Communications Coordinator

CNE; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation time

Personal time

Sick time

Job summary

The Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, VA is seeking a Communications Coordinator to shape and share our conservation stories. You’ll develop content for the website, newsletters, social media, and press materials, collaborating with the Director of Outreach and other teams to expand reach and donor engagement.

Requirements include a high school diploma, at least one year in communications related to wildlife or the environment, strong writing and editing skills, and a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• At least one year of Communications experience in wildlife, environment, or related field.
• Commitment to wildlife, conservation, and environment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Ability to maintain consistent organizational messaging across platforms.
• Ability to adapt communication for different audiences and platforms.
• Experience with social media platforms, audience engagement, and digital communication best practices.
• Strong computer proficiency; experience with website management is a plus.
• Professional appearance and demeanor for public and donor interactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage communications content in alignment with the Center’s Strategic Communications Plan.
• Coordinate development and publication of stories about the Center’s work, patients, programs, and impact.
• Manage website content, including formatting, publishing, and maintaining a diverse range of mission-driven content.
• Create and schedule social media content while staying informed on evolving social media trends and best practices.
• Monitor website engagement metrics to assess content performance and identify trends.
• Conduct regular website audits and content reviews to ensure information remains current.
• Organize and maintain photo and video assets to support storytelling and publications.
• Write and distribute monthly newsletters and Caring for Critters updates to engage supporters and donors.
• Coordinate the production of video content, as needed.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media materials to increase awareness of the Center’s work.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts to boost media presence.
• Capture and organize photo, video, and b‑roll assets for outreach and communications.
• Participate in outreach activities and mentor externs and students.
• Support Center events including donor cultivation events, the Annual Gala, and the Call of the Wild Conference.

Skills

Strong communication

Writing

Editing

Time management

Social media skills

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or communications

Tools

Video editing software

Graphic design software

Website management tools

Job description

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine, located in Waynesboro, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Center’s mission is to “teach the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment.” Since its founding in 1982, the Center has cared for more than 100,000 wild animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The current annual caseload averages about 4,600 patients.

The Wildlife Center has a professional staff of about 30 individuals who work together in the veterinary, outreach, operations, and advancement departments. While each of these departments carries out different functions, all staff work closely together as a team to support one another and the Center’s overall mission.

Position Description
The Communications Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Wildlife Center by helping teach the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment. Working closely with the Director of Outreach and other departments, the Communications Coordinator develops and manages a wide range of content that highlights the Center’s work, including website stories, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, and photo and video assets. Through compelling storytelling and audience engagement, the Communications Coordinator helps grow the Center’s reach and strengthen connections with supporters and the public.

Job Duties

Duties and Responsibilities (training provided)

Content Creation and Management

• Develop and manage communications content in alignment with the Center’s Strategic Communications Plan.
• Coordinate the development and publication of stories that highlight the Center’s work, patients, programs, and impact.
• Manage website content, including formatting, publishing, and maintaining a diverse range of mission-driven content.
• Create and schedule social media content while staying informed on evolving social media trends, audience engagement strategies, and best practices.
• Monitor website and digital engagement metrics to assess content performance and identify trends.
• Conduct regular website audits and content reviews to ensure information remains current and accurate.
• Organize and maintain photo and video assets to support storytelling, publications, and efficient internal use.
• Write and distribute monthly newsletters and Caring for Critters updates to engage supporters, donors, and the public.
• Coordinate the production of video content, as needed.

Public Relations and Media Outreach

• Under the guidance of the Director of Outreach, draft and distribute press releases and media materials to increase awareness of the Wildlife Center’s work.
• Assist with time-sensitive communications needs and media requests, as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts to increase the Center’s media presence.
• Capture and organize photo, video, and b-roll assets for use in media outreach and communications efforts.

Outreach Engagement

• Participate in outreach activities, including the online moderated discussion, assisting with Center tours, and contributing to professional training programs.
• Contribute to the training and mentorship of outreach externs and students, as opportunities arise.
• Support Center events and outreach initiatives, including donor cultivation events, the Annual Gala, and the Call of the Wild Conference.
• Assist with additional communications and outreach projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• At least one year of Communications experience in the wildlife, environmental, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Commitment to wildlife, conservation, and the environment
• Valid driver’s license
• Strong communication, writing, and editing skills
• Ability to maintain consistent organizational messaging and voice across communication platforms.
• Ability to adapt communication style for different audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with social media platforms, audience engagement, and digital communication best practices.
• Strong computer proficiency; experience with website management is a plus
• Strong judgment and professionalism when representing the organization publicly and online.
• Comfort working with photography, digital media, and visual storytelling.
• Creativity and enthusiasm for engaging diverse audiences through storytelling and digital communication.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Meticulous attention to detail, with strong organization skills
• Ability to work calmly under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Self‑motivated, flexible, and adaptable, with strong time management skills and a willingness to take on new responsibilities
• Professional appearance and demeanor for both workplace and donor interactions.
• Ability to sit or stand at a computer for long periods of time

Skills Required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences or communications
• Basic video editing and graphic design skills

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

• The starting pay for this position is $20/hour. We’re committed to fair compensation and are open to adjusting the rate for candidates with advanced skills or experience. The work week will be 8-hour days, Monday through Friday. Occasional weekend work and travel required for special events, in-person or online. Ability for occasional teleworking, though a strong in-person presence is required.
• 80 hours of vacation time per year
• 48 hours of personal time per year
• 48 hours of sick time per year
• 50% health insurance coverage through a group plan

Additional Info

Application Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Writing Sample
• Three references

For further inquiries, please contact:
Connor Gillespie
Director of Outreach and Education
Wildlife Center of Virginia
PO Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980
[e-mail]

No phone calls, please. Center phone lines are best kept open for wildlife emergencies.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV) is an equal opportunity employer. WCV will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical condition), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, citizenship, or any other class protected by applicable law. We reserve the right to alter, change, modify, and/or terminate this job posting at any time without notice or obligation to any party