Communications & Operations Manager

2024 Job Description: Communications & Operations Manager

Reports to:​Executive Director (ED)

Direct Reports: CSUMB Service Learners, MIIS Work/Study Students, Interns

Exempt, Full Time (minimum 40 hours per week)

Annual Salary: Exempt Salaried Position + medical/dental/vision benefit options

Purpose:  

MEarth (pronounced mee-earth) is a place to connect ME to Earth with a mission to educate and inspire through environmental stewardship. This position is responsible for all MEarth communications, both internal and external, in addition to managing onsite operations/technology, and as needed, program, event and fund development support.

Position Overview:

This position has 3 key responsibilities:

1.      Manage all aspects of MEarth communications, including the implementation of consistent branding and compelling messaging in support of MEarth’s mission.

2.     Manage the details of all onsite operations, including technological needs.

3.     Support programs, events and fund development as needed.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Communications:

●      Represent MEarth’s mission in person, virtually, and during any onsite program/event as well as offsite outreach opportunities.

●      Develop and lead the vision and implementation of MEarth’s marketing strategy, including but not limited to:

o   Develop and promote messaging in support of MEarth’s mission.

o   Ensure all messaging and branding aligns across all outreach platforms.

o   Identify and prioritize MEarth branding and co-branding opportunities whenever and wherever possible.

o   Identify media outreach and press opportunities.

o   Develop or commission market research as needed.

o   Plan, develop and deliver updated content for MEarth:

Ø  Social Media

Ø  Press Releases

Ø  Website (WordPress a plus!),

Ø  E-newsletters (Mailchimp a plus!)

Ø  E-invitations

Ø  Any other distribution channels

·       Manage the development and design of all promotional materials, including program/event fliers, off site printing/signs/banners, and donor-facing materials.

·       Monitor and evaluate return on investment of various advertising/marketing efforts.

·       With support and collaboration from the Board, manage sponsor solicitation, recognition, and stewardship for MEarth events and programs.

·       As requested, support Board of Directors Committees by attending meetings, providing data, and implementing follow-up as appropriate.

●      Ensure MEarth website remains current and updated with new event information, resources for volunteers, staff/board bios, and other information as requested.

●      Active participant on MEarth’s Leadership Team, along with other key staff.

Operations:

●      Act as first point of contact for guests, volunteers, interns and partners at the Habitat.

●      Respond to public inquiries, phone, and info email correspondence in a timely manner.

●      Lead team and board coordination and implementation of major MEarth events including, but not limited to, the annual MEarth Day Festival (usually April) and The Glass Pumpkin Patch of Carmel (usually September).

●      Support planning, coordination and implementation of community workshops, outreach opportunities, and private events as needed.

●      Manage job postings, communications with candidates and new hires, and participate in candidate and intern interviews as needed.

●      Organizational and administrative lead for all new intern and staff onboarding, including but not limited to: Live Scan, website photo + bio, nametags, business cards, keys, security codes, workstation set up and technology needs.

●      Supervise Middlebury Institute for International Studies (MIIS) Federal Work-Study Interns, including agreements and invoices with MIIS.

●      Work closely with ED to manage internal meeting schedules, streamline operational processes where appropriate, and refine MEarth policies as needed.

●      Assist team with program/event scheduling, promotion and administration.

●      Assist team with survey development, data collection, and analysis to inform MEarth programmatic goals, event evaluations and grant compliance.

●      Order office, program, green building, garden and Habitat supplies as needed/requested.

●      Maintain and organize MEarth’s on-line files for simplification of use by staff and board.

●      Ensure that systems and procedures to support MEarth programming, operations, and communications are designed and implemented effectively and efficiently.

●      Supervise and communicate the highest standards of property maintenance and security to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and safe learning/working environment.

●      Assist remote bookkeeper as needed.

Fund Development:

●      Contribute to grant evaluation reports as well as the grant proposal process, including meetings with grantors as requested by the ED.

●      Update donation and sponsorship letters to ensure consistent messaging and brand guidelines.

●      Work closely with the Executive Director to:

o   Plan and launch fundraising and awareness campaigns, including but not limited to the Monterey County Gives! Campaign.

o   Track individual donations and prep donor acknowledgement letters for ED to customize.

o   Manage CRM to track donors and sponsors over time. (NEON experience a plus!)

Other Duties as Assigned:

●      Support MEarth programs/workshops/events and weekly harvest as needed.

●      Maintain a clean and welcoming office and schedule cleaning services as needed.

