Communications Coordinator

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

Department: Public Affairs

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hybrid: Sacramento, CA, USA

Reporting To: Senior Director of Operations

Compensation: $26.87 - $28.96 / hour

Description

What You'll Do

• Research, interview experts, and write occasional articles for Flora, CNPS’ quarterly print magazine.  
• Develop content for and distribute CNPS’ monthly email newsletter. 
• Create and update website content, including blog posts, event listings, and programmatic content. 
• Adapt and update communications materials using established Canva templates, including flyers, presentations, postcards, and one-pagers. 
• Contribute content to annual reports, quarterly reports, and other marketing and communications materials.  
• Support social media content creation, including recording direct-to-camera videos and assisting with multimedia storytelling projects.  

• Coordinate monthly virtual Public Affairs meetings for CNPS Chapter volunteers and prepare supporting materials. 
• Collaborate with CNPS’s Digital Media & Website Producer to support volunteer training related to Chapter communications tools and websites (no coding experience is required).  
• Assist volunteers with access to and use of CNPS communication platforms. 
• Serve as a point of coordination between the Public Affairs team and Chapter volunteers, helping connect inquiries to appropriate staff resources.  

• Draft press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.
• Assist with media outreach and reporter engagement efforts.
• Monitor and internally report on media coverage related to CNPS priorities on an ongoing basis.
• Maintain and update media contact databases and distribution lists, including by proactively researching and adding new contacts and removing out-of-date contacts.

• Organize and maintain digital assets in CNPS media management platforms. 
• Respond to and route, inquiries received through CNPS communication channels. 
• Provide administrative and operational support that contributes to programmatic goals and priorities. 
• Contribute to additional Public Affairs initiatives and special projects as assigned. 

• This role is primarily performed in an office or remote work environment and requires prolonged computer use. 
• Occasional travel within California may be required, including participation in events and field trips that may involve walking on uneven terrain. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.  

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position. 
• Standard working hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.  
• Some evening and weekend work will be required to support meetings, events, or organizational priorities. 
• This hybrid role requires regular participation in Sacramento-area meetings and team activities while also supporting remote work. One or more in-office days per week should be expected. 
• Periodic travel within California is required and reimbursed according to CNPS policies. 

• Consistently contribute high-quality content across CNPS communications channels. 
• Supports timely and effective media outreach efforts that increase visibility of CNPS priorities. 
• Coordinates successful Chapter volunteer communications meetings and trainings. 
• Provides responsive support to volunteers and staff using communication tools and platforms. 
• Maintains organized communications assets, media contacts, and project workflows. 
• Builds collaborative relationships across CNPS programs and with Chapter volunteers. 

Who You Are

• At least 2-3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or related fields. 
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content. 
• Experience creating communications materials such as newsletters, blog posts, articles, media materials, website content, or social media content. 
• Experience adapting content for different audiences and communication channels.  

• Experience using email marketing platforms to develop and distribute newsletters or other email communications. 
• Experience updating content in WordPress or similar content management systems. 
• Proficiency using Canva or similar design tools to update and create communications materials from established templates.  

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, volunteers, community members, and external partners. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and follow through on assignments with limited supervision. 
• Commitment to providing responsive and professional support to internal and external audiences.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace applications. 

• Interest in conservation, native plants, biodiversity, public lands, environmental education, or related topics. 
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for colleagues, volunteers, partners, and community members with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
• Demonstrated awareness of inclusive communication practices and a commitment to creating content that is accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. 
• Commitment to supporting CNPS's mission, values, and goals. 

• Experience supporting media relations, public affairs, or public engagement initiatives. 
• Experience working with volunteers, member-based organizations, nonprofits, or community groups. 
• Experience creating or appearing in video or multimedia content. 
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, environmental studies, or in a related field.  
• Relevant professional experience may substitute for a degree on a year-for-year basis. 
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills, particularly in languages commonly spoken in California. 

What You'll Get

• Compensation: A starting hourly rate between $26.87 - $28.96. Reflecting CNPS's commitment to competitive, fair, and transparent compensation, we publish the full potential starting pay ranges for new hires and do not negotiate hiring bonuses.
• Performance Based Compensation Increases: Employees may receive up to a 3.8% performance-based annual rate increase.
• Health Insurance: 100% coverage of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance. 
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment. 
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and Transportation Savings Account (TSA). 
• Paid Leave: 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 vacation days. 
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of supplemental, paid parental leave, after one year of employment. 
• Work-from-Home Support: CNPS-issued laptop, a $750 home office stipend, and a $60/month telework stipend. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support for employees and their families.  
• Professional Development: Annual budget of $500 and 32 hours for professional development opportunities. 
• Team Building: Attendance at semiannual staff team-building events. 
• Community: Complimentary CNPS Society membership. 
• Meaningful Impact: Join a team where your work genuinely supports the planet – cape optional!