Job Description

Conservation Communications Biologist

Southern Region 

Ducks Unlimited seeks an experienced and motivated communications professional to assist the Senior Communications Manager in advancing the Southern Region’s communications and public outreach efforts. This individual will support internal and external communications initiatives across the 13-state region; contribute to the development and execution of a regional media plan; assist in cultivating media relationships and securing coverage in national and regional outlets; help manage media inquiries and interview requests; and coordinate communications projects in collaboration with regional staff.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetland habitat. The 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 the Southern Region’s Managing Director of Conservation Programs and will work in DU’s Southern Regional Office in Ridgeland, MS. 

Required Qualifications:

• 2 or more years hands-on experience in communications.
• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Very strong writing and speaking skills. 
• Direct experience managing production and distribution of communications materials to the highest professional standard. 
• Social media management.
• 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).
• Series 107 drone license.

Responsibilities:

• Preparation and distribution of press releases in a timely manner as needed;
• Preparation of 3-6 articles/issue for the Ducks Unlimited magazine as well as the production and distribution of additional op-eds;
• Manage and meet all scheduled deadlines in a timely manner.
• Scheduling, preparation, review and update of website content.
• Manage the Regional social media channels.
• 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.
• Develop, prepare and manage quarterly electronic newsletter.
• Prepare and coordinate submission of state annual conservation reports.
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations, or serve as a spokesperson, related to conservation programs.
• Capture, edit and produce short project videos capturing the “why we do what we do” side of DU’s work
• Coordinate and assist with project dedications.