Washington Trails Association (WTA) is the nation’s largest state‐based hiking and trail maintenance organization. Powered by hikers for more than 50 years, WTA works to ensure Washington's trails stand the test of time, connecting people to the outdoors—from everyday adventures to backcountry explorations. We engage our community as public lands advocates, as trail stewards, and as on‐the‐ground experts sharing knowledge with fellow hikers. WTA's strength is in our community and future success depends on fostering an inclusive organization and engaged hiking community, where everyone feels welcome and represented. ****
WTA is looking for a seasoned communications leader to drive our communication and engagement strategies. The Communications Director is the primary communications strategist for the organization, responsible for promoting, enhancing and protecting the organization's brand reputation and impact. This role is ideal for someone who can excel at developing strategies and content that motivate people to engage more deeply with WTA’s mission to inspire hikers to explore and protect trails.
The Communications Director manages a talented team of eight individuals and is responsible for the overall strategy and integration of the organization’s communications channels including the website, hiking guide, Trailblazer app, digital media, email, a quarterly print magazine, media and public relations, and marketing. This position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the leadership team. This cross-functional position works across the organization to ensure that branding and messaging are consistent and compelling.
Lead Communications Strategy (30%)
Oversee WTA’s internal and external messaging, ensuring that it is consistent with the organization’s goals, brand strategy, values and vision.
Lead efforts to develop strategies and organizational messaging to increase impact and ensure cohesion across the organization.
Work cross-functionally with leadership and programs to craft and execute strategic communications plans that increase engagement with current and potential donors, volunteers, and activists.
Manage all aspects of strategic media relations, including writing and disseminating news releases and working with reporters and publications.
Manage Communications Program (45%) ****
Oversee WTA’s communications strategies and tactics, including guiding editorial content that is engaging and innovative. Work with communications managers on long-term strategies for WTA’s email, social media, web content, app development and video production.
Manage a talented team of eight communications professionals, including four direct reports, that engage in the daily work of connecting with our community and developing tactics and stories of impact to deepen support for the mission.
Work with the editor to oversee the quarterly production of Washington Trails magazine as well as other organizational reports and print materials.
Monitor communications and marketing trends, technology and audiences to create and achieve key performance indicators and develop opportunities for continuous improvement.
Write, edit, and oversee content development as necessary to advance equity in the outdoors, engage diverse audiences and inspire enthusiasm for WTA and our work.
Develop and manage the program’s budget.
Organizational leadership and mission advancement (25%)
Inspire community investment in WTA’s mission and collaborate with Development Director to grow memberships and expand additional revenue streams for the organization.
Work with the Senior Information Technology Manager and the Senior Digital Strategy Manager to drive technology strategies and investment plans.
Develop and execute targeted executive communications that support the organization’s thought leadership and PR strategies.
Ability to work with partner organizations to create and disseminate communication materials based on shared values and priorities.
Provide analysis and reporting to the Board of Directors and ensure they have the tools and resources to be effective ambassadors for the organization.
We are looking for a strong communicator and strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing cross-programmatic communications and engagement strategies and managing a dynamic team. Ideal candidates will be inspired by WTA’s mission and driven to expand our community and reach, helping us achieve trails for everyone, forever.
At least six years of experience overseeing communications strategies and supervising staff, including knowledge to manage key functions: PR, marketing, advocacy campaigns, and media relations.
Proven success in developing and executing org-wide communications strategies that drive brand awareness and deepen understanding of an organization’s mission and values.
Experience managing a mid-sized creative team, with a focus on results, professional development and contributing to an inclusive workplace culture
Experience creating persuasive content encouraging engagement and financial support from both new and existing audiences.
Public relations and crisis communications experience, ideally with a familiarity with Washington state reporters and outlets.
Experience developing audience insights across diverse constituencies. Ability to identify audience needs and create strategies that deliver on those needs.
Experience bringing together equity and communications goals to successfully engage with diverse communities to grow target audiences.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities, and economic backgrounds.
Experience creating content for a range of platforms: print, digital, social media and press releases.
Familiarity with Salesforce or similar platform preferred.
The Communications Director position is a full-time, exempt position based in WTA’s Seattle office. WTA has a hybrid work model with at least 2 days of work per week in-person at our Seattle office. Some tasks may require in-person presence at the office or occasional evening or weekend work for special events. Vaccination requirements are in place for WTA staff.
Annual salary range is $90,000 - $110,000. Salary depends on experience. Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, disability, transportation, and holiday, vacation, parental and sick leave. For more information about our benefits, please visit www.wta.org/careers.
WTA is committed to advancing equity through our work and to becoming a more inclusive organization. People of color and others with underrepresented identities (including but not limited to: gender identity, class, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, ability, and background) are strongly encouraged to apply.
WTA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, color, gender identity, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
To apply: submit a resume and a brief cover letter to jobs@wta.org. Include “Communications Director” in the subject line. This position is open until filled.
If you have any questions or need accommodation in our recruitment process, please contact jobs@wta.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Senior-level, Executive-level
Nonprofit- NGO
$90,000 - $110,000 annually
Hybrid (Seattle, WA, USA)
2023-03-30 00:00