Ecological Restoration Communications Specialist

The Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state’s natural resources and people’s right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth’s marine and freshwater habitats that support them.

The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth. The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Ecological Restoration Communications Specialist (Environmental Analyst II).

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ecological Restoration Communications Specialist leads DER’s initiatives to communicate the value of the Division’s ecological restoration work to partners and stakeholders and to build public support for ecological restoration.  This position leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic communications plans and activities for the Division, its programs, and its projects.  Additionally, this position leads DER’s public affairs work, including rapid responses to time-sensitive communications issues and requests for information and coordinates and supports public affairs and outreach events.  The position also researches, authors and supports written communications and outreach materials.  Finally, the Specialist serves as a communications subject matter expert for the Division, integrating best practices for environmental communications such as social marketing and climate change communications methods into DER’s work.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ecological Restoration Communications Specialist (Communications Specialist) works in close collaboration with DER leadership and staff to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies for the Division, its programs, and its projects   The Specialist also leads DER’s public affairs work and works closely with the Department of Fish and Game Commissioner’s office staff.  The Communications Specialist will:

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans that advance DER’s ecological restoration programs and practices, stakeholder engagement, training programs, and other initiatives, using the most up-to-date communications science and best practices.

• Synthesize and translate complex ecological restoration and climate adaptation concepts and projects into compelling stories, using a wide variety of digital and print media and formats.

• Serve as a resource and subject-matter expert for DER staff on environmental communications theory and best practices, including community-based social marketing and climate change / adaptation communications.

• Collaborate with DER’s federal, state, and NGO partners on communications strategies, projects, and events.

• Research, develop, author, and promote a variety of communication materials including but not limited to: op-eds, news releases, fact sheets, web articles, magazine articles, trade journal articles, and other materials.

• Lead or support the development of products to communicate best restoration practices such as manuals, training materials; presentations; or other tools and approaches.

• Lead and support the development of DER’s quarterly Ebb&Flow, Annual Report, and other publications. Coordinate and edit staff contributions, develop layout; and publish.

• Manage DER’s digital marketing efforts.Coordinate staff contributions and develop content.

• Coordinate and support DER and DFG public affairs activities such as ground-breaking events, ribbon cutting events, and grant announcement events.

• Draft press releases, media advisories, and other products for engaging with the news media

• Respond to requests for information from internal and external stakeholders, coordinating with DER staff as needed.

• Develop talking points for DER, DFG, EEA, or other state officials for public affairs events and other purposes.

• Work closely with the Department of Fish and Game’s Chief of Staff and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs office regarding the Division’s media outreach.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years relevant communications work experience; a degree in environmental communications, environmental studies or similar field desired; background in social marketing or similar strategies a plus.

• Experience developing and implementing communications plans and strategies for a range of audiences.

• Ability to assess coworker and stakeholder needs, develop initiatives to meet identified needs, and work independently to guide and implement the needed initiatives.

• Experience translating complex environmental science and policy subjects into compelling stories across a range of formats such as writing, photography, videography, and graphic design.

• Public affairs experience, including public affairs and outreach event coordination, briefing leadership level staff, and developing talking points or speeches for leadership staff.

• Strong writing and editing skills; able to write effectively for a variety of stakeholder audiences.

• Experience writing essays, magazine articles, web pages, blog, social media, and other content related to environmental stories and issues.

• Experience drafting press releases.

• Experience coordinating content from various writers, editing pieces, and ensuring a consistent voice

• Familiar with content and email marketing systems (i.e. Drupal, Constant Contact).

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.

• Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, with the capacity to plan and prioritize tasks appropriately.

• Ability to advance multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to motivate and mobilize others to complete joint projects and reach shared goals.

• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

• Ability to establish positive relationships and deal tactfully with others.

• Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Qualifications