Employment

Communications Director

FLSA: Full-time, Exempt

Starting Pay Range:  $75,000-$85,000 plus benefits

Department: Communications

Reports To: Executive Director

Location: Minnesota – eligible for Remote/Hybrid work (see Working Conditions)

SUMMARY

The International Wolf Center (IWC) is an internationally respected nonprofit organization whose mission is to use science-based education to teach and inspire the world about wolves, their ecology, and the wolf-human relationship. With a Visitor Center in Ely, Minnesota and a membership spread across every U.S state and 38 countries, the International Wolf Center supports informed dialogue about the vital role that wolves play in ecosystems around the world.   

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Communications Director is a senior leadership position responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that elevate the IWC’s mission, promote educational programming/resources and deepen engagement across all audiences.

The Communications Director manages one full-time Communications Design Specialist as well as contractors, vendors and volunteers who support Communications efforts.  As a member of the IWC leadership team, this role works closely with the Executive Director as well as Development, Education, Wolf Care, and other IWC staff to collaboratively develop content and messaging.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

BRAND STRATEGY AND MARKETING– 25%

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a marketing and brand strategy that reflects the IWC’s mission and positions the organization as a leading authority on wolf education and scientifically grounded information about wolves.
• Work collaboratively with appropriate IWC staff to create and execute integrated marketing campaigns promoting our Ely Visitor Center,  memberships, educational programs, merchandise, and special events.
• Identify and pursue earned media opportunities when appropriate. Serve as primary IWC contact for media and tourism organizations (Explore MN, etc…).
• Thoughtfully consider how communications efforts can support the IWC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

DIGITAL PRESENCE & CONTENT MANAGEMENT – 30%

• Oversee the IWC’s digital ecosystem, including the organizational website (www.wolf.org), social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X), and email marketing.
• Develop and execute an editorial content calendar for social media and email marketing that supports programmatic goals and drives audience engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Design Specialist and staff from Wolf Care and Education to create compelling educational digital content; including copy, graphics, video, and photography.
• Monitor website analytics, social media metrics, and email performance data; use insights to guide strategy and improve outcomes.
• Manage and maintain the IWC website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, and optimized for search.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION – 25%

• Directly supervise the Communications Design Specialist, providing oversight, clear goal-setting, and regular performance feedback.
• Serve on International Wolf magazine work team. Oversee the magazine’s contracted Publications Director and Graphic Designer and support their work as needed to ensure timely publication of the quarterly magazine
• Lead efforts to identify what information IWC audiences are seeking and determine the most impactful methods and channels for sharing that content.
• Partner with the Development Director to plan and develop donor/member communication materials and support fundraising campaigns and special events.
• Collaborate with Interpretive Center Director and Education Manager to promote visitation to Ely and drive program attendance.   
• Participate in  IWC Board Education Committee meetings quarterly and attend other board meetings as requested by the Executive Director.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION – 20%:

• Oversee multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines, priorities and stakeholders, maintain clear documentation and timelines.
• Develop and manage the Communications department budget, track expenditures and ensure efficient use of resources.  Assist other department heads in creating the communications related portions of their budgets.
• Work with Executive Director to identify, plan and coordinate periodic larger scale projects needed to achieve strategic communication goals (i.e. website redesign, International Wolf Symposium).
• Regularly evaluate and manage vendor and contractor relationships, including printers, digital agencies, and freelancers.
• Stay current with trends in nonprofit communications, digital marketing, and science-based storytelling.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or a related discipline, including at least two years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing marketing and/or communications plans.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to adapt tone and voice for different platforms.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools including email platforms (e.g., Constant Contact), social media management tools, and website CMS systems (e.g., WordPress).
• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and/or an ability to provide effective creative direction.
• Excellent project management skills with a track record of meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and external partners.
• Passion for wolves/wildlife.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Insights) and a data-informed approach to communications.
• Familiarity with print publication production processes, including working with designers, editors, and print vendors.
• Experience working with media and/or tourism in the upper Midwest.
• Knowledge of or experience with fundraising/membership communications.
• Experience in cross-cultural/international communications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is open for remote work but must be able and willing to drive to both the Ely Visitor Center and the IWC administrative office (in Brooklyn Park, MN) several times per year.   This position is subject to a variable work schedule.  Typical hours are 8 am – 4:30 pm weekdays, with occasional evening and/or weekends.

TO APPLY

To apply, email careers@wolf.org with your cover letter and resume by Friday, May 22.