Communications Associate

Position Summary

Communications Associate responsible for supporting the Upper Mississippi River region (Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri). Duties include developing editorial content, managing digital communications, and building awareness of Audubon’s programs, conservation priorities, and policy efforts.
Compensation

$26.06 - $29.00 / hour
Essential Functions

Work with the Vice President, Executive Director, and Upper Mississippi River leadership team to implement communications tactics that broaden Audubon’s visibility and deepen impact.
Assist the science and conservation team with the development of communication resources such as best practices manuals, decision‑support tools, brochures, and other materials.
Secure local earned media for Upper Mississippi River initiatives and other regional conservation priorities.
Develop and update media lists, pitches, holding statements, and talking points.
Create and maintain content calendars for communications and social media.
Produce newsletters, member emails, flyers, brochures, webinars, and other promotional materials.
Track daily and monthly metrics and analytics for media coverage and digital communications; prepare reports for key stakeholders.
Develop and update website and blog content; design, create, edit, and regularly update content in collaboration with staff.
Publish social media content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging channels.
Manage photo and video assets.
Assist with advocacy‑driven communications and events.
Use the Upper Mississippi River Content Management System to publish press releases, statements, and other online materials.
Support public funding efforts and philanthropy culture.
Collaborate across the Americas on joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field and 0–2 years of professional experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
Strong analytical and project‑management skills; excellent judgment and comfort working independently in a fast‑paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and strong editing abilities.
A proactive, optimistic approach with superior interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse external audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Photoshop and Canva is a plus.
Experience with EveryAction and The Email Machine is helpful.
Experience using media databases such as Meltwater strongly preferred.
Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Strong interest in wildlife conservation and Audubon’s mission.
A self‑starter who can work independently and as part of a team, solve problems with limited supervision, and prioritize tasks.
Experience elevating voices and concerns of communities across the Western Hemisphere a plus.
Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and document processes and procedures.
Experience creating communication materials in Spanish a plus.
Experience with graphic design a plus.
Flexible approach to work; willingness to travel about five times a year around the Upper Mississippi River region, participating in programs outside typical business hours.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, including occasional overnight and/or weekend meetings or travel.
Additional Information

Position is classified as hybrid; expected to work in an Audubon office on Mondays and Tuesdays and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing.
Must be located within commuting distance of one Audubon office (e.g., Roseville, MN).
This role is funding contingent and subject to successful renewed funding.
The position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

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