The Communications Associate is responsible for working with the Communications team to implement communications and outreach strategies that: elevate the visibility of MEIC’s work; strategically advance MEIC’s program advocacy and goals; and increase our movement of grassroots supporters.
Reports To: Communications and Engagement Director
Type: This is a full-time, temporary position for one year, with high likelihood that the position would become permanent after successful job performance during the first year and depending on funding.
Travel: Some in-state, and overnight travel.
Location: Helena is preferred. Missoula is a possibility. Montana-based remote work may be considered for an exceptional candidate.
Compensation: $60,000/year, depending on experience. MEIC offers a competitive benefits package that includes: summer four-day work week, paid vacation and holiday leave, sick and family leave, parental leave, and health insurance. Additionally, retirement account contributions begin immediately, and three-month sabbatical leave is available after five years of employment.
To Apply
Please combine a cover letter, a resume, two content samples of different media (these must include written materials and may include audio, video, or graphic design material), and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to jobs@meic.org. We will begin reviewing applications on April 23. The start date is ideally in late May.
Job Activities:
Communications and outreach
- Work with the Communications team to ensure a robust and well-rounded external communications strategy.
- Develop and help manage content for websites, email communications, new media platforms, and additional communications avenues. Posting and scheduling content and monitoring analytics to manage adaptively.
- Grow and engage MEIC’s active online network of members, partners, and supporters.
- Work with other staff to convert MEIC event attendees and online followers into donors.
- Support staff in planning, creating, and promoting MEIC webinars and events.
- Assist with writing, editing, and designing MEIC’s quarterly magazine, fundraising appeals, and other printed materials.
- Maintain and manage media coverage and media contacts list. Develop relationships with reporters and media managers.
- Create, edit, and disseminate materials for news media, including press releases, media statements, and opinion pieces.
- Organize, manage, and support press calls and other press events as necessary.
- Participate in the development of communications strategies that embed MEIC’s equity and justice values into our outreach.
- During legislative sessions, create and disseminate newsletters and action alerts. Support outreach and education activities for members and supporters, including assistance with event organizing and member engagement.
- Work with partners and community members to write, edit, and submit opinion pieces to the media, including letters to the editor and opinion editorials.
- Other program organizing and communication tasks as needed.
Fundraising and organizational development
- Help edit fundraising appeals and donation acknowledgement letters, as needed.
- Serve on board/staff committees.
- Assist in the editing of grant applications and reports.
- Assist with maintaining MEIC’s donor database, as needed.
- Perform miscellaneous duties as needed.
Preferred Knowledge, Competencies, & Skills:
- Two years of experience in communications and outreach work with some background in grassroots community organizing and fundraising preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in a field related to duties or comparable experience.
- Excellent communication skills with a strong storytelling ability. Capacity to translate technical policy into accessible, engaging language.
- Experience in message development, editing, writing, designing, and disseminating communications materials – both online and in print – for different audiences and purposes including education, advocacy, and fundraising.
- Experience with some or all of the following programs and platforms (or equivalent competencies) is preferred: Mailchimp, Substack, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite (such as InDesign, Premiere, Audition, and Photoshop) or comparable image/audio/video editing tools, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, social media (BlueSky, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram).
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and justice and an understanding of how these values intersect with environmental issues.
- Awareness of Montana’s political landscape, especially as it pertains to environmental issues and policies.
- Social and emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Experience in the rapidly changing world of media, including new media and multimedia platforms and technologies.
To Apply
Please combine a cover letter, a resume, two content samples of different media (these may include written, audio, or graphic design material), and at least three references into a single PDF and email it to jobs@meic.org. We will begin reviewing applications on April 1. The start date is ideally May 15.
About MEIC:
Based out of Helena, MEIC is a member-supported, cutting-edge statewide environmental organization. MEIC works to protect and improve the quality of life for the people of Montana by defending the land, air, and water of this state. MEIC advocates for, educates, and empowers people working toward our Constitutional right to “a clean and healthful environment.”
A core value of MEIC is creation of a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and humane workplace. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and fast-paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities. MEIC is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage people of color, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized community members to apply.
