Communications Manager: Journalist, Story Seeker, Story Teller

Position Title
Communications Manager: Journalist, Story Seeker, Story Teller

Reporting To
Executive Director, Upstream MN

Collaborates With
Development Manager and Community Coordinators

Organization Overview
Upstream is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that channels Minnesotan’s love of our natural places into greater trust, connection, and stewardship. Our organization builds trust and connections and shares stories that inspire more positive action to care for our natural places and one another.

Position Summary
The communications manager is a crucial part of the Upstream team. This position contributes to the organization by ensuring that the Upstream mission is communicated clearly across all communication channels, via partnerships, and in all of our work. The communications manager is someone who is equal parts thinker and doer. There is lots of room for creativity in this role.

The communications manager is responsible for website and social media content, assembling our bimonthly newsletter, finding, telling, and amplifying stories, and helping to plan and execute events. In addition to working statewide, this position will be very focused on the East Side of St. Paul, Fergus Falls, and the Iron Range. This is a hybrid/remote position with in‑person meetings and events in the Twin Cities and occasionally around the state. Must live in Minnesota.

Responsibilities

Managing, enhancing, and executing the strategic marketing and communications plan that supports Upstream’s mission and goals. With the executive director and development manager, co‑develop the marketing and communications strategy year over year.

Managing a complex calendar, targeting segmented audiences through multiple communication channels. Telling stories in hyper‑local areas while maintaining a statewide drumbeat of story‑telling about stewardship and connection.

Acting as lead writer and communications expert for the organization, editing, proofreading, and reviewing all communications released on behalf of Upstream. Going hyper‑local to capture unique stories of people and the natural places they love.

Infusing all aspects of Upstream’s communication channels with the Upstream voice (which is positive, hopeful, celebratory and inspirational) and managing clear and consistent messages about Upstream’s mission, values, and goals across all communications.

Overseeing all aspects of social media strategy and execution, ensuring that engaging and two‑way communications are posted regularly. Track and measure the level of engagement over time.

Writing communications to support Upstream’s creative writers and journalist fellows program.

Leading and assisting with a range of communications projects that may include writing content for marketing materials such as brochures, annual reports, and advertising campaigns.

Acting as point of contact with external agencies, contractors, and consultants on all marketing, design, and communications projects.

Generating, managing, and leveraging media and marketing channel partnerships.

Leveraging Upstream’s external relationships and partnerships to maximize public and private support.

Serving as organizational point of contact with volunteers, partners, and vendors when needed.

Providing support on organizational management projects related to information management, constituent tracking, fundraising, and volunteer management.

Supporting all Upstream events.

Being the point person for Upstream’s Story Trailer (a mobile story‑capturing unit). Coordinating the trailer schedule.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum 3 years professional experience in communications‑related work.

Excellent writing and editing skills, including familiarity with Associated Press style and proven ability to adapt to different writing styles.

Experience executing a multi‑channel marketing plan for a dynamic brand while simultaneously managing segmented communications to core customers and stakeholders.

Experience and passion for measuring and analyzing digital and communication analytics, and using data to drive decision making.

Outstanding judgment, listening, and project management skills, highly skilled at juggling multiple projects and priorities. History of and desire to think in new ways and successfully implement projects from beginning to end.

Experience managing partnerships. Preference for experience working with marketing agencies, graphic designers, media and channel partners.

Demonstrated ability to effectively interact, communicate, and collaborate with people from cultural backgrounds other than your own.

A confidence and competence in learning and using existing and new technologies.

Demonstrated success in working independently, as part of a team, and in managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Highly organized and efficient.

Accurate, meticulous work style with high standards of quality and attention to detail.

Strong and enthusiastic belief in the mission and values of Upstream.

Sense of humor is essential in this work.

Additional Information

Full‑time, exempt, benefits eligible.

Must live in Minnesota.

Remote/virtual office with some in‑person meetings.

Some statewide travel may be necessary.

Mainly daytime hours 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday with some additional evening/weekend events.

Compensation / Benefits
$70 K, 3 weeks PTO, 11 paid holidays, healthcare stipend, and opportunities for professional development.

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