Communications Officer, Academy of Rescue & Conservation

This is a Part-Time Fixed Term Contract position approved through June 30, 2025

This position will serve as Communications point-of-contact for all internal and external inquiries (Program, project, Comms, Development, partners, and media) as it relates to IFAWs new Academy of Rescue & Conservation (ARC).

We are looking for a multi-channel communication specialist with a proven record of accomplishment of story mining, creative storytelling, as well as excellent writing, website, and photo/video content creation skills. The candidate has a keen interest in hosting and facilitating on-site events, frequently representing the organization oneself, as well as elevating IFAW experts to an external audience. The post-holder will champion these activities through the overarching IFAW goals of brand awareness, fundraising and thought leadership.

This role will collaborate with creative teams, communications, and digital officers across the globe to conceptualize, strategize, write and execute global and in-market campaigns and initiatives—working in particularly close collaboration with Program and Project leads. The candidate enjoys fostering long-term relationships with media, peers, and partners across the local northeast U.S. region and beyond. They are a self-motivated problem solver who knows how to get things done and works well under pressure.

Role and Responsibilities

• Support IFAW’s ARC activities in meeting specific brand awareness and fundraising objectives. Inform communication plans for ARC’s education objectives and enable global colleagues to drive interest in IFAW’s educational and training initiatives.
• Demonstrate proactive ideation and follow-through, with an ability to engage across the organization as a trusted single point of contact for the most accurate/current Program information in the organization.
• Excel at story mining, creative writing, and photo/video content production with the goal of identifying and engaging a variety of audiences through IFAW’s communication channels:
  • Owned media: Social channels, blogs, website, thought leadership. Test and drive new story and content tactics to inform and evolve IFAW‘s overall marketing strategy of building IFAW’s brand recognition (northeast U.S. and globally), our donor base, building relevance and staying top-of-mind.
  • Earned media: Journalists, influencers, content partnerships. Demonstrate confidence in hosting and facilitating journalist visits and handling media inquiries in a professional and timely manner. Support global and/or regional opportunities for partnerships, influencer relationships and events.

• In partnership with IFAW’s managing editor and web manager, Manage and proactively lead content creation and continuous updates to ARC’s website properties, with particular interest in training and education subjects.
• In partnership with IFAW’s asset manager and video producer, Creation of a distinct visual identity for each course through image choice, customized presentations, and promotional materials in accordance with IFAW brand specifications and course content.

• • Development of multimedia content including but not limited to video, image, and audio production, field and studio recordings, web-conferencing recordings, web content development, and the creation and integration of graphics, titles, and animated sequences that will enhance the learning experience.
  • Recording, editing, and encoding audio and video files.
  • Acquisition of media and ensure copyright and required attributions are designated on all media and coursework.
  • Management and conversion of inaccessible material into accessible versions, including alternative materials and alternative text for learners with disabilities.

• Stay abreast of continually shifting cultural, market, digital, and social trends with the ability to apply and communicate them as strategic recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Draft key messaging and positioning for the ARC program that reflects IFAW’s values, best practices, and a global mission toward animal rescue and conservation. Stay attuned to current industry events and potential crisis/emergency communication needs.
• Assume strong brand ownership, facilitating merchandise and collateral that stands true to IFAW’s identity and fosters awareness, recognition and a feeling of membership among supporters and participants.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, public relations, marketing or related subjects preferred
• 5+ years of professional experience with an emphasis in cross channel, digital and integrated