Job Status: Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt
ORGANIZATION
The California Rangeland Trust is a non-profit organization founded by innovative cattlemen and cattlewomen in 1998 and has helped to permanently conserve more than 430,000 acres of privately managed rangeland across California.
The Rangeland Trust partners with ranching families to preserve the Golden State’s working landscapes, support thriving ranching operations, protect wildlife habitat, and safeguard air and water quality. We connect landowners to conservation resources, facilitate the process of preserving ranching and open space in California for future generations, and help safeguard agricultural jobs and family businesses that support the economic health of rural communities.
As the only rancher-led land trust in California, the Rangeland Trust works closely with ranching families to ensure conservation solutions support both land stewardship and the long-term viability of working landscapes.
You can learn more about us at www.rangelandtrust.org
LOCATION
This is an in-office position in Sacramento, California.
RELATIONSHIPS
- The Programs Communications & Outreach Coordinator reports to the Communications Director, who provides overall supervision and ensures organizational brand consistency, messaging alignment, and communications strategy.
- The position works under the programmatic direction of the Programs Manager, who will provide day-to-day guidance on priorities, projects, and outreach efforts that support the Programs Department.
- The coordinator will also collaborate with and provide communications and logistical support to the Conservation Technical Assistant and Communications and Marketing Manager in promoting conservation programs and landowner resources.
POSITION SUMMARY
The mission of the California Rangeland Trust is to serve the land, people and wildlife by conserving our state’s working rangelands. Part of that service is ensuring that the people stewarding these lands have the tools, information, and partnerships necessary to succeed. The Programs Communications & Outreach Coordinator plays an important role in translating conservation opportunities, stewardship practices, and available resources into clear, engaging information for California’s ranching community. This position blends agricultural communications, storytelling, and program outreach. The coordinator will help share information about conservation programs, climate-smart practices, and stewardship opportunities through a variety of communication channels including newsletters, social media, educational materials, webinars, and workshops. The Programs Communications & Outreach Coordinator will help strengthen connections between the Rangeland Trust, ranching families, and partner organizations by developing compelling communications content, supporting educational events, and amplifying the stories of landowners implementing conservation practices on their land. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and storytelling skills, an interest in agriculture or natural resources, and the ability to build trusted relationships with ranching families and partner organizations. |
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Communicate additive conservation opportunities and climate-smart practices to the ranching community that work synergistically with conservation easements
- Compile a monthly landowner e-newsletter, with available resources and opportunities for landowners on topics included but not limited to wildlife habitat, soil health, water quality and quantity, and carbon sequestration
- Maintain a digital resource hub for landowners on the Rangeland Trust website, organizing educational materials and resources related to rangeland stewardship
- Create engaging communications content including articles, profiles, educational resources, and digital content that translates complex conservation topics into accessible information for ranchers and landowners
- Promote additive conservation opportunities and regenerative agricultural practices through storytelling, including interviewing landowners who have participated in conservation programs (i.e., CSP and EQIP) and sharing their stories through various communication channels including: landowner e-newsletter, direct-mail newsletters, social media platforms, blog articles and web content, podcast features and other multimedia storytelling
- Write and develop landowner success stories and profiles highlighting conservation stewardship, ranching heritage, and working landscape conservation
- Promote the Conservation Technical Assistance position as a value-added resource to help landowners complete applications for Farm Bill programs
- Handle all event-promotions and publicity for landowner workshops coordinated and hosted by the Rangeland Trust, including developing promotional materials, drafting outreach emails, and managing event communications
- Lead content creation and community engagement within the Rangeland Trust’s landowner Facebook group by sharing relevant resources, sparking discussion, and fostering a trusted space for ranchers to connect, learn, and share experiences
- Design informational documents and infographics on topics pertaining to conservation, restoration, and regenerative agricultural principles
- Assist in developing visual and digital communications materials including graphics, short videos, photography, and social media content that highlight rangeland conservation and stewardship
- Share timely articles focused on the benefits of wildlife habitat, soil health, water quality and quantity, and carbon sequestration to encourage landowner participation in similar programs
- Attend partner organizations’ events to build relationships & find new opportunities for our landowners
- Record and disseminate webinars to support the work of the conservation technical assistance position on topics such as how to fill out grant applications & create budget, carbon farm planning, carbon markets, benefits of cover crops, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications, Communications, Marketing, Agriculture and Natural Resources, or related field
OR
- Equivalent relevant experience, preferably in the agriculture, agricultural communications, natural resources, nonprofit outreach, or environmental communications
- Demonstrated success in writing, storytelling, marketing, design, or public relations
- Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse array of backgrounds
- Highly organized and efficient. Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and get things done on schedule.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with both internal and external constituencies
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suites, Excel, Word, and Canva
- Experience with website content management, social media management, photography, and video storytelling is a plus
- Experience in web design and/or video production is a plus
Candidates must also have a willingness to travel in California and occasionally out of state, as well as work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.
Must have a valid CA Driver’s License and acceptable driving record
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to the philosophy of the Rangeland Trust
- Extremely proactive approach to work. Someone that is solutions-oriented and can work independently. Shows initiative and creativity
- A strong communicator and storyteller who can translate complex conservation topics into clear and engaging messages
- A good listener and strategist. Intrepid yet tactful. Determined yet respectful of others’ concerns
- Strong commitment to teamwork and commitment to developing and maintaining collaborative relationship
- Must be highly organized and demonstrate excellent attention to details while pursuing overall goals
- A resourceful ‘doer’ with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities
- Ability to work well with deadlines and adapt easily to changing situations and priorities. Good judgment and consensus building skills.
- Exercises sound judgment and will represent the Rangeland Trust with professionalism and integrity in all communications and interactions.
REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Must have a valid California Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and full automobile insurance coverage.
This position involves working in a standard office setting and using standard office equipment, including a computer. We request the ability to see and read printed and electronic materials, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must also possess mobility to navigate ranchland terrain and outdoor settings.
This team member may be asked to participate in occasional weekend and evening events, sometimes involving travel to other parts of the state.
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a budgeted salary of $28.00/hour, based on 2,080 hours/year. We offer a competitive benefits package including healthcare, vacation, 401k contributions, life insurance, and more.
All team members are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities depending on prior experience and budget availability.
TO APPLY
Please submit the following to info@rangelandtrust.org:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- A writing sample demonstrating your ability to communicate complex topics to a general audience
- Up to three communications or outreach samples (articles, newsletters, social media posts, graphics, etc.)
California Rangeland Trust is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, national origin, religion, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status and physical abilities. All inquiries are held in strict confidence.
