Community Relations Contractor

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

We are seeking an individual for contracted work in the position of Community Relations Contractor within the Communications department. The contracted position will be responsible for implementing and organizing a “speakers bureau” for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The contractor will be responsible for expanding relationships with community members, groups, organizations and stakeholders to help share resources, partner and raise awareness about WPC’s work.

This role requires an understanding of conservation and a commitment to WPC’s conservation projects and programs, as well as the ability to align these initiatives with community needs and priorities. The contractor may also be asked to represent WPC at community events and meetings to give presentations, so excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to community engagement are required.

This person will report to the senior director of communications and community outreach.

• Assesses public outreach and community engagement requests to determine if a WPC presence is warranted for community events, tabling efforts and presentations.
• Assesses public outreach and public engagement requests to strategically target community relations opportunities across the region.
• Creates and manages a volunteer and staff expert list for a WPC “speakers bureau” to help optimize, maximize and leverage community tabling and outreach opportunities.
• Takes photos and videos, and writes social media posts related to community engagement activities for the WPC “speaker bureau” for social media content.
• Helps to add, monitor and maintain community outreach materials request log. Helps gather materials and resources upon request.
• Provides quarterly reports and analyses of community engagement and outreach opportunities, strategies and progress.
• This position requires travel by the contractor in his/her/their own vehicle.

• Associate’s degree in community relations, public relations, mass communications or related field, or equivalent work experience
• At least three years of direct experience in a community outreach or community relations role
• Experience with speaking to groups and giving presentations
• Experience with implementing community engagement strategies and efforts
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail skills
• Experience working in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities with flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to handle information discreetly and confidentially
  
  Must present a professional demeanor and appearance
• PA Driver’s License

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time (4 or more hours)
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Twisting
• Utilizing keyboarding and fine motor skills

Prior experience in a nonprofit organization

Strong communication skills, including writing, presenting and speaking

Proficiency in photography and videography

This is a contracted position for up to 20 hours per week through December 31, 2026.

This contracted position pays $32 per hour, for up to a maximum of $9,000.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.