Communications Coordinator

Final date to receive applications: 31 August 2026

Department:
Public Affairs

Location:

Hybrid:
Sacramento, CA, USA

Compensation: $26.87 - $28.96 / hour

The Communications Coordinator is a key member of CNPS's Public Affairs team, a multidisciplinary group leading the organization's external and internal communications, digital strategy, public policy, public engagement, partnerships, and publications. This role supports CNPS's communications and public affairs efforts through content creation, media relations support, volunteer engagement, and administrative coordination.

The Communications Coordinator develops content for a variety of platforms including CNPS's website, email newsletters, publications, and marketing materials. The role also supports media outreach efforts, helps coordinate communication and training for CNPS Chapter volunteers, and maintains digital communication assets and systems. Working closely with colleagues across the organization, the Communications Coordinator helps ensure that CNPS communications are engaging, accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.

This position is ideal for a collaborative communications professional who enjoys balancing content creation, relationship-building, project coordination, and administrative support in service of CNPS's mission.

• Research, interview experts, and write occasional articles for Flora, CNPS's quarterly print magazine.
• Develop content for and distribute CNPS's monthly email newsletter.
• Create and update website content, including blog posts, event listings, and programmatic content.
• Adapt and update communications materials using established Canva templates, including flyers, presentations, postcards, and one-pagers.
• Contribute content to annual reports, quarterly reports, and other marketing and communications materials.
• Support social media content creation, including recording direct-to-camera videos and assisting with multimedia storytelling projects.

• Coordinate monthly virtual Public Affairs meetings for CNPS Chapter volunteers and prepare supporting materials.
• Collaborate with CNPS's Digital Media & Website Producer to support volunteer training related to Chapter communications tools and websites (no coding experience is required).
• Assist volunteers with access to and use of CNPS communication platforms.
• Serve as a point of coordination between the Public Affairs team and Chapter volunteers, helping connect inquiries to appropriate staff resources.

• Draft press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.
• Assist with media outreach and reporter engagement efforts.
• Monitor and internally report on media coverage related to CNPS priorities on an ongoing basis.
• Maintain and update media contact databases and distribution lists, including by proactively researching and adding new contacts and removing out-of-date contacts.

• Organize and maintain digital assets in CNPS media management platforms.
• Respond to and route inquiries received through CNPS communication channels.
• Provide administrative and operational support that contributes to programmatic goals and priorities.
• Contribute to additional Public Affairs initiatives and special projects as assigned.

• This role is primarily performed in an office or remote work environment and requires prolonged computer use.
• Occasional travel within California may be required, including participation in events and field trips that may involve walking on uneven terrain.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
• Standard working hours:
  Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
• Some evening and weekend work will be required to support meetings, events, or organizational priorities.
• This hybrid role requires regular participation in Sacramento-area meetings and team activities while also supporting remote work. One or more in-office days per week should be expected.
• Periodic travel within California is required and reimbursed according to CNPS policies.

• Consistently contribute high-quality content across CNPS communications channels.
• Supports timely and effective media outreach efforts that increase visibility of CNPS priorities.
• Coordinates successful Chapter volunteer communications meetings and trainings.
• Provides responsive support to volunteers and staff using communication tools and platforms.
• Maintains organized communications assets, media contacts, and project workflows.
• Builds collaborative relationships across CNPS programs and with Chapter volunteers.

• At least 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or…