Communications Director - Kentucky Natural Lands Trust

The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) seeks a full time Communications Director who will be the organizations strategic storyteller, responsible for amplifying the mission and vision. This role requires formulating plans for all aspects of communications and marketing, then putting the plans in motion. Goals for this position include growing mission affinity and trust through creative, authentic communications, broadening KNLT's reach to new and diverse audiences, and inspiring meaningful actions to advance wildlands conversation.

KNLT is a nationally accredited nonprofit based in Berea, KY. KNLT protects, connects and restores wildlands with a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, stabilizing the climate and supporting communities. Since 1995, KNLT has safeguarded nearly 64,000 acres of wildlands through collaborative conservation. The power of partnership is key to our efforts. KNLT partners with individuals, communities, government agencies, nonprofits and businesses at the local, regional and national level to protect wildlands in Central Appalachia and beyond. KNLT is growing a conservation movement that is contributing to more wild and healthy future for people and the planet.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

Benefits: Generous benefits package - details here: https://mtassociation.org/careers/

Location: Remote based in Central or Eastern Kentucky

Essential Functions & Responsibilities -

1. Strategic Direction:

• Create and lead a KNLT strategic communications plan that aligns with organizational strategic plan goals, as well as annual and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.

• Create and execute a year-round communications and marketing calendar that elevates KNLT’s presence across all existing channels (e.g. website, digital, social media, print, press).

• Research and strategically engage with key target audiences.

• Monitor and report on communications analytics that inform strategic decision-making.

• Develop and manage annual program-specific budget.

• Lead Outreach and Communications team, including staff, volunteers and contractors

2. Messaging & Storytelling:

• Craft compelling and scientifically accurate narratives that highlight KNLT’s conservation mission and impact, focused around its three pillars: biodiversity, climate and community.

• Produce multimedia content for all communications channels in collaboration with staff, board, and community partners.

• Collaborate with board of directors and staff team to record, edit and share conservation stories including natural history, land/landowner history and cultural history.

• Ensure that all public communications consistently reflect KNLT’s brand standards and tone: science-driven, community-minded and rooted in ethical conservation

3. Media Relations:

• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with media outlets to amplify coverage of key conservation projects, community events and impact.

• Serve as key contact for media inquiries and collaborate with Leadership and Executive teams to direct and respond appropriately.

• Develop communications that strengthen relationships with government, nonprofit and business partners at the local, regional and national levels.

• Generate paid & earned advertising for conservation projects, campaigns and events.

4. Community & Partner Engagement:

• Support Outreach staff in developing strategies and creating promotional materials for volunteer projects, community events and special projects.

• Assist Development staff with planning and execution of donor communications and events.

• Identify and strengthen relationships with community partners and funding organizations that advance KNLT’s mission.

• Develop KNLT presentation content for staff and board use.

• Present at conferences, public meetings and events, and various speaking engagements to advance the mission of the organization.

5. Other/General:

• Serve as a member of KNLT’s Leadership Team, alongside the Executive Director, Finance & Operations Director, Conservation Director and Development Director.

• Work collaboratively with strategic communications and fundraising consultants, as needed.

• Maintain a working knowledge of KNLT conservation projects and goals.

• Engage with all staff and board in public events, fundraising events, and board meetings.

• Engage with and participate in KNLT’s commitment to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for all.

• Participate in activities and training programs, as required.

• Participate in the strategic planning process and plan implementation as it relates to this role.

• Provide courteous, professional services when representing KNLT and the Mountain Association.

• Perform all other duties, as assigned, and practice safety in all aspects of the job.

Critical Skills

Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills. Able to organize and prioritize tasks and perform responsibilities efficiently, independently, and timely. Able to meet multiple deadlines. Takes initiative and needs little supervision. Has experience communicating with diverse individuals in different roles, including wide-ranging educational levels, socio-economic status, or world views. Communicates effectively and professionally in all settings. Eager to work as part of a team. Maintains confidentiality and professional discretion.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.

• Work is 50% home office environment (or KNLT office) with office equipment, sitting or standing for long periods of time indoors.

• Travel in the service region will be required up to 25% of the time. Travel may include walking and hiking in remote areas, sitting or standing for long periods of time outdoors. Travel will require flexibility outside normal business hours and with occasional overnights. When using own vehicle, staff will be reimbursed for mileage at the IRS rate.

• Work may require walking, bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing stairs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust/Mountain Association provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Required Experience, Education and Certifications:

• Minimum five years of experience working in a communications role is required; Three years of experience in a management or supervisory role in a relevant field is preferred.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Communications, Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field. Master’s degree in related field preferred.

• Proficiency with digital marketing platforms (e.g. Constant Contact), social media management platforms (e.g. Later.com) Content Management Systems (e.g. WordPress) is required.

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.

• Proven experience in building relationships with diverse groups is required.

• Proficiency in using design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) and project management software is strongly preferred.

• Understanding of Central Appalachian natural and cultural heritage is strongly preferred.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must pass a background check.