Kentucky Heartwood
We're Hiring!
Communication and Outreach Coordinator
UPDATE 9/20/22: We are closing the application process because we have received numerous highly-qualified applicants. Thank you for your interest!!
Kentucky Heartwood is seeking applicants for a Communication and Outreach Coordinator to support and elevate our work in public lands advocacy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This position will work closely with other staff, volunteers, vendors, members, and the general public. A background in communications, community organizing, ecology, natural resources, law and/or public lands work is preferred. This position is challenging and multi-faceted and requires a creative and organized individual who is passionate about the environment and self-identifies as an activist.
Job Description
Formed in 1992, Kentucky Heartwood is a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to protect and restore the integrity, stability, and beauty of Kentucky’s native forests and biotic communities through research, education, advocacy, and grassroots activism. This role is responsible for communication and outreach regarding all aspects of the organization including:
Required skills and knowledge:
Desired Skills and Knowledge:
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range of $18-$20 per hour; 30-40 hours per week – negotiable based on level of experience. The work schedule is somewhat flexible, and the ability to work in the Berea office at least 1-2 days per week is a plus. Benefits include 120 hours of paid time off annually (40 hr./week equivalent). Kentucky Heartwood provides stipends for home internet access and travel reimbursement. We currently do not offer a medical plan because the size of our organization limits our ability to become a part of a group health plan, but this may change with an additional full-time staff member.
Location and Travel
Kentucky Heartwood maintains office space in Berea, Kentucky. While the Coordinator does not need to live in Berea, proximity to Berea is preferred, and the coordinator must live reasonably close to the DBNF. The coordinator must be able to travel to the Berea office, Council meetings (usually near Lexington), attend Forest Service and partner meetings around the state, and travel to all parts of the DBNF on a regular basis. Kentucky Heartwood reimburses staff for mileage at the IRS rate.
How to Apply
We will start contacting qualified applicants on September 12, 2022 and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following to Kentucky Heartwood via email to info@kyheartwood.org with “Application for Communication position” in the subject line, application addressed to Lauren Kallmeyer (she/her), and include the following as one PDF:
Kentucky Heartwood strives to act with anti-racist principles and believes strongly in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome different abilities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, faiths, and genders. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.
Kentucky Heartwood is seeking applicants for a Communication and Outreach Coordinator to support and elevate our work in public lands advocacy in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This position will work closely with other staff, volunteers, vendors, members, and the general public. A background in communications, community organizing, ecology, natural resources, law and/or public lands work is preferred. This position is challenging and multi-faceted and requires a creative and organized individual who is passionate about the environment and self-identifies as an activist.
Job Description
Formed in 1992, Kentucky Heartwood is a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to protect and restore the integrity, stability, and beauty of Kentucky’s native forests and biotic communities through research, education, advocacy, and grassroots activism. This role is responsible for communication and outreach regarding all aspects of the organization including:
- Public Lands Advocacy: Work with the Director, Ecosystem Defense Coordinator, and Ecologist to educate and inform our members, partners, the general public, and the media about issues related to the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF). Maintain a basic understanding of all public lands projects that impact our work in the DBNF.
- Outreach: Coordinate, table, and/or attend various public events throughout the region with the goal of building Kentucky Heartwood’s membership, spreading information about our work in the DBNF, and organizing local communities around specific issues. Work with the Director to brainstorm grant opportunities and ideas to improve community outreach.
- Communications: Manage and create our biannual newsletter and major outreach campaigns. Write, produce, and manage content for the Kentucky Heartwood website, newsletter, and social media channels.
- Event and volunteer coordination: Help organize and manage hikes and volunteer activities in the DBNF.
Required skills and knowledge:
- Competency using automated marketing platforms (Mailchimp), design programs (Canva), and ability to make basic web updates
- Ability to write and communicate in a compelling manner that will drive public action in our work
- Ability to talk with members of the public about our organization
- Access to a vehicle and ability to lift 20 lbs when tabling at various events
- History of recreating in the DBNF or a willingness to develop a relationship with it
- Comfortable hiking in various conditions and terrains and navigating safely in the woods
Desired Skills and Knowledge:
- Volunteer management experience
- Event planning experience
- Ability to perform basic species ID, or willingness to learn
- Knowledge and experience in (or the aptitude and desire to learn) federal laws and regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Forest Management Act
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range of $18-$20 per hour; 30-40 hours per week – negotiable based on level of experience. The work schedule is somewhat flexible, and the ability to work in the Berea office at least 1-2 days per week is a plus. Benefits include 120 hours of paid time off annually (40 hr./week equivalent). Kentucky Heartwood provides stipends for home internet access and travel reimbursement. We currently do not offer a medical plan because the size of our organization limits our ability to become a part of a group health plan, but this may change with an additional full-time staff member.
Location and Travel
Kentucky Heartwood maintains office space in Berea, Kentucky. While the Coordinator does not need to live in Berea, proximity to Berea is preferred, and the coordinator must live reasonably close to the DBNF. The coordinator must be able to travel to the Berea office, Council meetings (usually near Lexington), attend Forest Service and partner meetings around the state, and travel to all parts of the DBNF on a regular basis. Kentucky Heartwood reimburses staff for mileage at the IRS rate.
How to Apply
We will start contacting qualified applicants on September 12, 2022 and will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following to Kentucky Heartwood via email to info@kyheartwood.org with “Application for Communication position” in the subject line, application addressed to Lauren Kallmeyer (she/her), and include the following as one PDF:
- A brief cover letter introducing yourself and describing your interest in Kentucky Heartwood
- A detailed resume, including educational and work experience
- Two professional references
- 2-3 communication examples (Mailchimp newsletters, Instagram posts, Canva designs, outreach campaigns, newsletters, etc.)
Kentucky Heartwood strives to act with anti-racist principles and believes strongly in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome different abilities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, faiths, and genders. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.