Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager

🔹 Company: Walking Mountains Science Center

🔹 Location: Avon, Colorado, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Environmental Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Connecting the public to Walking Mountains’ environmental and sustainability programs through engaging storytelling and strategic content creation.
• Managing social media channels and producing engaging, on-brand content.
• Serving as a point of contact for media inquiries and building relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Collaborating with program teams to support outreach and promotional efforts, especially for sustainability and community-based initiatives.
• Ensuring messaging is culturally relevant and inclusive, particularly when engaging bilingual or underrepresented audiences.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a creative communicator with a passion for mission-driven work, community outreach, and environmental education. Candidates with experience in nonprofit communications, education-based storytelling, or sustainability campaigns will find alignment in both purpose and practice.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute creative content strategies to communicate Walking Mountains' mission and amplify the voices of our program participants, partners, and supporters.

✅ Produce high-quality visual and written content for digital and print channels, including video stories, social graphics, blog posts, press releases, and newsletters.

✅ Regularly capture and curate photos and video assets to showcase programs, supporters, participants, and partners.

✅ Develop case studies for relevant sustainability programs and projects.

✅ Lead Walking Mountains’ and the Climate Action Collaborative’s social media strategy, calendar, and content creation across platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and emerging channels.

✅ Create engaging and interactive content that drives audience growth and community engagement.

✅ Analyze performance metrics and adapt strategy accordingly to optimize reach and impact.

✅ Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and proactively build relationships with local and regional media outlets.

✅ Draft and distribute press releases, op-eds, and media kits to promote programs, events, and organizational milestones.

✅ Coordinate media appearances, interviews, and storytelling opportunities with staff, participants, and partners.

✅ Collaborate with program teams to support outreach and promotional efforts, especially for sustainability and community-based initiatives.

✅ Ensure messaging is culturally relevant and inclusive, particularly when engaging bilingual or underrepresented audiences.

✅ Represent Walking Mountains at community events and in stakeholder communications.

✅ Ensure all content is aligned with the Walking Mountains brand voice, values, and visual identity.

✅ Support the Director of Marketing & Communications in implementing the annual plan to elevate strategic storytelling efforts.

✅ Maintain and update the organization’s website and ensure consistency across all digital platforms.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills with attention to detail and a proactive attitude. The ideal candidate will be a creative communicator, visual storyteller, and strategic thinker with a passion for community engagement, environmental education, and sustainability.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, multimedia production, or a related field.

Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in communications, digital media, or PR—ideally within nonprofit, education, or sustainability sectors.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in managing social media channels and producing engaging, on-brand content.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills.
• Experience working with media outlets and coordinating PR efforts.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with attention to detail and a proactive attitude.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in environmental education, sustainability, or community outreach.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress), email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp), and analytics tools (e.g., Meta Insights, Google Analytics).
• Ability to use photo/video equipment, editing software, and design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in the English language is required for this role. Additionally, candidates with experience in nonprofit communications, education-based storytelling, or sustainability campaigns are strongly encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 (Estimated based on industry standards for a Communications Manager in the nonprofit sector with 4-10 years of experience in Colorado)

Benefits:

• Employer-supplemented health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K Plan with employer match
• 15 days of PTO (starting), 12 paid holidays, and 12 days sick leave
• Flexible Spending Account and Healthcare Savings Account options
• Life insurance and short-term disability insurance
• Discounted Ski pass
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Pro Deals

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Communications Manager in the nonprofit sector with 4-10 years of experience in Colorado. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Walking Mountains Science Center operates in the Environmental Services industry, focusing on environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement.

Company Size: Walking Mountains Science Center has 11-50 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized organization with a close-knit team and a strong sense of community.

Founded: Walking Mountains Science Center was founded in 1998, making it an established organization with a rich history and a well-defined mission.

Company Description:

• Walking Mountains is a leading environmental education organization that fosters stewardship and builds transformative partnerships across Eagle County, Colorado.
• They teach people of all ages about our natural world through immersive science-based experiences, groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, captivating programs, and engaging events.
• Walking Mountains offers programs and events at their locations in Avon and Vail, Colorado.

Company Specialties:

• Environmental Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Sustainability
• Youth Science Education
• STEM Education
• Summer Camp
• Hiking Programs
• Energy Efficiency
• Waste Reduction
• Sustainable Tourism
• School Field Science Programs
• Sustainable Business
• Climate Action

Company Website: http://www.walkingmountains.org

ASSUMPTION: Walking Mountains Science Center is a mission-driven organization that values community, professionalism, collaboration, diversity, equity, a positive work environment, and a passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring 4+ years of professional experience in communications, digital media, or PR.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Manager will report directly to the Director of Marketing & Communications and collaborate with various program teams to support outreach and promotional efforts.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with a 40-hour workweek. The role may require occasional work on evenings and weekends for events or special projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Walking Mountains continues to grow and expand its programs, there may be opportunities for the Communications Manager to take on additional responsibilities or advance within the organization.
• The organization offers professional development opportunities to help employees grow and improve their skills.
• Working in a mid-sized organization like Walking Mountains provides ample opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and learning.

ASSUMPTION: While there may be opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization, the specific career path for this role is not explicitly stated in the job description.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Walking Mountains Science Center has two main office locations in Avon and Vail, Colorado, with additional program locations throughout Eagle County.

