Communications Coordinator

Communications Coordinator Job Description

Who We Are

Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) was founded in 2016 with the mission of driving a resilient and environmentally equitable New Orleans through reforesting the city. SOUL engages community volunteers to plant trees and has installed over 4,600 trees throughout its five planting seasons. The goal is for trees to act as natural systems and infrastructure to mitigate flooding, reduce air pollution and temperatures, improve community health, and provide beauty and shade.  SOUL is in a period of strong growth and operates with an entrepreneurial mindset.  The work is tangible, rewarding, often challenging, and requires excellent interpersonal skills.

Position Description

The Communications Coordinator is a full-time salaried position.  Duties include communications, volunteer base expansion and management, and community outreach. During the planting off-season, April-October, 80-90% work occurs in an office setting. During planting season, October-March, approximately 50% of the work week occurs outside in the field. The position requires unloading and organizing trees in the field, and applicants should be able to lift thirty pounds.

Tasks

Communications

  • Develop and implement communications plans
  • Promote tree plantings and other SOUL events
  • Create printed and online collateral that supports tree planting and maintenance events and the organization at large
  • Manage social media presence and website

Volunteer Coordination

  • Design and implement the expansion of the local volunteer base of individuals
  • Design, launch and oversee a volunteer program that targets corporations and visiting groups—conventions, trade groups, etc.
  • Recruit and coordinate volunteers for planting, maintenance and mapping events
  • Create logistics packages for volunteers to use at planting and maintenance events for corporate/visiting groups
  • Coordinate volunteers in the field
  • Acknowledge volunteers and sponsors following events

Development 

  • Collaborate on grant writing
  • Support giving campaigns and Fall Treequinox Fundraiser
  • Identify development opportunities

Community Outreach

  • Represent SOUL at community meetings and events

The Communications Coordinator will work closely with the Data and Volunteer Coordinator and Program Coordinator in accomplishing their goals.

Reporting

The Communications Coordinator reports to the Executive Director.

Time Commitments 

Planting season (October-March) hours are 5 days per week, including Saturday. Off-season (April-September) Monday through Friday. If a sixth day is worked, a weekday may be flexed. The Communications Coordinator must be available for all planting and maintenance events and willing to adjust their schedule to accommodate events.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Valid Louisiana driver’s license and clean driving record are required
  • Ability to juggle a portfolio of projects in various stages of development
  • Outstanding organizational abilities, including scheduling, event planning, logistics, etc.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, willing to pitch in across the board, flexible, adaptable
  • Ability to take direction
  • Cool under pressure, good conflict resolution skill
  • Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
  • Appreciation of quality visual design is a plus
  • Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work flexible hours based on changing needs and weather conditions
  • Desire to be a part of a fast-paced and rapidly growing non-profit organization
  • Interest in and passion for environmental sustainability
  • College degree is required in a comparable field

Work Schedule and Compensation

The Communications Coordinator position salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits and generous vacation are included. 

How to Apply

Send an email that includes a resume and cover letter to Susannah Burley at work@soulnola.org.