Communications Coordinator

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine, located in Waynesboro, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The Center’s mission is to “teach the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment.” Since its founding in 1982, the Center has cared for more than 100,000 wild animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

The current annual caseload averages about 4,600 patients.

The Wildlife Center has a professional staff of about 30 individuals who work together in the veterinary, outreach, operations, and advancement departments. While each of these departments carries out different functions, all staff work closely together as a team to support one another and the Center’s overall mission.

Position Description
The Communications Coordinator plays a key role in advancing the mission of the Wildlife Center by helping teach the world to care about and care for wildlife and the environment. Working closely with the Director of Outreach and other departments, the Communications Coordinator develops and manages a wide range of content that highlights the Center’s work, including website stories, social media posts, newsletters, press releases, and photo and video assets.

Through compelling storytelling and audience engagement, the Communications Coordinator helps grow the Center’s reach and strengthen connections with supporters and the public.

Duties and Responsibilities (training provided)

Content Creation and Management

• Develop and manage communications content in alignment with the Center’s Strategic Communications Plan.
• Coordinate the development and publication of stories that highlight the Center’s work, patients, programs, and impact.
• Manage website content, including formatting, publishing, and maintaining a diverse range of mission-driven content.
• Create and schedule social media content while staying informed on evolving social media trends, audience engagement strategies, and best practices.
• Monitor website and digital engagement metrics to assess content performance and identify trends.
• Conduct regular website audits and content reviews to ensure information remains current and accurate.
• Organize and maintain photo and video assets to support storytelling, publications, and efficient internal use.
• Write and distribute monthly newsletters and Caring for Critters updates to engage supporters, donors, and the public.
• Coordinate the production of video content, as needed.

Public Relations and Media Outreach

• Under the guidance of the Director of Outreach, draft and distribute press releases and media materials to increase awareness of the Wildlife Center’s work.
• Assist with time-sensitive communications needs and media requests, as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts to increase the Center’s media presence.
• Capture and organize photo, video, and b-roll assets for use in media outreach and communications efforts.

Outreach Engagement

• Participate in outreach activities, including the online moderated discussion, assisting with Center tours, and contributing to professional training programs.
• Contribute to the training and mentorship of outreach externs and students, as opportunities arise.
• Support Center events and outreach initiatives, including donor cultivation events, the Annual Gala, and the Call of the Wild Conference.
• Assist with additional communications and outreach projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• At least one year of Communications experience in the wildlife, environmental, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Commitment to…