Outreach and Engagement Specialist

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8 Dec 2025

Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) in beautiful Southern Oregon is recruiting for an Outreach and Engagement Specialist to elevate the District’s visibility and lead innovative outreach and engagement efforts. The starting salary range is $61,111–$73,939 with generous benefits. JSWCD is headquartered in Central Point, Oregon, with easy access to all the Rogue Valley’s vibrant communities and outdoor recreation.

This position will lead public communication on natural resource issues, develop strategic outreach and marketing campaigns, and coordinate events, meetings, and community engagement activities that advance conservation in the region. We are looking for a collaborative communicator with excellent interpersonal skills who thrives working with staff, partners, and the public. The ideal candidate brings professional experience in marketing and communications, community outreach, and public engagement related to natural resources and the environment.

Applications are being accepted through January 7, 2026. For the full position description and details on how  the JSWCD website /employment-opportunities.

This position develops and implements strategies to increase public awareness of conservation issues, strengthen community partnerships, and foster participation in District programs and initiatives. The Specialist oversees the planning, design, and evaluation of District communications, outreach and educational events, and engagement campaigns. The position works collaboratively across all District programs and with numerous partner organizations to ensure consistent and effective messaging and community engagement.

This role also provides leadership in data-driven outreach, and incorporation of best practices that promote accessibility and broad community participation in JSWCD activities.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that aligns with the District’s strategic plan, expands public visibility, and ensures consistent integration of outreach efforts across all program areas.
• Communicate science‑based natural resource conservation information and practices to a wide range of audiences; develop targeted outreach campaigns to encourage and incentivize public adoption of best practices in natural resource management.
• Oversee development of all District communications materials—including annual reports, newsletters, website, social media, signage, and print and digital publications—and manage the District’s brand and public messaging across platforms.
• Serve as a face to the media for JSWCD, preparing press releases and earned media campaigns; maintain a content calendar coordinating events, campaigns, and partner communications.
• Ensure District communications and outreach platforms meet accessibility and public meeting requirements.
• Plan, lead, and support District and partner events—including workshops, tours, the JSWCD annual meeting, and other events.
• Lead all aspects of the Southern Oregon Regional Envirothon (SORE).
• Develop and lead a volunteer engagement program providing regular opportunities for youth and/or adults to contribute to JSWCD and partner conservation efforts.
• Manage the Community Conservation & Education Grant Program, including outreach, coordination with applicants, and leading the review and grant management process.
• Build and sustain partnerships with agencies, watershed councils, schools, and community organizations; represent the District on local and statewide initiatives; and collaborate with staff and partners to develop coordinated outreach strategies and shared messaging.
• Ensure outreach strategies are inclusive and accessible by identifying and reducing barriers to participation and incorporating culturally responsive and language‑accessible communication practices.
• Design and implement systems to collect, analyze, and report engagement and communications data, including surveys, performance metrics, and outreach databases, to…