Communications Coordinator

California Native Plant Society

Communications Coordinator developing content and supporting media outreach for CNPS’s Public Affairs team. Collaborating with various teams and assisting volunteers to ensure engaging communications.

Posted 7/31/2026full-timeSacramento • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $27 - $29 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills to create engaging content across various platforms, including newsletters, blog posts, and social media. Proficient in using design tools like Canva and content management systems such as WordPress to adapt and update communications materials effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strong Writing SkillsExperience with Email Marketing PlatformsProficiency in CanvaContent Management System ExperienceOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

WritingEditingProofreadingContent CreationEmail MarketingWordPressCanvaMedia RelationsDigital Asset ManagementMultimedia Content Creation

Soft Skills

CollaborationAttention to DetailInitiativeJudgmentCommitment to Inclusivity

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft 365Google WorkspaceCanvaWordPressEmail Marketing Platforms

Industry Keywords

CommunicationsPublic RelationsMarketingJournalismPublic AffairsEnvironmental EducationConservationBiodiversityNative PlantsCommunity Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

WordPress

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
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.
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.
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.
While no candidate is expected to possess every preferred qualification, successful candidates will likely bring one or more of the following: 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 in 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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Compensation: A starting hourly rate between $26.87 - $28.96. Reflecting CNPS's commitment to competitive, fair, and transparent compensation, we publish the full potential starting pay ranges for new hires and do not negotiate hiring bonuses.
Performance Based Compensation Increases: Employees may receive up to a 3.8% performance-based 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 a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and Transportation Savings Account (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, a $750 home office stipend, and a $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 opportunities.
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!