Communications Officer, Academy of Rescue & Conservation
Job Category : Communications
Requisition Number : COMMU001284
This is a Part-Time Fixed Term Contract position approved through June 30, 2025.
This position will serve as the Communications point-of-contact for all internal and external inquiries (Program, project, Comms, Development, partners, and media) as it relates to IFAW's new Academy of Rescue & Conservation (ARC).
We are looking for a multi-channel communication specialist with a proven record of accomplishment in story mining, creative storytelling, as well as excellent writing, website, and photo/video content creation skills. The candidate has a keen interest in hosting and facilitating on-site events, frequently representing the organization, and elevating IFAW experts to an external audience. The post-holder will champion these activities through the overarching IFAW goals of brand awareness, fundraising, and thought leadership.
This role will collaborate with creative teams, communications, and digital officers across the globe to conceptualize, strategize, write, and execute global and in-market campaigns and initiatives—working closely with Program and Project leads. The candidate enjoys fostering long-term relationships with media, peers, and partners across the local northeast U.S. region and beyond. They are a self-motivated problem solver who knows how to get things done and works well under pressure.
Role and Responsibilities
* Support IFAW’s ARC activities in meeting specific brand awareness and fundraising objectives. Inform communication plans for ARC’s education objectives and enable global colleagues to drive interest in IFAW’s educational and training initiatives.
* Demonstrate proactive ideation and follow-through, engaging across the organization as a trusted single point of contact for the most accurate/current Program information.
* Excel at story mining, creative writing, and photo/video content production with the goal of identifying and engaging a variety of audiences through IFAW’s communication channels:
o Owned media: Social channels, blogs, website, thought leadership. Test and drive new story and content tactics to inform and evolve IFAW’s overall marketing strategy.
o Earned media: Journalists, influencers, content partnerships. Demonstrate confidence in hosting and facilitating journalist visits and handling media inquiries professionally.
* In partnership with IFAW’s managing editor and web manager, manage and proactively lead content creation and updates to ARC’s website properties.
* In partnership with IFAW’s asset manager and video producer, create a distinct visual identity for each course through image choice, customized presentations, and promotional materials.
* Develop multimedia content including video, image, and audio production, field and studio recordings, and web content development.
* Record, edit, and encode audio and video files.
* Ensure copyright and required attributions are designated on all media and coursework.
* Manage and convert inaccessible material into accessible versions for learners with disabilities.
* Stay abreast of continually shifting cultural, market, digital, and social trends with the ability to apply and communicate them as strategic recommendations.
* Draft key messaging and positioning for the ARC program that reflects IFAW’s values and mission toward animal rescue and conservation.
* Assume strong brand ownership, facilitating merchandise and collateral that fosters awareness and recognition among supporters.
* Ability and willingness to travel internationally.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, public relations, marketing, or related subjects preferred.
* 5+ years of professional experience with an emphasis in cross-channel, digital, and integrated marketing.
* Excellent story mining, storytelling, and writing skills.
* Ability to multitask and work on several projects simultaneously.
* Comfort with brand, media, and performance analytics.
* Ability to be a visual storyteller; build decks that flow and tell a clear, concise story.
* Strong creative writing skills with the ability to distill complexities to any audience.
* Interest in the creation of website and training/educational materials.
* Ability to present in a compelling, confident manner, leading ideation and collaboration sessions.
* Experience and confidence in hosting journalists and managing media requests.
* Real passion for new ideas and innovation.
* Ability to assess ideas for their distinctiveness, relevance, and effectiveness.
* Build and deliver well-communicated stories from a variety of inputs.
* Contribute research, development, and thought leadership within our industry.
At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Hiring range is $32,500-$42,500 for 20 hours/week.
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