●      Travel to USPS and other local retailers as needed for program supplies.

Requirements:  

●      Ability to work independently and proactively as required.

●      Ability to work effectively as a team member while completing multiple projects.

●      Strong networking and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to positively interact with people of all ages, diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

●      Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing and proofreading.

●      Tech savvy: proficient with Google Suite, Canva, WordPress, Mailchimp, social media platforms, and other online tools - or ability to quickly become proficient.

●      Strong organizational skills and responsiveness with a keen attention to detail in an office/classroom setting, as well as outside in the MEarth Habitat.

●      California driver’s license or ability to acquire one within 90 days of hire.

○      This position requires occasional independent travel to various locations usually within Monterey County for events, outreach opportunities, professional development, networking, etc. 

Professional Performance and Values Standards:

●      Exemplify patience, positivity, respect, and professionalism in every interaction with volunteers, donors, board members, co-workers, partners and program/event participants.

●      Be responsive to stakeholders and the community, performing tasks and responsibilities in a complete and timely manner, complying with the policies and standards of MEarth.

●      Contribute to a collegial and collaborative work environment where the values of growth, appreciation, and inclusivity are central to MEarth.

●      Maintain a constructive, solutions-oriented approach to all tasks, engaging as a valued member of a team with co-workers.

●      Steward MEarth resources and donations with sensitivity and care.

●      Prioritize the vision and mission of MEarth in all aspects of the work.

●      Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

Education and Experience:

●      Education Requirement: B.A. or B.S. in related field or commensurate work experience

●      Experience Required:

o   Professional experience in communications and operations in a non-profit environment.

o   Minimum of two years of work experience in a non-profit office setting, including team leadership, project management and administrative experience.

Required Physical Capabilities:

Incorporated with one or more of the essential functions of this position are the following essential physical requirements:

·       Ability to see for purposes of reading instructions, labels, and other printed material as well as the safe operation of equipment.

·       Ability to hear and understand speech in person and/or by phone, radio or virtual platform.

·       Ability to communicate so others will clearly understand a conversation in person and/or by phone, radio, or virtual platform.

·       Ability to operate a computer, tablet, calculator, copier/printer/scanner, phone, radio and other office equipment with dexterity, safety and efficiency.

·       Ability to routinely lift and carry supplies and materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Working Conditions:

The work schedule for this onsite position is usually 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, with a periodic shift in schedule to accommodate evening and/or weekend programming opportunities onsite or offsite. The working environment is subject to bending, crouching, or kneeling to access information and/or to assist students/volunteers/interns from ground level to 4.5 feet above the ground, pushing, pulling and lifting of instructional equipment and supplies, sitting on chairs or on the floor, cleaning program areas, leaning over for prolonged periods of time, walking on uneven substrates, reaching in all directions, and working outdoors for prolonged periods of time.

Who We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, energetic, with a positive attitude and sense of humor, who has the ability to deepen MEarth's communication efforts, elevate its brand, and tell its stories to a variety of audiences. We are seeking someone who can consistently articulate our mission, vision, goals, and objectives and know how to frame a message in a clear, concise, and compelling way across all MEarth communication platforms and audiences.

These qualifications offer a general overview, not a comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to accomplish the job, we want to hear from you!

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Employment with MEarth is at will.

How To Apply:

By 3/20/24, please complete this form and send a thoughtful resume and cover letter to:  mearthcarmel.org/join-our-team/

●      Resume

●      Cover letter that addresses the following (maximum 2 pages):

○      How this position is a good fit for your skills, interests, and career goals.

○      Your previous communications experience and expertise (newsletters, social media for business, etc.). What types of communication have you developed, how often, and in what context?

○      If not already clearly listed in your resume, tell us about your experience and expertise with various software applications. What platforms are you most familiar with and how have you used them?

○      Any additional information you wish to provide about how you meet any of the preferred qualifications or what makes you a uniquely qualified candidate.

Timeline: Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on March 20th, 2024. We anticipate conducting one round of interviews in March (with follow-up as needed), with a start date in April. Those invited for an interview will be asked to share a short writing sample, such as a newsletter article, appeal letter, blog post, social media, etc. (ideally one page or less). We will ask for references after interviews have been conducted.

We strongly encourage applications from People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and those who are members of other historically marginalized and excluded communities.

Background Check:

Successful completion of the hiring process is contingent upon the applicant passing a

multi-agency livescan fingerprint/background check and TB test (paid for by MEarth).