Northwest Earth Institute
Development and Communications Manager
About Northwest Earth Institute
We believe every person has the power to create positive action. Since 1993, NWEI has helped make change more possible, more social, and yes, more fun by helping people connect with their communities and take action, together. Through discussion courses and the EcoChallenge program, we give people a framework to talk about our relationship with the planet and to share in discovering new ways to live, work, create and consume. The result is a network of shared stories and support that makes it easy to make a positive impact in our world. In short, we become part of a community for change.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We are committed to inspiring people to connect with their communities and work towards a healthy, just, and sustainable future. We believe that a successful sustainability movement must reflect the true diverse landscape of our communities. In our work, we make a conscious effort to include all community members at the table as we collect and share stories of change. We are committed to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and to attracting and supporting a staff and board who represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or mental or physical disability.
Team Culture
We practice sustainability in all that we do. As an organization, we use the principles of living systems to make decisions and develop strategies for greater impact. We seek to embody our change model of connecting, reflecting, and acting – internally and externally, personally and professionally. For our team, this means having an ongoing, deep commitment to listening and learning from each other and striving to create a workplace that inspires and nurtures each team member. We believe that what we create and offer to the world is a direct reflection of who we are and what we value. We live our values by providing a flexible family-friendly work environment, encouraging staff to recharge with annual personal retreats, offering a sabbatical for long-term employees, and revisiting our practices and policies regularly to ensure that we continue to evolve to meet our needs. Everyday, we bring to work a deep commitment to sustainability, and seek to discover change, together.
Purpose for this Position
Northwest Earth Institute is seeking a skilled storyteller with the energy and creativity to take our development and communication efforts to a new level. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience with nonprofits, and a desire to work part-time (32 hours/ week). The Development and Communications Manager is responsible for managing the Membership program, grants portfolio, and steering our overall message and communications efforts. We are thrilled to celebrate NWEI’s 25th Anniversary in 2018. As we head into this special year, we see this position as a critical part of communicating our vision for the next 25 years! We are at an exciting point of evolution for the organization with many opportunities ahead of us to engage new communities and expand our impact.
Duties and Responsibilities
Membership and Contributions (20%) • Oversee the donations component of the database • Design, plan and implement special appeals (including year-end appeals) with solicited initial input on key messages from appropriate staff and copy/editing review from Executive Director • Support EcoChallenge fundraising efforts, and lead the board fundraising efforts working with board volunteers • Support the Executive Director on major donor contributions, overseeing all major donor records in the database, tracking donor timing, sending invoices and assisting with other tasks as needed • Manage campaigns and fundraising events; delegate tasks to appropriate staff • Manage internal planning and reports Grants (30%) • Manage the grant writing for the organization, including editing and writing of grant proposals with input from Executive Director to find special projects, ongoing programs, and general operations (our current annual grant revenue is $120,000) • Prepare budgets for grant proposals with assistance from Executive Director • Prepare attachments and coordinate final production of the proposal • Write reports based on foundation guidelines • Write/track acknowledgements and thank you letters • Track reporting and submission deadlines • Maintain files and current guidelines • Create annual grants plan and prepare internal reports Communications (40%) • Create and manage communications plans and update staff on current priorities • Oversee all email communications, working with staff to implement high-quality, audience-specific emails • Lead EcoChallenge communications efforts, including writing and sending all event emails, press releases, event summaries and generation of promotional materials • Develop web content and communications materials, including letters, emails, fliers, videos, renewal letters, and other materials; work with staff and design consultants as needed • Work with blog editor to ensure that content aligns with communications plan • Report monthly on communications analytics • Review communications materials generated by other staff members Biannual Newsletter and Annual Report Editor (5%) • Edit and write articles and announcements with assistance from other staff members • Design and layout with input from Executive Director, and coordinate printing • Coordinate mailing of newsletter and annual report • Work with design and communications consultants as needed General Financial (5%) • Develop the budget and monthly spreads for grants, special campaigns, and associated expenses working with Executive Director • Work with bookkeeper as needed to maintain timing and accuracy of pledges and donations
Skills Required
• Natural writer; ability to weave several themes into a master narrative • Previous experience in development and/or communications for nonprofits ideal • Culturally responsive and committed to equity • Strong verbal and written communication • Experience with social media marketing management systems (Hootsuite ideal) • Experience with nonprofit databases (Salesforce ideal) • Strong knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; some experience with Adobe Creative Suite and WordPress preferred • Very high attention to detail, including accuracy and efficiency • Excellent time-management skills, including ability to balance multiple and sometimes competing priorities • Ability to work calmly under pressure as a high-functioning team member • Applicant must have some working knowledge of ecological issues and a personal commitment to living sustainably
Additional Requirements
Ability to work 32 hours per week, minimum 4 days/week between the hours of 8am–5pm, with very occasional evening or weekend hours (2-3 times each year for special events); work will occur in an office environment with option for remote work as mutually agreed.
Compensation Annually: $33,280 FTE: 0.8 (32 hours/week)
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Benefits Health, Dental, Vacation, Sick Leave, IRA Contribution, Transportation Subsidy, Personal Retreat Time, and 5-Year Sabbaticals
Application instructions Please send resume, cover letter, and three references with the subject line “[Your Name] – Development and Communications Manager Application” to jobs@nwei.org. Due date for initial consideration is April 30, 2017. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.