Content Coordinator, Alliance for the Great Lakes

Summary

Creative, compelling storytelling is at the heart of this position. The Content Coordinator (Coordinator) translates complex policy, scientific knowledge and personal narratives into copy that compels new and existing Alliance constituents to action. S/he is a nimble writer who can quickly adapt copy to a variety of digital and print uses and a range of audiences. S/he is a curious writer, interested in finding new story angles and learning about a wide range of issues every day. The Coordinator is on the front lines of reaching tens of thousands of people with the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ protection agenda every day.

In addition to creating a wide range of copy for everything from email and webpages to fact sheets and press releases, the Coordinator leads the development and production of the Alliance’s quarterly newsletter, Watermarks. S/he also assists with media relations and manages the Alliance’s media database and photo library. S/he serves as an editor, assisting with quality control for the organization’s communications.

The Coordinator is a core member of the Alliance’s Engagement Team and will work closely with staff throughout the organization with an emphasis on policy and advocacy campaigns. S/he is able to create quality copy quickly while juggling multiple assignments simultaneously.
The Content Coordinator reports to the Vice President, Communications and Engagement.
The Alliance for the Great Lakes sets a protection agenda for the Great Lakes, a resource of global significance and the world’s largest source of surface freshwater. The Alliance seeks to protect the Great Lakes from their greatest threats, build a resilient future for communities and instill the value of clean water throughout the region. The Alliance is a four-star Charity Navigator organization. Learn more about the Alliance at www.greatlakes.org.

Responsibilities
• Drafts and edits compelling content primarily for the Alliance’s advocacy and constituent engagement campaigns including but not limited to emails, web copy, fact sheets, press releases, etc. Adapts content for a variety of uses and audiences.

• Manages production of the Alliance’s quarterly newsletter, Watermarks, including content development and selection of images/graphics. Manages newsletter production process and budget.
  
• Partners with Vice President for Communications and Engagement, Vice President for Policy, and other staff in the development of campaign strategy for advocacy and other Alliance campaigns.
  
• Provides proofreading and copy-editing for written materials and acts as a quality control point for the organization’s communications.
  
• Deploys content including building web pages, emails, etc.
  
• Manages the Alliance’s media database and photo library.
  
• Monitors key external outlets that cover relevant topics, as well as internal press releases, blog posts, field updates, etc. to identify and follow up on opportunities for Alliance story angles.
  
• Software knowledge: Microsoft Office Suite
  
  Knowledge/Skills
  
  • Bachelor's degree is required. Communications, English, marketing, or journalism degree preferred.
    
  • At least 3 years relevant work experience in cause-based marketing, non-profit communications or political/issue organizing with a focus on content development for multiple audiences and platforms.
    
  • Proven experience developing compelling content that relays complex policy or scientific issues that compels audiences to action.
    
  • Proven experience writing for advocacy, political, advertising or marketing campaigns, including tailoring content to motivate specific audiences.
    
  • Superior writing, editing and grammatical skills.
    
  • Demonstrated ability work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and
    work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
    
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
    
  • Impeccable attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities.
    
  • Commitment to mission-drive public interest work. 2
    

• Available when needed for urgent breaking news situations or other media events, possibly on nights or weekends.
  
• Environmental, particularly Great Lakes or water-focused, experience or background helpful. 
  
  Job Parameters
  
  • This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. Salary to be commensurate with experience.
    
  • Excellent benefits, including health, vacation and retirement plan, are included.
    
  • The strong preference is for this position to be located in Chicago, with occasional travel
    around the Great Lakes region.
    
    
    Application Process
    Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and 3 short writing samples or a link to an online portfolio to: hr@greatlakes.org. Include job title in the subject line.
    Applications will be accepted until November 18, 2016 or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials and further guidance and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. 
    
    No phone inquiries please.
    
    About the Alliance for the Great Lakes
    The Alliance for the Great Lakes is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The search process will reinforce the Alliance’s belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.
    The Alliance’s vision is a healthy Great Lakes for people and wildlife, forever. Its mission is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife. For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.