Writer / Content Creator

Sonoma Ecology Center (SEC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has worked with our community for over 30 years to identify and lead actions that achieve and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley and beyond. Our work improves the land, climate, water, and biodiversity – the foundation of our region’s high quality of life. 

Each year, we provide in-depth environmental science instruction to over 1,100 students, manage over 5,000 acres of public and private land including Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, raise thousands of native plants, restore native habitat, and provide research and technical support on timely issues affecting the region. With an annual budget of over $3 million, our professional staff manages numerous large grants and contracts, often in partnership with other nonprofits and agencies that, by working together, significantly leverage our work and impact. 

Position Summary: 

SEC seeks a Writer/Content Creator to play a critical role in ensuring the organization achieves its plans for growth in alignment with its mission, vision, and values. The Writer/Content Creator will be responsible for all of Sonoma Ecology Center’s written and multi-media content. The candidate must communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. The candidate should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. The position will report to the Associate Director and work closely with the Executive Director and Program Managers across the organization.

The candidate must be able to travel to Sonoma Ecology Center’s locations that we manage, including Sonoma Garden Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, and other event venues such as Montini Open Space Preserve, Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, etc,... For the full list of locations we manage, please see our website under “Visit Us.” For the full list of events we currently host, please access our Calendar of Events here. The candidate must have a reliable means of transportation, phone, and internet.

Duties/Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

General communications

• Work with the Event and Communications Specialist to promote and protect the integrity of the voice and brand of the Sonoma Ecology Center
• Work with staff to ensure messages are communicated accurately and consistently to all external audiences
• Contribute to corporate/partner engagement and content development in collaboration with key staff members within SEC (Annual Fund, Annual Report, and seasonal appeals)
• Ensuring that content are culturally sensitive and designed to reach diverse audiences and speak to all our community members

Content Creation

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership in developing and implementing social media campaigns
• Via the social media channels, develop collaborations, reinforce partnerships, and strengthen bonds with other organizations to advance our mission and values
• Be responsible for daily content creation across social media channels, strategically aligned with campaign and content calendars
• Grow social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) through interactive, engaging video content that highlights the organization’s work and shares knowledge
• Produce quarterly reports on social media engagement with analysis and recommendations
• Research and develop strategies to incorporate emerging social media tools, and new content platforms, into an overall multi-channel communications plan

Required Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience writing for public consumption, content creation, video creation, photography, and interviewing
• Ability to turn dense project information into easily digestible messaging for diverse audiences
• Adept use of images and videos to turn into a variety of content formats
• Ability to speak in front of a camera and self-recording
• Working knowledge of local environmental issues and a commitment to our mission
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading skills (AP writing style and standards are a plus)
• Proven results in growing accounts on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) and using analytics technologies such as SocialPilot (similar to Hootsuite, SproutSocial, etc,...)
• The ability to use Canva to design, design and adapt existing design templates into flyers, social media graphics, videos, and other digital and printed materials
• The ability to use Google Drive to organize media assets
• Familiarity with using WordPress
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while managing deadlines
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply
• The ability to speak to different audiences of diverse backgrounds and age

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduation from a college or university with coursework in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Environmental Science, Political Science, or a related field.
• Reading, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish is a big plus

Physical Requirements: 

This is a traditional office job, one which requires sitting, typing, standing, and being at a computer workstation for lengthy periods of time. One must have the ability to use office equipment (including, but not limited to, a computer, phone, and printer/copier) and computer systems to fulfill essential functions of the position.

At times, one will travel to meetings, conferences, and job sites. One must have reliable transportation, a current Driver’s License, and comprehensive auto insurance.

Benefits:

The employee is eligible for one of two health plans on the first day of the month after hire. For which, SEC pays 80% of the monthly premium. (Dependents and Spouses are eligible, but SEC does not contribute to the full premium). One must maintain a minimum average of 20 hours per week to qualify. Please contact Human Resources for a complete description of the available health plans.  We offer seven scheduled paid holidays as well as three floating holidays.  Other benefits include an Employee Assistance Program, and employees can enroll in a self-funded TIAA 503(b) account.

To Apply

Please apply using BambooHR HRIS by clicking here:

https://sonomaecologycenter.bamboohr.com/careers/54

Alternatively, email humanresources@sonomaecologycenter.org and write Writer/Content Creator in the Header. Please attach your resume, cover letter, two short writing samples for public consumption (approximately 100-500 words), social media channels you have grown using video content, and two references, preferably in one PDF. No phone calls, please. For more information about the Sonoma Ecology Center, please visit www.sonomaecologycenter.org.