Office Location(s): 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon, CO 81620, US and 601 Vail Valley Drive, Vail, CO 81657, US

Geographic Context:

• Avon and Vail are located in Eagle County, Colorado, which is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, outdoor recreation opportunities, and strong sense of community.
• The area is home to several ski resorts and offers a high quality of life for residents.
• Eagle County is also committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, making it an ideal location for an environmental education organization like Walking Mountains.

Work Schedule: The Communications Manager will work a full-time schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends required for events or special projects.

ASSUMPTION: While the job description does not explicitly state the work schedule, it is reasonable to assume that the Communications Manager will work a standard full-time schedule with some flexibility for events and special projects.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio pieces through the provided application link.
• Candidates who meet the qualifications will be contacted for an initial phone or video screening.
• Top candidates will be invited for an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members.
• Finalists may be asked to complete a skills assessment or provide additional work samples.
• Reference checks will be conducted for the final candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Candidates will be evaluated on their communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as their ability to create engaging and on-brand content.
• Applicants should demonstrate their experience with social media management, public relations, and community engagement.
• Candidates should also show their ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Include specific examples of your work, such as social media campaigns, press releases, or case studies, to demonstrate your qualifications.
• Show your passion for environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement in your application materials.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the organization, its mission, and the role to demonstrate your interest and engagement.

ATS Keywords: communications, public relations, content creation, social media management, storytelling, community engagement, environmental education, sustainability, writing, editing, visual storytelling, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, proactive attitude, nonprofit, environmental services

ASSUMPTION: Walking Mountains Science Center uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application get noticed by the ATS and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress)
• Email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Meta Insights, Google Analytics)
• Photo/video equipment and editing software
• Design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar

ASSUMPTION: While the job description does not explicitly list the tools and technologies required for this role, it is reasonable to assume that the Communications Manager will use a variety of content creation, management, and analytics tools to perform their job effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Community
• Professionalism
• Collaboration
• Diversity
• Equity
• Positive work environment
• Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability

Work Style:

• Creative and innovative
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Detail-oriented and proactive
• Committed to environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with Walking Mountains' mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, mid-sized organization with a strong sense of community?
• Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative work environment?
• Are you passionate about environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement?
• Can you effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences, including bilingual or underrepresented communities?

ASSUMPTION: Walking Mountains Science Center values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Candidates who align with the organization's mission, values, and work style are more likely to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple responsibilities and priorities, including content creation, social media management, public relations, and community outreach.
• Working with a variety of stakeholders, including program teams, partners, and the public, to ensure consistent and on-brand messaging.
• Adapting to a dynamic work environment with occasional evenings and weekends required for events or special projects.
• Managing a busy and sometimes unpredictable workload, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
• Working in a mid-sized organization with a close-knit team, which may require additional flexibility and adaptability.

ASSUMPTION: While Walking Mountains Science Center offers a rewarding and mission-driven work environment, the Communications Manager role may present unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive attitude.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Manager (Nonprofit, Environmental Services) vs. Communications Manager (Corporate, For-profit):
• Nonprofit Communications Managers may have more direct impact on the organization's mission and community engagement.
• Corporate Communications Managers may have more resources and budget for content creation and marketing efforts.
• Communications Manager (Environmental Services) vs. Communications Manager (Education):
• Environmental Services Communications Managers may focus more on sustainability, community engagement, and public relations efforts.
• Education Communications Managers may focus more on internal communications, student recruitment, and alumni engagement.
• Communications Manager (Mid-sized Organization) vs. Communications Manager (Enterprise):
• Mid-sized Organization Communications Managers may have more direct access to leadership and a stronger sense of community within the organization.
• Enterprise Communications Managers may have more resources and budget for content creation and marketing efforts, but may also face more bureaucracy and red tape.

ASSUMPTION: While there are similarities between Communications Manager roles across various industries and organization sizes, each role may present unique challenges and opportunities based on the specific context and work environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a social media campaign to promote a new sustainability initiative, including creating engaging visual content, drafting captions, and scheduling posts across multiple platforms.
• Writing and designing a press release to announce a major organizational milestone or achievement, and coordinating media outreach to secure coverage in local and regional outlets.
• Collaborating with program teams to create engaging and informative content for a monthly email newsletter, including writing articles, designing layouts, and optimizing for accessibility and mobile responsiveness.
• Managing a community event, including coordinating logistics, promoting the event through social media and public relations efforts, and engaging with attendees to gather feedback and generate leads.

ASSUMPTION: The Communications Manager role at Walking Mountains Science Center requires a diverse skill set and the ability to manage a variety of projects and initiatives to effectively connect the public to the organization's mission and programs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the organization's strategic plan for the next 1-3 years, and how this role fits into that plan?
• How does Walking Mountains measure the success of its communications and engagement efforts, and how will my performance be evaluated in this role?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the organization, and how does the company support employees in pursuing these opportunities?
• How does Walking Mountains engage with and support its employees, particularly in terms of work-life balance, career advancement, and employee recognition?
• Can you describe the team dynamics and work environment at Walking Mountains, and how does the organization foster collaboration and communication among its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision about your career.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio pieces through the provided application link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3212123
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your work, such as social media campaigns, press releases, or case studies.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the organization, its mission, and the role to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with social media management, public relations, and community engagement, as well as your ability to work collaboratively and adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.