Communications Manager

Nashville Public Radio; Canada; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

An established environmental nonprofit in Seattle is seeking a Communications Manager to develop and execute strategic communications aimed at enhancing the organization's visibility and engaging diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate holds 3-5 years of experience in communications or related fields, demonstrating excellent writing and storytelling abilities. Responsibilities include managing internal and external communications, social media oversight, and developing marketing plans. The role offers a competitive salary of $60,000–$66,000 per year, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Medical and dental insurance

Retirement plan with matching

Accrued vacation days

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience developing integrated marketing communications.
• Ability to collaborate in a small team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications strategies to advance organization’s mission.
• Enhance visibility and engage stakeholders through messaging.
• Manage internal and external communication efforts across platforms.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing skills

Storytelling abilities

Knowledge of digital communications

Research skills

Tools

Canva

EveryAction

WordPress

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Communications Manager

Employee Summary: Full time (40 hrs/week), hourly, non-exempt position

Type: Hybrid, with regular on-site work in downtown Seattle

Reports to: Development Director and Conservation Director

Position Summary

The role of the Communications Manager is to develop and execute communications strategies that advance Birds Connect Seattle's mission and conservation goals. The Communications Manager will enhance the organization’s visibility and engage stakeholders including staff, volunteers, members, partners, and the public. This position manages internal and external communication efforts, ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms to maximize impact and support for our work.

Who You Are

You are passionate about nature and want to make a difference in the nonprofit world through storytelling, knowledge sharing, and promotion of mission-focused programs.

Who We Are

Founded in 1916, Birds Connect Seattle (formerly Seattle Audubon) is one of the oldest environmental nonprofit organizations in the region. We envision cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat. Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment, and we believe that equity and inclusion are necessary to achieve our mission to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive. Birds Connect Seattle relocated to Downtown Seattle in July of 2026 and is launching into the next chapter of our organization’s history and local impact.

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Development Director, Conservation Director, program team members, and in consultation with identified volunteers, the Communications Manager maintains the organization’s digital and print communications channels and overall organizational marketing including:

Program Communications (50%)

• Programs: Work with program team staff to develop communications plans for recurring annual events and programs or new initiatives to effectively reach intended audiences. Support program team members with communications strategy and logistics, including sending emails, writing and editing blogs and social media posts, graphic design, developing message strategy, crafting talking points, writing and circulating press releases, and designing other print materials.
• Email communications: Gather and edit stories and event announcements for circulation in Birds Connect Seattle’s monthly e-newsletter, Volunteer View e-newsletter, Retail newsletter, Conservation newsletter, special events, advocacy, and other program communications.
• Storytelling: Identify, source, or write content; collect or take photos and videos; and/or edit engaging stories relevant to our audiences and demonstrating impact of our mission and programs.
• Advocacy support: Develop physical and digital advocacy assets, including advocacy postcards, other print collateral, and digital forms.
• Photo and Video Assets: Source and organize photos and videos of birds and programming for use across communications platforms.

Marketing and Advertising (20%)

• Strategy: Develop and implement a communications plan to expand the organization’s visitor engagement, community profile, and revenue goals.
• Outreach: Develop outreach materials to reach new audiences interested in program participation.
• Networking: Attend events to build knowledge of Birds Connect Seattle within the community and engage new audiences and deepen partnerships.
• Advertising partnerships: Negotiate and manage paid advertising partnerships with Birds Connect Seattle.

Website (10%)

• Content: Maintain the organization’s home page to reflect current stories, activities, and calls to action. Support staff with keeping page content updated.
• Technical maintenance and oversight: Ensure the website functions properly, follow current trends and best practices, and adopt recommendations from external consultants.

Social Media (10%)

• Social media: Build and manage Birds Connect Seattle’s online communities (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to support engagement with diverse audiences. Prioritize conversion of followers to program participation.

Administrative (10%)

• Branding: Uphold brand standards across all channels.
• Budget: Track and develop the communication program budget.
• Media relations: Maintain media contact list, secure press coverage, and respond to media inquiries.
• Technology: Stay up to date on trends affecting communications platforms and recommend changes for implementation.
• Calendar: Maintain an organizational calendar of recurring and one-off communications campaigns.
• Reporting: Maintain a dashboard of communications metrics to identify trends and prioritize activities with the highest return.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field, with a focus on integrated marketing communications.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong knowledge of digital, print, and social media communications across different audiences.
• Experience developing and implementing multi-faceted communications and marketing plans.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in a small team environment.
• Ability to find and tell stories that uplift the organization’s mission and programs.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• Experience using Canva, EveryAction, or WordPress a plus.
• Direct management experience highly desirable.
• Previous nonprofit experience highly desirable.

Salary & Benefits

The expected pay range for this position is $29-32/hour ($60,000–66,000 per year at 40 hours per week), commensurate with experience. We offer a competitive benefits package, including ORCA card, medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan with 3% matching (after one year), up to 14 accrued vacation days in first year, 13 annual holidays, compassionate bereavement leave, and up to 24 days of qualified sick time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Birds Connect Seattle is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or gender expression, color, creed, national origin, age, political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

How to apply

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, at least two prior job references and resume as one combined electronic PDF file to [e-mail] with Communications Manager in the subject line, or mail paper versions to Birds Connect Seattle, 616 Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98101. No phone calls. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority review before February 12, 2026, and the position remains open until filled. Anticipated start date of mid-March.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+, and other applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.