Communications & Marketing Manager

Reports to: Director of Partnerships and Engagement | Number of direct reports: 2.

About Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center

Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization on 240 acres of forest and farmland bordering the Snoqualmie River in Carnation, Washington. Oxbow researches and practices riparian restoration, monitors the ecological impacts of land use and restoration, applies agroecological farming methods, grows food and native plants, and educates people of all ages about agriculture and the environment. Collectively, Oxbow’s work takes real-time action to combat climate change, promote biodiversity, and encourage healthy food systems.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Communications and Marketing Manager at Oxbow plays a crucial role in bringing to life to the organization's mission through impactful content, creative campaigns, and strategic communications. Engaging with cross-functional teams, this role is pivotal in crafting and executing comprehensive communications and marketing plans that align seamlessly with Oxbow's mission and goals.

Taking the lead in shaping and implementing our channel strategy and dynamic distribution plans alongside the Director of Partnerships and Engagement, this role extends beyond developing core messaging with program managers. It orchestrates the entire communications and marketing team workflow, emphasizing messaging coherence, strategic positioning, and robust frameworks.

We're on the lookout for a Communications and Marketing Manager who excels in managing cross-functional teams, thrives on making a positive impact, and demonstrates remarkable organizational skills to consistently meet and exceed timelines and deadlines. The ideal candidate brings experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns while effectively managing and inspiring a team.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications and Marketing Campaign & Strategy

• Spearhead the seamless execution of marketing programs from inception to completion, harnessing internal support and fostering collaboration.
• Develop and oversee comprehensive annual marketing communications & marketing plans for organization-wide initiatives, ensuring the attainment of annual performance goals.
• Craft and implement media channel plans encompassing email, social media, paid advertising, marketing materials, and strategic partner communication channels.
• Propel awareness, engagement, and customer acquisition to align with organizational goals and mission.
• Uphold consistency in brand identity, messaging, and communications across all channels.
• Infuse customer and program team insights into strategic plans for a holistic approach.
• Collaborate with teams, offering strategic guidance on communication plans, and fine-tune execution touchpoints during events to elevate customer retention.
• Conduct in-depth analyses of customer insights, consumer trends, market dynamics, and marketing best practices to formulate successful strategies.
• Ensure that all communications and marketing objectives, strategies, and messages are aligned with and supportive of Oxbow’s mission, brand, and strategic plan.

Advertising

• Develop and manage paid social advertising campaigns on Oxbow's owned channels.
• Effectively manage the advertising budget across diverse platforms, including Meta, Seattle’s Child, Parent Map, Google Ads, etc.
• Implement dynamic advertising strategies to increase program sales and drive event registrations.
• Develop audience segmentation for optimized targeted ads performance.
• Conduct thorough research on audience insights and marketing trends to refine ad delivery tactics for maximum impact.

Content Creation & Social Media 

• Shape Oxbow's content strategy across owned channels for a compelling and cohesive narrative.
• Construct an annual content calendar to amplify outreach and drive sales for programs, events, and volunteering initiatives.
• Take the lead in content ideation, development, production, and deployment across all owned channels.
• Craft engaging copy for social media, advertising, emails, website, and marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Coordinator to enhance social media community engagement, fostering a vibrant online presence.
• Manage the social media schedule, strategy, posting, and engagement to maintain an active and engaging online presence.
• Supports In creation of photo & videography strategy across all program projects.
• Attend events, programs, tours, weekend open hours, etc. as needed to capture photo and video content.
• Schedule and coordinate photographers and videographers for Oxbow programs and events.
• Oversee the entire process of producing, developing, editing, and publishing impactful video content.
• Conduct in-depth monitoring of analytics and compile comprehensive reports on social media, web, and content engagement for informed decision-making.

Management, Strategy, and Coordination

• Manages two direct reports – the Senior Creative Designer and Communications and Marketing Coordinator.
• Create strong team dynamics including coaching and mentoring.
• Commitment to Oxbow’s ongoing DEIA development and implementation.
• Efficiently oversee schedules and timelines for seamless content production.
• Stay updated on marketing trends and recommend new content partners, tools, and techniques.
• Provide crucial support for day-to-day marketing and communications functions, ensuring operational efficiency.
• Assist with weekend/after-hours events and fundraising initiatives as needed.
• Prepare and present insightful quarterly and annual reports to senior management, offering valuable insights and strategic recommendations on communications and marketing initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in a related field with 4 years’ experience or 8+ years equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in a similar role, managing a small team.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, social media platforms, Trello, WordPress, MailChimp, Microsoft Suite, and similar tools.
• Previous experience copywriting, editing, and proofing for public-facing materials.
• Passion for environmental causes and related fields.
• Strong UI/UX Experience, Photography and videography, and graphic design.
• SEO knowledge and experience.
• This role requires strong management and communication skills, and a deep connection to protecting the land.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT 

Oxbow is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion. We value the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge that our staff bring to their work and their communities. Valuing diversity is a significant part of our culture, our values, and the success of Oxbow’s mission.  Oxbow provides equal employment opportunities to all staff members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

Oxbow is committed to fostering a racially diverse team. People of color are encouraged to apply. 

COMPENSATION 

This is a regular, full-time position, with a competitive compensation package that includes 100% employer paid healthcare, annual dental stipend, employer retirement match, and generous holiday, vacation, and sick leave. The pay range is $65,000 - $70,000, depending on qualifications. 

TO APPLY

Please apply directly on our website via Bamboo. Provide a resume and cover letter that highlights why you are interested in the position and state your DEI values and what community building means to you. Please also indicate where you saw this job posting.