Job Title: Communications & Digital Specialist
Department: Michigan Chapter
Location: Lansing, MI or Detroit, MI
Reports To: Political and Legislative Director or Chapter Director
Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it.
Sierra Club is comprised of staff across the country and a network of volunteers organized in local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.
Scope: The Communications & Digital Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance mission and priority campaigns for the Michigan Chapter by effectively communicating our values and strategic objectives. The position is responsible for earning media coverage, press conferences, creating written and electronic materials such as fact sheets or blog posts in support of chapter campaigns and priorities, managing the chapter’s social media platforms (including content creation), producing our bimonthly e-update, biannual Chapter Newsletter and sending emails and action alerts, among other duties. This position will develop, implement and coordinate the Chapter’s traditional and digital media strategy, communications materials and messaging for chapter campaigns, public education and other activities, with an emphasis on regional Great Lakes advocacy issues and environmental justice.
The Communications & Digital Specialist will also support chapter staff and volunteer leaders with digital tools and tactics, which may include editing, scheduling, and sending emails and action alerts, helping chapter volunteers improve their skills and abilities to use Sierra Club digital systems, and recruiting and onboarding volunteers to provide extra capacity and digital support for grassroots environmental work.
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Job activities include but are not limited to:- Communications Strategy. Develops, implements, and coordinates digital and advocacy communication strategy that promotes chapter campaigns, public education projects and other activities to elevate chapter’s profile in social and traditional media using search engine optimization (SEO).
- Traditional Media. Pitches Sierra Club stories to the media and organizes press conferences as needed. Writes statements to the press, LTEs, quotes and distributes them as appropriate. Coordinates responses to the media on all appropriate topics. Assists with rapid response to fast-emerging issues.
- Social Media & Digital Content. Monitors social media and communicates with social media followers, including responding to queries in a timely manner. Ensures social media content remains current and builds in social media as a part of the large communications strategy. Compiles, edits and organizes content for the bimonthly Chapter email update and biannual newsletter in partnership with volunteer editors/writers.
- Rapid Response. Leads and coordinates rapid response efforts which may include developing phone scripts, emails, social media posts and other tactics as assigned.
- Collaboration. Collaborates with staff and volunteer leaders to develop strategy, create and update website content, social media, email communications and program documents that allow us to strengthen our brand.
- External Communications. Produces creative visual assets (photos, videos, infographics) for website, email, blog, outreach and social media use. Develops chapter fact sheets and other communication materials as needed.
- Training and Compliance. Trains staff and volunteers on communications tools, skills, strategies and policies. Communicates and ensure compliance with Sierra Club policies for writing style and content.
- Fundraising. Assist with fundraising: In cooperation with fundraising staff, assist in the development of fundraising proposals and participate in grant making, solicitation efforts and reports to donors.
- Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
- Seasonal Activities: Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience: - Communications Experience: Experience in traditional and digital media, preferably at a grassroots, environmental or political organization.
- Data and Analytics. Ability to track and analyze the effectiveness of digital and traditional communications strategies to continuously improve the organization’s communications strategy.
- Writing and Public Speaking. Ability to write creatively and concisely to convey a clear message and communicate about complex environmental issues in a variety of settings, including press conferences, community meetings, and interviews with reporters. Experience with public speaking.
- Tech Tools: Experience using and training on a variety of in person and online/virtual tools, for example tools such as Zoom, G-Suite, peer to peer texting and Hustle, and venues for volunteer outreach and engagement.
- Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
- Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills and competencies: - Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite or Canva and a good eye for visual design;
- Possesses a creative approach and a vision for storytelling
- Photography, videography and editing skills
- Familiarity with Associated Press style.
- A deep understanding of nonprofit advocacy communications and environmental justice issues in Michigan.
- Demonstrates the ability to create rapport and inspire trust. Open to feedback and the ability to learn new skills.
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$59,000 - $64,000 a year
Compensation and Benefits
The salary for this position is $59,000 - $64,000 annually, non-negotiable.
The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Progressive Workers Union.
This is a category 5 exempt, represented position.
Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club Human Resources in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.
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To Apply
The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.
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