INTRODUCTION

The Communication Director (CD) of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS) serves under the guidance and direction of the Executive Director.  The CD will be responsible for implementing a creative comprehensive communication strategy or network to enhance the visibility of Native American Tribal Natural Resource Programs and Native peoples. This will include promoting the exchange of information related to Tribal fish and wildlife management techniques and policy initiatives in a way that meets the organization’s mission and goals through media relations and public outreach initiatives.  The CD will assist the Executive Director in the promotion and outreach of events and trainings for the NAFWS.

The CD will be responsible for conducting business in a manner that coincides with the Articles of Incorporation, Strategic Plan, Code of Ethics, and other regulations, policies, and procedures.

The CD will frequently be involved in situations that could be complex and sensitive and is expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and to seek guidance and direction on issues from the Executive Director.

DUTIES:

Primary duties include:

• Develop at least four quarterly newsletters.  The From the Eagle’s Nest newsletters are uploaded to the NAFWS website and distributed to members.
• Manage and maintain the NAFWS website and social media content and design.
• Oversee all internal and external messaging
• Manage NAFWS’ trademarks and website domains, and contact database distribution list.
• Create public information materials and handle media outreach related to NAFWS
• Assist in the promotion and enhancement of CLEO training for the NAFWS membership.
• Aid in managing and maintaining Event Planning processes, calendars, and event registration including managing in-bound event inquiries
• Promote Tribal interests in the field of fish and wildlife resource management, predicated on the goals and objectives of the NAFWS.
• Promote training opportunities for NAFWS membership.
• Cooperate with other professional organizations involved in fish and wildlife resource management.
• Maintains and develops relationships with national, key regional, and Native American news media outlets to advance NAFWS initiatives.
• Manage inbound press inquiries.
• Serves as a key spokesperson to maintain a positive public image across various communication channels
• Research and develop press releases on Tribal fish and wildlife
• Implement the NAFWS style guide and brand voice document while maintaining brand integrity across all platforms.
• Promotes memberships with the NAFWS including individuals; Tribal Governments; and other interested organizations.
• Engage Tribal fish and wildlife professionals and assist in organizing meetings with stakeholders to provide up-to-date information and receive feedback on legislative, policy, and conservation initiatives.
• Support the NAFWS Executive Director by providing preliminary research, policy analysis, and communication briefs when needed.
• Maintains sufficient flexibility to respond to unplanned assignments where expertise is sought or as directed by the Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

FACTORS

Knowledge/Skills required by the position:

• Education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife, biological sciences, Environmental or Natural Resources, Communications, American Indian Studies, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: 5-7 years’ experience in communication management required. Supervisory experience preferred.
• Specialized knowledge:  knowledge of website development, communications planning, and Tribal fish and wildlife issues.
• Working knowledge of Tribal governments, treaties, agreements, policies, and sensitive issues associated with the management of fish and wildlife resources.
• The incumbent will have experience with website development and management using WordPress or associated platforms.
• The incumbent will have experience with Social Media outreach using, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other apps and platforms.
• Photography and graphic design experience preferred.
• Experience with online newsletter systems, such as MailChimp is preferred.
• Skill in oral and written communications, and ability to deal effectively with personnel from all levels of Tribal, Federal, and State governments, academia, special interest groups, and the general public.

SUPERVISION

• The applicant is under the direct supervision of the NAFWS Executive Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This is a supervisory position with primary supervisory responsibility for NAFWS staff designated by the Executive Director.

COMPLEXITY

• Incumbent’s tasks involve working with and through many different groups with a wide diversity of interests to achieve the overall mission and goals of the NAFWS.
• Incumbent must be able to work effectively with the NAFWS membership and assist them with issues or concerns.

• All duties and actions of the incumbent must be carried out in a manner that maintains professional working relations.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

• Internal contact with NAFWS membership, staff, and the Board of Directors occurs on a regular basis. Other contacts with various Tribal, federal, and state agencies will be on a frequent basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position requires a significant of travel which can be very demanding. The majority of work time will be spent in an office environment and includes standard demands associated with this setting.  Minimal lifting of office equipment, supplies, and other work office environment items may be required.  A minimum of 20 pounds may be required to be lifted.  The incumbent must demonstrate flexibility and self-motivation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The CD’s duty station location is at the NAFWS’ main office in the Denver area. The majority of work is performed in an office setting.  Field work usually consists of travel (up to 20%) to various regions or metropolitan areas for meetings and presentations.  Some discomfort may be encountered when exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or inclement weather.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in any personnel practice.  As provided in federal law, the NAFWS does provide employment preferences for Native Americans and veterans of the U.S. Armed Services.

The incumbent will be subject to a pre-employment background check, drug test, and reference checks.  Must possess a valid Driver’s license. 

Will be required to serve a 180-day probation period.