Overview

OFFICE LOCATION: Montpelier, Vermont, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Conservation Communications Fellow writes and edits communication materials to educate and inform the public and further fund-raising goals. Their written products may include newsletters, magazines, annual reports, web-site articles/stories, donor profiles, fact sheets, and presentations. They may assist in the management of design and production of written materials and may work with graphic designers, photographers, printers and other vendors and staff, as required.

The Nature Conservancy in Vermont has created this fellowship position with the goal of fostering graduates from historically marginalized communities who are pursuing careers in writing and conservation.  We aim to support our fellows so that they are competitive applicants with skills needed for full-time regular service positions at conservation organizations and agencies, and so that they can ultimately become professionals in their field. This is a two-year position, with priority given to recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

There has never been a more important time to help the public value conservation and its role in shaping our future. The Nature Conservancy strives to engage a spectrum of audiences to cultivate an informed, motivated, and engaged citizenry to address the planet’s pressing 21st century environmental challenges. The Conservation Communications Fellow (2-year limited term position) will primarily be in service to TNC’s freshwater strategy while offering ancillary support for other conservation projects.

The Fellow’s work will focus on a communications campaign for healthy waters based on a strategy, principles, and messages agreed-upon with partners. This work will help to elevate common messaging amongst multiple organizations, provide local organizations materials they can use in public communications, and help citizens and decision-makers clearly understand how they can contribute to healthy waters.  Through this work, the fellow will provide essential support to public engagement that builds enthusiasm for and participation in conservation in a way that aligns with community values.  To achieve this, the fellow’s work will include:

  • Working with partners on messaging alignment and dissemination
  • Designing visual assets for TNC, partners, and community stakeholders using platforms such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator
  • Communicating with and about the people behind our conservation projects and sharing their stories
  • Creating blog, webpage, and newsletter content for TNC’s freshwater strategy and to a lesser extent, other conservation strategies.
  • Assorted support tasks that include managing a photography and asset library, powerpoint slide deck development, etc

The Fellow will be supervised by a senior level communications professional during their two-year tenure while working closely with our Director of Science and Freshwater.  The Fellow will develop a portfolio of work, co-create communication projects, and engage with cross-functional teams who are working on field projects, policy, conservation science, and philanthropy goals to further advance our work on land, water, and climate.  Depending on the Fellow’s skill sets the first activities may be relatively proscribed and will evolve based on competencies. Follow-on opportunities will grow out of early engagements and the Fellow’s responsibilities will grow in parallel to their early successes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree (received within the last 2 years) with a marketing, journalism, or communications degree, or equivalent combination of experience.
  • Experience with relevant technology such as Microsoft Suite needed for communications, constructing reports and managing calendars.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience using platforms such as Canva or Adobe Illustrator a plus.
  • Multi-lingual skills appreciated. Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
  • Experience writing, editing and proofreading written materials.
  • Strong organization skills and attention to detail.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The estimated starting salary for this position is $45,000.


APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 52142, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/.

Applications must include: 

  • The candidate’s resume
  • A letter from the candidate describing qualifications and why he or she wishes to apply
  • A letter of recommendation from a professional mentor
  • A letter of support from a former professor
  • A 500-750 writing sample on a specific topic, preferably related to the environment. Previously published articles or blog posts will be accepted.

Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.


The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.