Communications Manager (Sales & Marketing)

Full Time

  The Society of American Foresters (SAF) (http://www.safnet.org)

  Bethesda, Maryland, United States

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) seeks a dynamic and collaborative individual to fill the position of Communications Manager. The Communications Manager will implement SAF’s communications strategy and work to ensure that SAF is recognized as the most credible source of information about the forestry profession and forest management.

 Below are the required duties and responsibilities of the position that will be addressed in annual work plans.

Communications Strategy and Leadership

  • Working with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager will implement, and evaluate, in collaboration with the SAF team, an annual SAF communications plan that serves as the guiding communications document that identifies communications objectives, goals, strategies, tactics, budgets, and metrics.
  • Working with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager will identify challenges and emerging issues requiring the organization’s response, and work with senior staff team to identify communications opportunities, identify appropriate communications strategies, and execute them.
  • Working with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications the Communications Manager will help implement an integrated strategic communications strategy (called the “Evolving Forestry” campaign) to position SAF and its members to speak about the future of forestry and the forestry profession.

 Communications Operations

  • In collaboration with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager will oversee the development, editing, production, and distribution of print and electronic communications vehicles, including, but not limited to, the E-Forester and other printed materials produced by SAF as appropriate. 
  • The Communications Manager will work with and support other departments, particularly the Membership and Marketing Department in its efforts to produce relevant marketing collateral for membership recruitment and retention and other need
  • The Communications Manager will write and edit a variety of communications materials, including press releases, bylined articles, speeches, white papers, video scripts, marketing collateral, RFPs, PowerPoints, and event scripts.
  • The Communications Manager will be responsible for the administration of the SAF website and ensure that new information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly and that it conforms to the guidelines of the SAF communications plan.
  • With the help of SAF staff, the Communications Manager will develop and distribute relevant and appropriate content for SAF’s social media platforms that reaches out to various segments of SAF’s audience and increases their engagement with the organization.
  • The Communications Manager will actively engage, cultivate, and manage relationships with members of the media to ensure coverage surrounding SAF’s policy, scientific, and outreach activities through the writing, editing, preparation and distribution of press releases, talking points, speeches, presentations and other materials as needed.
  • The Communications Manager will serve on an interdepartmental team of SAF staff to identify communications opportunities and threats, and develop key messages and ways to respond.
  • The Communications Manager will work with the Government Relations and External Affairs Team to explore communications possibilities as they explore policy partnerships and coalitions.
  • Working with the Senior Director of Communications, establish and chair or co-chair appropriate SAF communications workgroups, set agendas, and ensure member engagement.
  • Working with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager will help prepare and monitor the annual communications budget, which includes The Forestry Source.
  • Working with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Manager is responsible for supervising relationships with communications contractors, including, but not limited to, PR firms, photographers, designers, editors, and writers.

Professional Development

  • Maintain knowledge of and skills in state-of-the-art communications strategy development and execution.
  • Improve collaboration with the communications team (staff and outside consultants) in developing and executing the communications strategy

Qualifications Required:

  • At least three years of professional experience in communications or public relations.
  • BS degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism.
  • Very strong written and oral language skills are essential to success. Writing sample may be requested. 
  • Exceptional time-management and organization skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and work independently
  • Strong interpersonal skills with experience working collaboratively and creatively
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, social media tools, and media applications, such as Vocus, is required.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media

Qualifications Preferred:

  • Experience or interest in natural resources management or conservation.
  • Familiarity with HTML, iMIS database, Constant Contact e-marketing software, and Adobe Creative Studio (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.).
  • Experience with nonprofit or scientific associations is a plus.

 SAF is a collegial, casual, and results-driven work environment. SAF staff take pride in its effective time and resource management. We promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality. We highly value collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We are looking for candidates who have demonstrated these values in their day-to-day work experience.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. SAF offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, and is located in Bethesda, MD, near the Metro.

Please send a cover letter and résumé in PDF formats using the "Apply Now" button. No phone calls, please.

Job ID: 25819258