The Ohio Environmental Council

Job Opening

Position Title: Director of Marketing & Communications

Supervisor: Senior Director of Advancement



Salary and Benefits: The starting salary range is competitive, with excellent benefits that include paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance; an employer-matched retirement fund; paid vacation, personal, and holiday leave; and professional development opportunities.



Posting Date: December 28, 2010. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.



Location: Columbus, Ohio



The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is a dynamic and influential non-profit organization. OEC is seeking a key staff member to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the environmental field to reach existing critical target audiences, develop new audiences, and build OEC’s capacity to communicate its mission and successes. The Director of Marketing & Communications will report directly to senior management and will serve as the staff liaison to the OEC’s Board of Director’s Communications Committee. The Director will integrate marketing principles throughout the organization, which will include supporting membership development, fundraising efforts, and environmental policy and outreach campaigns. The Director will develop and implement marketing strategies to increase the OEC’s support base, and will create communications strategies that strengthen the organization.



Today’s political and cultural landscape presents unique opportunities for marketing environmental or “green” solutions. The OEC’s Director of Marketing and Communications will take advantage of these opportunities and help to lead the OEC’s transformation to a higher level of effectiveness. The Director will identify new opportunities, as well as capitalize on existing opportunities, to communicate innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges. The Director will be integral in ensuring that all communications are consistent, attractive, and targeted. Through marketing and communications improvements, the OEC will continue to grow in influence and stature, living up to our tagline — unleashing the power of green.



The Organization: The OEC’s mission is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC is a statewide, nonprofit environmental advocacy organization with a full-time staff of 17, a 20-member Board of Directors, 100 group members, 3,000 individual members, and more than 5,000 e-activists. The OEC has an annual budget of $1.5 million, with three quarters of the budget coming from foundation grants and the rest from private donors. The OEC is Ohio’s leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use, and has a widely respected 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success. Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, we secure a healthier environment for Ohio’s families and communities. Additional information about the organization and its programs can be found at www.theOEC.org.



The Position: The Director of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of marketing and communications strategies for the organization as a whole, as well as for marketing and communications efforts related to fundraising and environmental campaigns. The Director will work with senior management and the Executive Director to raise the profile of marketing within the organization and to maintain consistent messaging throughout the organization. The Director of Marketing & Communications will be responsible for leading the organization’s communications strategy as well as performing all the implementation.



The Director’s responsibilities fall primarily in four areas:



1) Developing, coordinating, and implementing a strategic marketing plan

· Leading efforts to promote the organization as a whole, which includes the identification of target audiences

· Working with the Senior Director of Advancement to enhance fundraising opportunities

· Working with the Senior Director of Legislative & Public Affairs, the Senior Director of Policy & Strategic Planning, and all program staff to develop and implement marketing strategies for environmental campaigns

· Institutionalizing marketing strategy throughout the organization

· Tracking and analyzing internal marketing/communications efforts as well as keeping up-to-date on external trends and opportunities



2) Developing, coordinating, and implementing messaging content, themes, and style as part of the OEC’s communication strategies

· Serving as the OEC’s chief author by writing all communication materials as well as reviewing and editing pieces written by other staff such as fact sheets, web content, and presentations

· Working with Legislative & Public Affairs department to coordinate media efforts on behalf of OEC overall and assist with media strategy/communications for individual policy and program campaigns

· Ongoing training of staff on public speaking, messaging, and communications

· Institutionalizing communications strategy throughout the organization



3) Material Creation and Production

· Coordinating the design, production, and distribution of materials including printed and electronic newsletters, annual report, email action alerts, fundraising/member development materials, fact sheets, brochures, event invitations and materials, and other publications

· Utilizing various design software and technologies (including InDesign, Publisher, PowerPoint, and HTML) to create or update publications, maintain and improve the website, and enhance e-advocacy and e-fundraising projects

· Maintaining current website and adding new pages/elements as needed (requires knowledge of HTML and FTP)

· Growing social media strategy, which includes Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and engaging with these audiences on a regular basis

· Managing e-advocacy/e-Newsletter database and implement outreach to increase distribution

· Coordinating contracts with graphic designers, printers, and other outside vendors as needed

· Managing opportunities for staff to exhibit at events



4) Acting as staff liaison to the Board of Directors’ Communications Committee

· Collaborating with the Committee Chairperson to provide direction to the committee, ensure that the committee meets regularly, prepare reports for Board meetings, and to otherwise fulfill the committee’s charge

· Gathering other staff input as appropriate to provide logistical support to the committee and to keep the Executive Director abreast of the committee’s work and dynamics

Other: Attend staff and departmental meetings; work evenings and weekends as needed.


Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years experience in marketing, communications, or public relations. Solid understanding of and experience in marketing, branding, advertising, media, and public opinion research, along with strong organizational, speaking, and writing skills are highly desired. Commitment and enthusiasm to protecting Ohio’s environment is required. Knowledge of environmental and economic issues, natural history, politics, as well as experience with non-profit organizations, is highly desirable. Proficiency in computer programs described above is required as is use of various databases. A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field is required. An advanced degree and/or professional accreditation in these fields is preferred.


Send cover letter, resume, 3 writing samples, and references to:

Senior Director of Advancement

Ohio Environmental Council

1207 Grandview Ave, Suite 201

Columbus, OH 43212-3449


or email: Careers@theOEC.org with “Marketing Director” in the subject line.


The Ohio Environmental Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Kristy Meyer, M.S.

Director of Agriculture & Clean Water Programs

Ohio Environmental Council

1207 Grandview Ave., Ste. 201

Columbus, OH 43212

Direct Phone: (614) 487-5842

OEC Phone: (614) 487-7506

Kristy@theOEC.org

Twitter.com/AgWaterKristy

Facebook/OhioEnvironmentalCouncil