Communications Specialist

Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) seeks an experienced communications specialist to help implement a sophisticated and multi-level communications strategy. As a member of BRI’s communications team, this person will assist in the development of timely and relevant collateral materials that promote the organization’s mission, build and maintain strong media relations, and help maintain our extensive website.

Dedicated to assessing emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, BRI has 15 years of experience using scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. BRI receives governmental (federal, state, and local), foundation, and industry funding to perform scientific research throughout the continental United States and abroad.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:

Produce content for multiple audiences:

• Contribute content for a wide range of collateral materials including scientific communications pieces, brochures, flyers, website, blogs, social media posts, and press releases.
• Review, proofread, and edit drafts completed by others.
• Contribute content to BRI’s social media outlets and assist communications and outreach directors with targeted tactics/feeds.
• Manage content, production, and distribution of BRI’s quarterly newsletter.
• Assist in the ongoing maintenance of BRI’s website content.
• Assist with multimedia and video production.

Maintain BRI’s photo library:

• Assist in maintaining and updating an extensive photo catalogue.
• Respond to both internal and external requests for photographs.

Help coordinate media relations:

• Working with the communications director, help coordinate a regional, national, and international PR strategy to support BRI’s mission.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and pitch pieces to support our PR strategy.
• Identify and cultivate ongoing relationships with key media contacts.
• Monitor and organize news clips about BRI.

Key Qualifications Required:

BRI seeks talented, dedicated people who are passionate about the work they do and the environment they live in. For this position we seek to hire a highly motivated individual who has demonstrated a capacity to think creatively and strategically about communications.

The following mix of skills and experiences are required:

• Three years relevant work experience.
• Proven writing ability (provide writing samples that demonstrate the ability to understand and synthesize complex scientific or technical information and translate for a broad audience).
• Strong proofreading and editing skills.
• Ability to work in a creative team environment; possesses a collaborative nature.
• Working knowledge of a range of social media tools and strategies for effective use.
• Solid computer skills (Mac platform), including word processing, spreadsheets, content management systems, and desktop publishing (working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Lightroom, and video editing software a plus).
• Multimedia production experience.
• Self-starter with excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage priorities and accomplish multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with limited resources and staff support.

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and must demonstrate a genuine interest in supporting BRI’s mission and a strong desire to be part of a nonprofit work environment that supports wildlife conservation. This position is based at BRI’s main office in the Greater Portland area. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. For more information about BRI, visit: www.briloon.org.

Hours/Schedule: This is a full-time, regular position

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and two writing samples electronically to jobs@briloon.org by August 1, 2014.

Or by mail to:

Bridget Bowden
Biodiversity Research Institute
652 Main St.
Gorham, ME 04038

Biodiversity Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V