Communications Coordinator

## Communications Coordinator – CNPS Public Affairs Team

The Communications Coordinator is a key member of CNPS’s Public Affairs team, a multidisciplinary group leading the organization’s external and internal communications, digital strategy, public policy, public engagement, partnerships, and publications. This role supports CNPS’s communications and public affairs efforts through content creation, media relations support, volunteer engagement, and administrative coordination.

The Communications Coordinator develops content for a variety of platforms including CNPS’s website, email newsletters, publications, and marketing materials. The role also supports media outreach efforts, helps coordinate communication and training for CNPS Chapter volunteers, and maintains digital communication assets and systems. Working closely with colleagues across the organization, the Communications Coordinator helps ensure that CNPS communications are engaging, accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities.

This position is ideal for a collaborative communications professional who enjoys balancing content creation, relationship‑building, project coordination, and administrative support in service of CNPS’s mission.

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## What You’ll Do

### Content Development & Digital Communications (35%)

Research, interview experts, and write occasional articles for Flora, CNPS’ quarterly print magazine.
Develop content for and distribute CNPS’ monthly email newsletter.
Create and update website content, including blog posts, event listings, and programmatic content.
Adapt and update communications materials using established Canva templates, including flyers, presentations, postcards, and one‑pagers.
Contribute content to annual reports, quarterly reports, and other marketing and communications materials.
Support social media content creation, including recording direct‑to‑camera videos and assisting with multimedia storytelling projects.

### Chapter Communications Support (25%)

Coordinate monthly virtual Public Affairs meetings for CNPS Chapter volunteers and prepare supporting materials.
Collaborate with CNPS’s Digital Media & Website Producer to support volunteer training related to Chapter communications tools and websites (no coding experience required).
Assist volunteers with access to and use of CNPS communication platforms.
Serve as a point of coordination between the Public Affairs team and Chapter volunteers, helping connect inquiries to appropriate staff resources.

### Media Relations Support (20%)

Draft press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.
Assist with media outreach and reporter engagement efforts.
Monitor and internally report on media coverage related to CNPS priorities on an ongoing basis.
Maintain and update media contact databases and distribution lists, including by proactively researching and adding new contacts and removing out‑of‑date contacts.

### Administrative & Operational Support (20%)

Organize and maintain digital assets in CNPS media management platforms.
Respond to and route inquiries received through CNPS communication channels.
Provide administrative and operational support that contributes to programmatic goals and priorities.
Contribute to additional Public Affairs initiatives and special projects as assigned.

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## Physical Requirements

This role is primarily performed in an office or remote work environment and requires prolonged computer use.
Occasional travel within California may be required, including participation in events and field trips that may involve walking on uneven terrain.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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## Additional Information

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position.
Standard working hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
Some evening and weekend work will be required to support meetings, events, or organizational priorities.
This hybrid role requires regular participation in Sacramento‑area meetings and team activities while also supporting remote work. One or more in‑office days per week should be expected.
Periodic travel within California is required and reimbursed according to CNPS policies.

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## What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

Consistently contribute high‑quality content across CNPS communications channels.
Support timely and effective media outreach efforts that increase visibility of CNPS priorities.
Coordinate successful Chapter volunteer communications meetings and trainings.
Provide responsive support to volunteers and staff using communication tools and platforms.
Maintain organized communications assets, media contacts, and project workflows.
Build collaborative relationships across CNPS programs and with Chapter volunteers.

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## Who You Are

### Communications & Content Development

At least 2–3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or related fields.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content.
Experience creating communications materials such as newsletters, blog posts, articles, media materials, website content, or social media content.
Experience adapting content for different audiences and communication channels.

### Digital Communications Skills

Experience using email marketing platforms to develop and distribute newsletters or other email communications.
Experience updating content in WordPress or similar content management systems.
Proficiency using Canva or similar design tools to update and create communications materials from established templates.

### Collaboration & Project Coordination

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, community members, and external partners.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and follow through on assignments with limited supervision.
Commitment to providing responsive and professional support to internal and external audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace applications.

### Mission Alignment

Interest in conservation, native plants, biodiversity, public lands, environmental education, or related topics.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for colleagues, volunteers, partners, and community members with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Demonstrated awareness of inclusive communication practices and a commitment to creating content that is accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
Commitment to supporting CNPS’s mission, values, and goals.

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## Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting media relations, public affairs, or public engagement initiatives.
Experience working with volunteers, member‑based organizations, nonprofits, or community groups.
Experience creating or appearing in video or multimedia content.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, environmental studies, or a related field.
Relevant professional experience may substitute for a degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
Bilingual or multilingual communication skills, particularly in languages commonly spoken in California.

CNPS recognizes that candidates may bring experience through a variety of professional, educational, and lived experiences. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

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## What You’ll Get

Compensation: A starting hourly rate between $26.87 – $28.96. CNPS publishes full potential starting pay ranges for new hires and does not negotiate hiring bonuses.
Performance‑Based Compensation Increases: Employees may receive up to a 3.8% annual rate increase.
Health Insurance: 100% coverage of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for FSA, HSA, DCA, and TSA.
Paid Leave: 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 vacation days.
Parental Leave: 12 weeks of supplemental paid parental leave after one year of employment.
Work‑from‑Home Support: CNPS‑issued laptop, $750 home office stipend, and $60/month telework stipend.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support for employees and their families.
Professional Development: Annual budget of $500 and 32 hours for professional development.
Team Building: Attendance at semiannual staff team‑building events.
Community: Complimentary CNPS Society membership.
Meaningful Impact: Join a team where your work genuinely supports the planet – cape optional!

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## About California Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non‑profit conservation organization with more than 13,000 members in 35 chapters across California and Baja California Norte, Mexico. Founded in 1965, the mission of CNPS is to protect California’s native plants and their natural habitats through science, education, stewardship, gardening, and advocacy.

Native plants are the foundation of California’s globally significant biodiversity. CNPS supports statewide efforts to conserve public lands, save sensitive species and habitats, and create thriving native plant habitats in urban spaces and wildlands.

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## Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

CNPS is committed to addressing structural and cultural barriers to experiencing nature and participating in the native plant community. The organization integrates the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) into every facet of its work. These values inform how CNPS operates as volunteers, staff, and partners.

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## Equal Opportunity Policy

CNPS provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. This policy reflects CNPS’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that values different perspectives and fosters belonging.

To better understand the demographic profile of applicants, CNPS requests candidates to complete the voluntary questionnaire included in the application form. Responses remain confidential, anonymized, and are not shared with the hiring committee.

Apply here