Communications Specialist; Contractor

mParks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) is a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Lansing, Michigan. mParks serves as the voice of Michigan's parks and recreation on the local, state, and national levels. The association serves more than 2,500 members across the State of Michiga

mParks is dedicated to proving that parks and recreation matter; they enhance quality of life and significantly boost our economy. mParks offers advocacy, resources, and professional development opportunities to a committed and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors, and advocates.

WE ADVOCATE | mParks shares the value of parks and recreation by engaging with the government, foundations, media, and other entities. We share the story of parks and recreation to ensure adequate funding and public support, so we can continue providing value to Michigan residents and visitors.

WE TEACH | mParks creates programs that educate and inform key audiences (within the parks and recreation community and for communities they serve) about conservation, health and wellness, and other issues vital to parks and recreation in Michigan.

WE INSPIRE | It is easy to forget how good playing and getting outdoors feel. mParks helps remind people of the freedom, adventure, and joy of parks and recreation through public outreach and events. We invite all ages to get active, have fun, and foster a connection with the outdoor world.

WE UNITE | mParks strives to create a park and recreation industry that serves as the foundation of communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Association and for the people we serve.

mParks is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Communications Specialist to support the organization’s member communications, storytelling, and digital content efforts.

A primary responsibility of this contract position will be the development and production of my Parks Weekly, mParks’ weekly member newsletter. The Communications Specialist will work closely with mParks staff to identify timely, relevant, and engaging content and will be responsible for developing, writing, editing, and preparing content for publication.

The Communications Specialist will also help tell the stories of mParks members, programs, events, partnerships, and the parks and recreation profession. In addition to my Parks Weekly, the position may develop original stories and other content for the mParks Newsroom, social media channels, and other organizational communications.

• An mParks.org email address
• Asana project management system
• Mailchimp
• mParks Member Management Database
• Relevant mParks brand, communications, content planning, and organizational resources

This contract position is expected to require approximately 10–15 hours per week. Work hours may be flexible; however, the Communications Specialist must be available to coordinate with mParks staff and consistently meet established deadlines, including the weekly production schedule for my Parks Weekly.

The Communications Specialist will report to the mParks Director of Communication & Strategic Partnerships, who will establish communications priorities, coordinate content needs, provide overall direction, and review and approve work as appropriate.

This is an hourly contract position. The hourly rate will be determined based on the selected contractor’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.

The Communications Specialist will submit hours worked in accordance with mParks’ established process and…