Director of Communication

Overview

Genesee Valley Conservancy is seeking an individual to oversee the organization’s outreach and communication with supporters and the public, establishing and maintaining consistent branding while leading efforts to communicate our work.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a successful, well-established organization as it continues to expand. The Director of Communication will provide leadership, collaborate with a passionate staff, and make a meaningful impact on the organization’s connections, awareness, and programs that accelerate our reach and success.

• General Communication (50%)
  • Work with the Executive Director to formalize and execute an ongoing outreach plan to communicate with supporters and the community at large:
  • Organize and oversee communication activities to keep in regular contact with supporters, partners, and the community, including:
  • Physical
    • Press releases (project closings, events, general stories)
  • Digital
    • Website updates and maintenance
    • Monthly emails
  • Organize and maintain a communication calendar for the organization.
  • Establish measurable goals to monitor outreach efforts.
  • Analyze data to track progress and modify efforts to increase success.
  • Lead and support general awareness and friend‑raiser events (e.g., bluebell hike) without fundraising goals.
• Development (25%)
  • Support development staff by assisting with campaigns and events aiming to raise funds for the organization’s work:
    • Legacy giving
    • Monthly giving
    • New donors
  • Assist with events:
    • Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5K
    • Annual supporter gathering
    • Special ‘one‑time’ campaign‑specific events
• Acquisitions (10%)
• Support acquisitions staff by assisting with public‑facing events that increase awareness of the organization’s programs and build connections with partners and landowners:
  • Genesee Valley Landowner Workshops
  • Genesee Valley Agricultural Tour
  • Conservation program workshops (farmland protection, forestland protection)
• Stewardship (10%)
• Assist stewardship staff with public‑facing events surrounding volunteer opportunities on nature preserves:
  • Annual conservation easement landowner newsletter
  • Volunteer recruitment (long‑term and one‑time needs)
• Administrative (5%)
  • Prepare for and attend board and committee meetings.
  • Assist with acquisition and stewardship duties (e.g., nature preserve workdays, property tours).
  • Provide general office assistance.
• Other responsibilities

  All work will be completed in accordance with the Employee Handbook, relevant organizational policies and procedures, and up to the standards of Land Trust Standards and Practices and the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including writing, email, phone, and in‑person communication.
• Knowledge of computers, cameras, website management and email marketing platforms; specifically Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Three or more years in a communication position within the environmental field.
• Experience with cloud‑based software:
  Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint), Constant Contact, , Facebook, Instagram, Canva.
• Photography and videography skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a communication‑related field.
• Environmental and/or agricultural background.
• Experience with non‑profits, land conservancies, and Genesee Valley Conservancy, Inc.
• Living within the Genesee River watershed.

This position is based out of Geneseo and will require occasional travel throughout the Genesee Valley region (counties of Livingston, Wyoming, Ontario, Monroe, Steuben, Allegany, Genesee, and Erie). Remote work possible part‑time after a probationary period.

Temporary staff and volunteers (as needed).

Full‑time, 40 hours/week (non‑exempt position).

• Salary: $50‑60k, based on related experience and qualifications.
• Paid vacation (1hr per 26 worked).
• Nine paid holidays.
• 40 hours NYS Sick Time upon hire.
• $5,000 toward a company health plan.
• 3% match to company Simple IRA.
• Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate.
• $2,000 stipend for training opportunities via webinars and in‑person State and national conferences as desired.

The Employee Handbook[1] lists all policies, procedures, benefits, and working conditions to be followed as a condition of employment.

Position is open until filled. Ideal start:
February 23.

Begins January 26. Applications received before January 26 are assured full consideration.

Send a cover letter and resume to:
Genesee Valley Conservancy
Attn:
Hiring
PO Box 73

[1] Employee Handbook will be made available upon request which has employment details.

• Director

• Full‑time

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing