Job Title: Communications Contractor (Hybrid)

Organization: Lake Merritt Conservancy

Duration: Contract (Part-Time; 6 mo, Fiscal Yr ‘26)

Position Overview:

The Lake Merritt Conservancy seeks an experienced, skilled, and creative Communications Contractor to support strategic messaging and public engagement efforts. This role will assist the core team and working board in developing and driving a communications strategy and organizational communications calendar that achieve outreach and development goals. Other tasks will include managing social media channels, producing a bi-monthly member newsletter, and developing clear, compelling external communications related to capital projects and the advocacy mission of the organization, in order to drive public engagement and civic partnership in conserving and experiencing Lake Merritt and its surrounding parkland. The ideal candidate is an excellent storyteller, highly organized, collaborative, and comfortable translating complex information into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences. 

Key Responsibilities:

Social Media Management

• Develop, schedule, and publish content across social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Substack) and the LMC website (lakemc.org)
• Create engaging multimedia content, including graphics, short videos, and photos
• Monitor comments and messages, responding promptly and professionally, and escalating any urgent or sensitive issues
• Track performance metrics and optimize content based on engagement data

Member Newsletter (Every Two Months)

• Coordinate content contributions from internal teams (programs, development, leadership)
• Plan, write, and edit a newsletter for Conservancy members every two months
• Ensure consistent voice, branding, and messaging across all communications
• Manage production timelines and distribution via email marketing platforms

Capital Projects Communications

• Collaborate with the Board's project managers and leadership to develop external communications for capital projects
• Translate technical project details into clear, public-facing updates
• Create press releases, website updates, fact sheets, and community outreach materials
• Support public information efforts, including announcements, stakeholder communications, and milestone updates

Additional Responsibilities

• Create and drive the organization’s communications calendar, incorporating all channels and messaging
• Maintain and update website content as needed to match current messaging
• Attend LMC-organized events, and capture and catalog content materials (photos, videos, text) for media sharing 
• Support communications planning, message creation, storytelling, and campaign development
• Ensure all communications align with the Conservancy’s mission, values, and brand guidelines

Who Should Apply:

We need you to have:

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field
• Familiarity with email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and adept at learning new systems and platforms as needed
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines independently
• Knowledge of Oakland, Oakland’s political landscape, and Lake Merritt’s environs

We want you to have:

• Experience translating technical or complex topics for general audiences
• Software skills in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Canva
• Interest in parks, conservation, or environmental organizations
• Experience in advocacy, multi-stakeholder public engagement, and crisis communications

Working Style & Expectations:

• Self-directed and responsive, with strong time management skills
• Collaborative and comfortable working with cross-functional teams
• Flexible availability for occasional meetings or time-sensitive communications needs
• Reports to Programs and Communications Directors and together engages input and guides communications projects for the working founding board

Deliverables:

• Social media posts at least twice a week across all channels
• Six newsletters annually; one every two months
• Create an organizational communications calendar for all communications channels, including social media and events, and program posts 
• Working with committees for ongoing professional communications materials developed to support capital projects, events, and campaigns (fundraising, including membership and development, mission-driven stewardship activities, advocacy, public service messages, and educational articles)
• Keep abreast of what is happening in each of the committees.

Compensation:

Up to $1000/month commensurate with experience; delivery-based contract structure, with monthly 1099 invoicing.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, a portfolio (work samples, social media, newsletters, fundraising, or project communications), and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience.

We’re accepting applications until May 29th, 2026.

Requirements added by the job poster

• Authorized to work in the United States

• • No need for visa sponsorship