Position Title: Communications and Outreach Specialist
Location: Newport, Oregon (in-person)
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours/week
Anticipated Start Date: September 15, 2025
Background
The MidCoast Watersheds Council (MCWC) is a collaborative nonprofit organization that has worked for over 27 years to restore fish habitat, improve water quality, and promote resilient ecosystems across the central Oregon coast. Through partnerships with landowners, agencies, and community groups, MCWC advances habitat restoration, education, and advocacy in a non-regulatory, inclusive way. Our partners include Lincoln SWCD, USFS, USFWS, ODFW, BLM, The Wetlands Conservancy, Bird Alliance of Oregon, McKenzie River Trust, and Lincoln County.
Position Overview
The Communications and Outreach Specialist plays a key role in promoting MCWC’s mission, programs, and events through clear, accessible, and engaging public-facing communications. This is a hands-on, in-person position that involves graphic design, website updates, event coordination, volunteer engagement, and community outreach.
The ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, a team player, and enjoys building relationships with partners and the public. A strong aptitude for design and communication is essential. While background knowledge in watershed restoration is helpful, it is not required, interest in conservation and a willingness to learn are most important.
Core Responsibilities
Outreach & Volunteer/Member Engagement (Approx. 40%)
• Coordinate logistics and speakers for monthly community and quarterly basin meetings.
• Recruit, schedule, and support volunteers for restoration work parties, community events, nursery activities, and tours.
• Manage member and volunteer information and track participation
• Represent MCWC at tabling events to build visibility and community support.
• Help organize community outreach events and meetings
• Seek opportunities to engage specific sectors of community
• Assist with event planning and fundraising activities.
• Create outreach materials (newsletters, annual report, flyers, social media posts).
Communications & Public Relations (Approx. 40%)
• Design and develop visually cohesive and accessible public-facing materials (digital and print) using platforms like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Write and distribute press releases, newsletters, and updates via Mailchimp and other platforms.
• Regularly update and manage MCWC’s website (currently hosted on Squarespace or similar).
• Manage social media content and strategy (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
• Engage with higher education to promote MCWC mission and restoration
• Provide support at public events and help host or MC presentations (some public speaking required).
Administrative Support (Approx. 20%)
• Maintain organized digital and physical records related to outreach, volunteers, and event planning.
• Respond to public inquiries via phone, email, and in person.
• Coordinate with fiscal provider for check printing and invoice processing.
• Monitor and retrieve mail from PO box; prepare materials for distribution.
• Maintain supply of printed outreach materials.
Required Qualifications
• Experience designing professional, cohesive outreach materials.
• Proficiency with design tools such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator
• Proficiency with tools such as Mailchimp, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Zoom.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter who can manage time, meet deadlines, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license (or ability to obtain), reliable personal transportation, and current auto insurance. A personal vehicle will be used regularly for work (mileage will be reimbursed).
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, journalism, environmental education, or a related field.
• Experience with volunteer coordination or community organizing.
• Comfort with public speaking and engaging diverse community groups.
• Basic understanding of GIS or experience with ArcGIS (training can be provided).
• Experience maintaining and updating websites (Squarespace, WordPress, etc.).
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
Supervision & Team Structure
The Specialist reports to the Executive Director and works closely with other MCWC staff and Board members. Fiscal responsibilities are supported by a third-party Fiscal Provider. Collaboration with partner organizations is frequent and encouraged.
Salary & Benefits
• Starting wage: $22–$25/hour, depending on experience.
• Compensation may increase over time based on performance and budget
• Benefits include: - Health and dental insurance after 90-day probationary period - Paid legal holidays - Vacation and personal/sick leave - Cell phone stipend - Workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance - 3% employer retirement match after six months
To Apply
Please submit the following as a single PDF to info@midcoastwc.org with the subject line: [Your Last Name]-Communications and Outreach Specialist
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM (Position open until filled)
Include:
1. A cover letter (max 2 pages) describing your relevant experience and interest in this role
2. A resume (max 2 pages)
3. Contact information for three professional references 4. Your earliest available start date