Bismarck, North Dakota

Ducks Unlimited seeks an experienced and motivated communications professional to lead our Great Plains Region’s communications and public outreach efforts. The selected individual will lead internal and external communication efforts for the 7-state Great Plains Region (CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, WY); create and implement a national media plan to achieve Great Plains Region objectives; establish media relationships and place stories in national and regional print and broadcast media; serve as the point of contact for information requests and interviews and coordinate communications projects with regional colleagues.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s critically important, but threatened, wetlands habitat. This position is responsible for educating the media, DU volunteers, members, and key stakeholders on the impact of wetlands conservation, including benefits to wildlife and the importance of wetlands to water quality and other ecological services across North America.

Position reports to DU’s Director of Communications but will work in DU’s Great Plains Region in Bismarck, N.D.

Required Qualifications:

• 4 or more years hands-on experience in communications.
• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field.
• Very strong writing and speaking skills.
• Proficiency in AP Style writing/editing
• Direct experience managing production and distribution of communications materials to the highest professional standard.
• Ability to travel and work some nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong natural resources understanding and/or background. Understanding of and experience with waterfowl conservation and waterfowling a plus.
• Understanding of and experience using social media platforms.
• Experience managing a website through a content management system.
• Ability to use a video camera and/or edit short videos.
• Proficiency in graphic design, photo editing (Adobe software) and media software (Cision).

Responsibilities:

• Preparation and distribution of press releases in a timely manner as needed.
• Preparation of 2-3 articles/issue for the Ducks Unlimited magazine as well as the production and distribution of additional op-eds, position papers and articles as needed.
• Manage and meet all scheduled deadlines in a timely manner.
• Scheduling, preparation, review and posting of regional social media content.
• Preparation, review and submission of material for the corporate annual report.
• Scheduling, preparation, review and update of website content.
• Maintain and cultivate contacts with local, regional and national media outlets and prepare and submit articles and ideas on a regular basis to keep DU’s conservation efforts in the public eye.
• Facilitate or coordinate media camps or other events.
• Preparation of major gift fundraising brochures and other marketing materials as requested by Great Plains Region staff.
• Develop, prepare and manage quarterly electronic newsletter.
• Prepare and coordinate submission of state annual conservation reports.
• Coordinate and arrange for staff to make occasional appearances on local or statewide radio/TV shows or podcasts.
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations, or serve as a spokesperson, related to conservation programs.
• Coordinate and assist with project dedications.
• Preferred knowledge of/experience with Cision platforms.

To apply, please fill out the application materials here and attach a cover letter, resume with three professional references and two writing samples. For further information regarding this position please contact Matt Coffey at mcoffey@ducks.org.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.