The Public Affairs department is a multidisciplinary team focused on external and internal communications, digital strategy, education, public policy, public engagement, partnerships, and publications. Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Affairs and the Communications Manager, the Strategic Communications Specialist is an integral member of the department's busy and lean communications team, which supports the entire organization. This position's primary focus is the development, implementation, and evaluation of integrated communications campaigns, from program initiatives and seasonal opportunities to rapid response advocacy. A true multi-channel expert, the Strategic Communications Specialist knows how to engage diverse audiences across CNPS channels, through compelling copy and attention-getting visuals, careful analysis and reporting, and targeted use of digital communications.

What You'll Do

Campaign Strategy and Tracking (30%)

• Works with the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications Manager to develop end-to-end communications plans in support of broader organization-wide priority campaigns.
• Leads content strategy for campaigns.
• Develops and oversees campaign communications budgets working with Senior Director of Public Affairs.
• Conceptualizes and identifies necessary campaign resources within budget, such as blog posts, video, photos, infographics, landing pages, forms, and other components.
• Responsible for establishing measurable actions, Google Analytics tracking, and dashboard reporting for campaigns.
• Works across teams to develop regular reports on campaign progress.

Content Planning and Development (40%)

• Co-develops and helps manage multi-channel content calendar, aligned with campaigns.
• Identifies emerging communications needs and opportunities across the organization to incorporate into communications and content planning.
• Develops campaign landing pages.
• Conceptualizes, researches, and develops copy for infographics.
• Develops weekly blog posts.
• Identifies new opportunities for website copy, drafting existing and new copy as needed to ensure freshness and relevance.
• Core contributor to the annual report, quarterly reports, presentations, scripts, news releases, and other materials as needed.

Outreach and Advocacy (30%)

• Leads the development of and outreach for campaign toolkits.
• Develops media kits and earned media pitches.
• Represents CNPS at chapter and partner meetings as requested to build relationships, understand communications opportunities, and socialize CNPS communications.

Who You Are... A modern and strategic communications professional

• Proven experience in strategic communications and campaigns with at least five years of experience working for an in-house or agency communications, campaign, or digital marketing team.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Stellar writing skills with a keen sensitivity to and ability to accommodate different audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience integrating the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into communications.
• Equally comfortable in both the Microsoft and Google suite environments.
• Comfortable using Google Analytics, particularly G4.
• Experience setting up and running email campaigns using automation tools.
• Comfortable with daily use of content management systems, ideally WordPress.
• Able to translate complex, sometimes esoteric information for lay audiences.
• Well-versed In Associated Press style but appreciates an Oxford comma.
• A strong team player who enjoys a fast-paced environment juggling multiple priorities under variable deadlines.
• A motivated self-starter who is adept at working remotely with a committed and caring team.

Nice to Have’s

• Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken in California preferred.
• Knowledge of or genuinely interested in CNPS, California native plants, conservation, and the nexus between people and nature.

Physical Requirements

This job requires prolonged sitting and use of computer and mouse. It may require participation in field trips on uneven trails with variable grade. These requirements are representative, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time remote position, preferably based in or near Sacramento, California, for monthly onsite meetings and relationship-building. Remote work from a location outside the Sacramento region may be considered.
• Work time is generally Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility.
• A valid California driver’s license is required.
• Periodic travel to locations throughout California will be required. Work travel is reimbursed.

What You'll Get

• An hourly rate between $36.96 and $39.83
• 100% of employee premiums for health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401K retirement plan with up to 6% matching contributions.
• Annual paid leave benefits include 13 holidays, 12 sick days, and 10 paid vacation days to start.
• A CNPS-issued laptop and a 750$ home office stipend to set up your home office.
• Internet and cell-phone stipend.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume here. Please include any pertinent information, including professional and personal experience, that is relevant to the position.

Equal Opportunity Policy

CNPS’s policy is to afford equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. This policy demonstrates CNPS's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that values different perspectives and fosters belonging. To better understand the demographic profile of applicants, CNPS requests candidates to fill out the volunteer questionnaire that is part of the application form. Your responses will remain confidential, anonymized, and not shared with the hiring committee.

*This position will remain open until filled.

About California Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit conservation organization (www.cnps.org) founded in 1965, with more than 11,000 members in 35 chapters across California and Baja California Mexico. The mission of CNPS is to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through scientific study, education, advocacy, horticulture, and land stewardship.