Communications & Development Associate
Position Summary
The Communications & Development Associate is pivotal in advancing the Minnesota Land Trust’s mission by engaging supporters, amplifying our impact, and sharing compelling conservation stories. This role encompasses social media management, content creation, email communications, and donor engagement. The ideal candidate is a proactive storyteller with a passion for conservation, adept in writing, visual content creation, and experienced in managing digital communication platforms.
Key Responsibilities
1. Social Media Management (20%)
- Develop and implement a content calendar to support the Land Trust’s goals across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
- Create engaging organic posts, including writing captions, designing graphics, and scheduling content that complement and support our paid social ad campaigns.
- Monitor engagement, respond to comments/messages, and foster online community growth.
- Track and analyze performance metrics, adjusting strategies to maximize reach and impact.
2. Story Gathering & Content Creation (30%)
- Collaborate with program staff to uncover and document compelling conservation stories, including conducting on-site visits to capture firsthand accounts, interviews, and visual content from the field.
- Write engaging web posts, impact stories, and field updates that highlight the Land Trust’s mission.
- Capture and edit photography and video content to support storytelling and engagement efforts.
- Manage an organized library of creative assets for use across communications and development campaigns.
3. Email & Digital Communications (30%)
- Draft and design email newsletters, donor updates, and other digital communications.
- Manage email campaign scheduling, audience segmentation, and list maintenance.
- Collaborate with the development team to create donor stewardship emails and fundraising appeals.
- Monitor email performance metrics and optimize content for engagement and conversions.
4. Development & Event Support (20%)
- Serve as back-up support for data entry, core CRM functionality, and preparing thank-you letters during high-volume periods, ensuring accurate donor records and timely donor acknowledgment.
- Assist with CRM data maintenance and clean-up projects, following detailed specifications to improve database accuracy and efficiency.
- Assist with the execution of Minnesota Land Trust events, including the gala and donor stewardship events, by coordinating logistics and providing administrative support.
- Help create and maintain branded materials and inventory for Minnesota Land Trust staff at public events.
Qualifications & Skills
- 2+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with an eye for compelling narratives.
- Proficiency driving engagement on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and familiarity with other popular social media platforms (BlueSky, TikTok, etc.). Experience with Meta Business suite and Meta ads a plus.
- Photography and video production and editing skills.
- Familiarity with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar).
- Familiarity with AI tools is a plus, particularly for streamlining workflows, supporting research, and enhancing communication materials.
- Experience and demonstrated skill using design platforms, especially Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of conservation, environmental issues, or nonprofit communications is a plus.
Location: Saint Paul, MN with potential for hybrid schedule.
Wage Range: $25-27/hour, full-time, non-exempt
Benefits: For regular, full-time employees, Minnesota Land Trust offers generous time off, 100% employer-paid medical insurance, 401(K) plan with match available, and more.
To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to apply@mnland.org by April 27, 2025.
