Experience working with nonprofits, public agencies, or collaborative partnerships.
Experience supporting events, community engagement, or fundraising communications.
Experience with visual content creation, photography, video, or design tools.
Work Environment This position is based in Mammoth Lakes, CA and is primarily office‑ and community‑based with regular in‑person engagement for meetings, events, and outreach across the Eastern Sierra. Occasional travel to field sites and partner locations is expected.
Hybrid remote work arrangements are acceptable.
A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and personal vehicle insurance are required.
Compensation & Benefits Salary:
$70,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
75% employer‑paid medical insurance
100% employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance
Employer‑contributed retirement program
Generous vacation policy
11 paid holidays per year
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