External Communications Specialist

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a talented, forward-thinking individual who shares our vision of helping Girl Scouts change the world for the better. Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington seeks a motivated and collaborative external communications specialist. In this role, you’ll be an integral part of a fast-paced, project and results-oriented Communications team and work closely with teams responsible for fundraising and membership growth. You’ll be primarily responsible for sourcing, writing, and editing clear, engaging multi-media communications that advance Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s fundraising, membership goals, and impact.

What You'll Do

As the external communications specialist, you’ll be primarily responsible for sourcing content and for writing, editing, and producing clear, engaging communications that advance the council’s fundraising, membership goals, and impact. As part of the Communications team, you’ll work closely with the Fund Development and Community Engagement teams.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the communications manager and department colleagues to implement communication strategies that advance the council’s overall fundraising and membership growth goals.
• Collaborates with Fund Development and Communications colleagues to develop annual donor stewardship communication plans for various giving levels.
• Drafts and edits effective fundraising content, including but not limited to direct mail, email, and social media communications, print collateral, website copy, and other donor acknowledgments.
• Collaborates with Community Engagement and Communications colleagues to develop or customize integrated membership marketing campaigns.
• Collaborates with graphic designer and social media specialist to ensure comprehensive interactive social media coverage specifically on topics related to fundraising and membership growth, and others as assigned.
• Develops and maintains a working partnership with cross-departmental colleagues and volunteers that encourages the exchange of public relations and marketing opportunities, leverages local knowledge, and local knowledge, and positively promotes Girl Scouts.
• Frequently travels to and participates in staff and volunteer-led events and troop activities (may occur outside of normal business hours) to source compelling, diverse phone-captured photo and video content and member and donor stories.
• Prepares content for inclusion in donor communications and membership materials, including but not limited to basic photo and video editing, writing, and copyediting.
• Collaborates with colleagues from the Communications, Community Engagement, and Fund Development departments to ensure storytelling is cohesive across various platforms, including web, email, and social media.
• Maintains the Newsroom on the GSOSW website, creates email campaigns in Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and provides backup Communications support on website, email, and social media platforms as required.
• Maintains and applies expert knowledge of Girl Scout brand and fundraising communication best practices, and working knowledge of membership recruitment best practices to inform resource development.
• Exercises discretion and good judgment, maintaining confidentiality regarding donor giving.

What You Bring

We are most interested in finding the best person for this job, who will be successful and satisfied in the role. If you believe you are that person, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification listed below.

• At least seven (7) years of relevant education and experience, including:
  • At least three (3) years’ experience in fundraising communications/marketing or a related field.
  • At least two (2) years of writing and communications experience.
• Education or experience with an emphasis in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience with email platforms (e.g. Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Raiser’s Edge), website platforms (e.g. Adobe Experience Manager, WordPress), Customer Relationship Management software (CRMs, e.g., Salesforce), project management software (e.g. Asana) preferred, basic photo and video editing (Adobe Rush, social video tools, etc.), and social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn) preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of a team.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people to accomplish goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and competing deadlines, including planning, execution, completion, and follow-up.
• Spanish language skills (speaking and writing) strongly preferred.
• CFRE certification or substantial experience in fundraising writing is preferred.
• Ability to travel to meetings, events, and community partner locations. Reliable transportation.
  
• Work Conditions & Physical Requirements:
  • Indoor environment – 98%
  • Outdoor events – 10%
  • Travel to other locations – 20%
  • Use of computer, phone, and other office equipment – 100%
  • Lifting up to 25 pounds – 5%
  • Pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds – 2%
  • Reaching above and below shoulder level – 5%

The Details

• Compensation – Nonexempt/hourly, starting at $25.24 to $30.29 per hour, depending on qualifications. Plus $1.25 per hour for Spanish language skills at a conversational level or higher.
• Benefits – We offer health, dental, life insurance, paid time off, and paid holidays. We also offer a retirement plan with a 3.5% employer contribution. For more details, visit www.girlscoutsosw.org/careers.
• Hours – Full-time, business hours, with some flexibility. Occasional event attendance, including weekends and evenings.
• Location – This position may require frequent in-person work in the Portland Metro Area, particularly during events. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Portland Metro Area. Some job duties may be performed remotely if internet connectivity standards are met, or onsite at the Portland Service Center. This role also requires occasional travel, including overnight and long-distance travel. All staff are required to participate in in-person meetings, events, work assignments, and retreats, the frequency and location of which is determined by business needs.

About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington:

At Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, it’s our mission to build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Staff support a network of dedicated volunteers who bring Girl Scouts programming to youths in their community. Since 1912, Girl Scouts has supported children and young adults in achieving their full potential. Today, Girl Scouts stands as the preeminent leadership development organization for young women. With Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, you can make a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts, adult volunteers, and the world.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

We encourage, value, and honor diversity and support a culture of equity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering diversity at every level of the organization and seek candidates who have lived experience related to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer.

We recognize that a commitment to these values is a living commitment that requires attention, reflection, and continual action. All employees must support these efforts and participate in training, projects, and initiatives to forward this work. Click here to read our complete Equity Statement.

How to Apply:

Submit your application via our Careers site.

We are accepting applications through March 13.