Communications and Development Manager

• Does the fate of the planet inspire you to wonder what you can do to change the conversation and make a difference?
• Do you believe in the persuasive power of art, photography, and storytelling to change hearts and minds?
• Do you thrive in relationship with others, where you play a creative and supportive role, acknowledging and relying on the power of the collective?
• Do you have a tolerance for ambiguity balanced with a penchant for systems and organization?

Then, please read on.

Braided River is seeking a Communications and Development Manager (aka Conservation Media Impact Producer) to amplify and support the work of passionate and strategic photographers, authors, conservation partners, and visionary donors to craft visually-centered storytelling to protect the last wild places in western North America.

Seattle-based non-profit Braided River creates and supports media campaigns based on large-format photography books developed for publication with our publishing and distribution partner Mountaineers Books. Every book and media campaign has a conservation platform and tangible goals directed toward preserving biodiversity, and addressing the climate crisis. To adapt to emerging projects and workflow, our two-person staff works with a team of freelancers, conservation partners, impact producers, and the staff of our publishing partner Mountaineers Books (editorial, design, book production, printing management, publicity, marketing, sales, administration, and distribution).

This role requires demonstrated experience in the following areas:

CONSERVATION

• Alignment with Braided River’s mission is central to the role, backed with experience supporting conservation campaigns.
• Knowledge of pressing conservation topics in the realm of protecting biodiversity and addressing the climate crisis, specifically in western North America.

COMMUNICATIONS and EVENTS

• Able to create and deploy a suite of creative assets and events that promote book launches and ongoing engagement and advocacy for each new conservation project to media, partners, and the public.
• Be responsive and adapt communications to the evolving goals of our conservation partners and funders.
• Reflect the brand and aesthetics of Braided River and the individual photographers for each project.
• Represent Braided River to our followers, partners, and donors.

DEVELOPMENT

• Play a role with Executive Director and freelance Grants Manager in fund development with foundations, individual donors, partners, sponsorships, and other creative funding opportunities.
• Help achieve annual funding goals by identifying and responding to timely opportunities.

The following are specific tasks and skills required:

Writing and technology skills

• Position is responsible for developing collateral for Braided River in general as well as specific projects, including proficiency with related technology platforms. Collateral includes but not limited to program synopses, website content, newsletters, blogs, press releases, and social media content.
• Every new project is different and will include new partners, goals, audiences, and funders. In general, we launch one new project per year with a book, and have another one to two book projects in the works, as well as continuing to support three past, enduring programs.

Raising funds

• Includes collaborating with Executive Director and freelance Grants Manager writing grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and grant reports to achieve revenue goals.
• Help identify potential sources of revenue, including foundations, corporate opportunities, and individual funders.

Partnership development

• Each project requires collaboration with partners to identify and align programs to achieve goals that are often mutable given current events and the state of the public policy opportunities.
• Working in right and respectful relationship with Indigenous leaders and communities is a core tenant of Braided River.

Event planning

• Each project requires collaboration and coordination with conservation partners, funders, and project photographers to identify and develop events to achieve advocacy goals. Select (but not all) projects are supported by our freelance Event Coordinator, as well as Mountaineers Books publicist in the first few months post-publication.

Management

• Able to produce, as well as manage.
• Supervise two freelancers working on event planning and fund development. Supervise intern program.

Accountability and reporting

• Able to develop, manage budgets, and provide timely reports for internal review, for funders, and for the Braided River board of directors.
• Assess and report on impact goals to donors and partners.
• Able to work independently, and recognize where and when input is desirable and important.
• Align with our strategic plan.

This role reports to the Executive Director. Braided River is based in Seattle and the position requires in-office attendance two days every week, with flexibility. Person must attend and present at evening board meetings six times per year. Position requires some flexibility with hours, including balancing occasional evening or weekend events. Telecommuting is not an option.

WORK STYLE

• Demonstrated ability to work in collaboration and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Able to negotiate and compromise based on supporting the central mission.
• Can manage stress with a balance of grace and self-care.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Well organized and self-directing.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years minimum work experience relevant to the above-mentioned tasks
• Experience in the field of conservation
• A four-year college degree, ideally in journalism, communications, or environmental studies

While we recognize that candidates may not have the full slate of qualifications listed, these are the qualifications that will make someone successful in the position. Candidates should view this role as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and have a desire to expand into areas where they may currently lack experience.