Associate, Communications

Audubon; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon is seeking a Communications Associate to support the South Carolina team by elevating our mission and programs through web, social media, newsletters and events. The role reports to the Senior Communications Manager and focuses on day‑to‑day communications, earned media, and content creation across channels.

Based in Columbia, SC with a hybrid schedule, the ideal candidate will have 1–2 years of PR or communications experience, strong writing skills, and proficiency with digital media

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in journalism, communications, marketing, political science, environmental studies or other relevant areas of focus.
• 1-2 years of professional experience with public relations, brand management, writing, editing, campaign organizing, project management and/or advocacy preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills a must; ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups across a decentralized organization is also necessary.
• Excellent English language writing skills, spelling, and grammar with a knack for online communications and messaging required.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Communications Manager in developing annual communications work plans.
• Produce and manage storytelling across newsletters, blogs, social media, and materials.
• Produce and manage video and photo coverage of programs.
• Secure local earned media and maintain media lists.
• Support outreach and advocacy campaigns using EveryAction and Mobilize.
• Coordinate and document special and annual events with outreach and media coverage.
• Track metrics across channels and prepare regular reports.
• Prepare materials for community and campus chapters to amplify advocacy outcomes.
• Support philanthropy culture and public funding efforts.
• Maintain culture of safety.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent English writing

Microsoft Office proficiency

Digital platforms (WordPress, social)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, marketing, political science, environmental studies or other relevant areas

Tools

WordPress

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

EveryAction

Mobilize

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The Communications Associate will contribute to Audubon’s team in South Carolina by supporting general communications and community building efforts, helping raise awareness of our mission, programs and places across the state while educating and activating key audiences in support of our conservation and policy priorities. Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager and other staff, the Communications Associate will oversee day-to-day communications activities, supporting earned media efforts as well as the creation and distribution of content across web, social media, email, and other owned and paid channels.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of Audubon's offices and centers in Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Audubon Silver Bluff Sanctuary in Jackson, SC or Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Beidler Forest in Harleyville, SC.

Compensation

$27.00 - $29.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Support Senior Communications Manager in the development of annual communications work plans for Audubon’s team in South Carolina. Serve as primary implementer of day-to-day communications, working with leadership team to broaden Audubon’s visibility and reach.
• Work with program staff to proactively gather stories of our conservation and policy work and lead the production of consistent, high-quality storytelling that amplifies these stories via newsletters, blogs, social media, and other channels and promotional materials.
• Produce and/or manage video and photo coverage of programs when appropriate.
• Assist in securing local earned media for initiatives for Audubon's work/initiatives in SC. Manage media lists and develop relationships with reporters.
• Support policy and community building staff with outreach and advocacy campaigns, leveraging tools like EveryAction and Mobilize to engage and grow membership.
• Support the coordination, execution and documentation of special and annual events, including outreach and media coverage.
• Track metrics and analytics across our channels, including earned media, social media and website, and develop regular reports for staff highlighting trends.
• Preparing materials for our community and campus chapter use to amplify our advocacy and conservation outcomes.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required in journalism, communications, marketing, political science, environmental studies or other relevant areas of focus.
• 1-2 years of professional experience with public relations, brand management, writing, editing, campaign organizing, project management and/or advocacy preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills a must; ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups across a decentralized organization is also necessary.
• Excellent English language writing skills, spelling, and grammar with a knack for online communications and messaging required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and obvious ability to easily learn how to use tools to manage online communications tools.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing inclusion and belonging.
• Strong proficiency in a wide range of digital platforms and programs, including Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, EveryAction, Mobilize or similar email management system.
• Photography, sound and video recording and editing capabilities are a plus; experience in the nonprofit sector on issues related to conservation; knowledge of South Carolina and its people/geography/history/environment.
• Must be willing to travel, as well as commit to some evening and weekend work as needed.
• Must have reliable transportation and/or a valid driver’s license.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies

This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Building Relationships

Establish and nurture meaningful connections and trust with others while fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect.

Problem Solving

Find effective solutions to challenges and support decision-making by drawing on critical thinking, creativity, and systematic approaches.

Accountability

Be reliable and trustworthy in fulfilling commitments while recognizing inequities that may impact the ability of others to fulfill responsibilities effectively.

Supporting Change

Adapt to changes and modify behavior in response to new information or unexpected obstacles while considering the diverse needs of others.

Critical Thinking

Take an active approach to analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information or situations objectively and logically to make informed decisions or judgments.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.