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Thank you for your interest in careers at the International Rhino Foundation. View all open postings below.

JOB TITLE: Communications Coordinator
LOCATION: Remote
SALARY RANGE: $60,000 – $65,000 per year, plus benefits
DEPARTMENT: Communications
REPORTS TO: Executive Director

BASIC SUMMARY:
As a science-based wildlife conservation organization, IRF strives to be at the forefront of rhino conservation through strategic and efficient communications and marketing efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Coordinator’s main role is to communicate to IRF’s existing constituency and expand IRF’s reach. In partnership with the Executive Director and Digital Marketing Manager, they will implement a communications strategy for both traditional and social media that will inspire others to further engage in our deeply worthwhile mission. The Communications Coordinator will also work closely with the IRF Board of Directors’ Communications Committee, which provides strategic partnership on IRF’s communications efforts.

The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, entrepreneurial individual who is comfortable with both new and traditional media, and who will thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced and creative global enterprise. This position entails about 3-4 trips per year, mostly within the United States.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The broad objectives for the Communications Coordinator are to:

  • Expand the reach, influence, impact and public recognition of IRF as a trusted science-based conservation organization to educate the public on rhino conservation, cultivate supporters and engage donors.
  • Foster positive perceptions of IRF among stakeholders of the rhino conservation community, IRF supporters and the general public.
  • Oversee IRF’s traditional communications initiatives and provide thought partnership within the organization on communications, media and marketing strategies.

 Specific goals include:

  • Implement IRF’s traditional communications and media strategies. Partner closely with IRF’s Digital Marketing Manager on marketing and digital strategies.
  • Grow IRF’s visibility and media presence by developing relationships with key journalists and media outlets; responding to and coordinating incoming PR and media requests; draft press releases and pitch articles/interviews to media outlets; brief Executive Director up for interviews by providing background information on issues.
  • Work with the Executive Director and other IRF staff to develop general key messages as well as position statements and talking points on important issues. 
  • Create content for outward communications, including annual Impact Report, State of the rhino report, brochures, case studies, fact sheets, posters, blogs etc. Responsibilities center on copywriting, with occasional graphic design for digital and print materials, and video editing as needed. Develop subject expertise over time through research and tracking of global rhino issues.
  • Provide backup to IRF’s Digital Marketing Manager for social media, website maintenance, digital content creation and other duties of that role.
  • Catalog, manage and maintain IRF’s visual library using a Digital Asset Management software. 
  • Provide multimedia support for the organization such as photography, videography and video editing.
  • Occasionally draft speeches and visual presentations for the Executive Director and other senior staff, as well as help trouble shoot tech issues for ED.
  • Support the Development team and Digital Marketing Manager as needed with annual online marketing and fundraising strategies, as well as specific campaign strategies and related communications and marketing, including email appeals, advertisements and promotions to help bring in new subscribers, members and donors.
  • In partnership with the Digital Marketing Manager, plan, draft, implement and evaluate online and social media advertising campaigns, using performance data to grow our subscriber base and acquire new donors.
  • With the Digital Marketing Manager, develop and maintain IRF’s Communications budget.
  • Develop data-driven reports on IRF Communications initiatives, highlighting key metrics and insights, and present findings to the Board of Directors to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Co-lead (with the Digital Marketing Manager) IRF’s Board of Director’s Communications Committee to develop high-level strategic plans, assess current strategies and identify growth opportunities for our communications program.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or Equivalent Experience

Experience: 2 plus years work experience in a communications capacity. Knowledge of wildlife or conservation issues is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for All IRF Employees:

  • Personal interest in and commitment to conservation.
  • Ability and willingness to model the tenets of IRF’s Mission and Core Values: integrity, collaboration, adaptability, sound decision-making and commitment.
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, problem solve and exercise sound decision making in fluid environments to meet job expectations and achieve goals in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Ability to represent IRF to external entities and the public in a professional manner while exercising tact, diplomacy and discretion.
  • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to productively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders from diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders clearly and accurately, in both verbal and written forms.
  • Ability to effectively navigate through change and maintain flexibility.
  • Ability to effectively address and manage conflict.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn other communications and CRM tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Communications Coordinator:

  • Excellent content research, writing, editing and pitching skills with a demonstrated track record of compelling content that reaches strategic goals and engages audiences.
  • Experience with the production of photography and videography projects.
  • Experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans that integrate press, social media, email marketing, web development, events and other platforms.
  • Able and willing to work in a fast-paced, remote and global environment and multitask as needed.
  • Experience working with non-profit Customer Relationship Management software, media monitoring and social media, monitoring and listening tools (e.g., EveryAction, Muck Rack, Buffer)
  • Knowledge of and experience communicating about complicated or sensitive environmental or conservation issues.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting brand identity and digital presence, (including social media, email outreach, etc).
  • Experience running website and email marketing analysis using a variety of tools including WordPress, Google Analytics as well as internal reporting tools.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Communications Coordinator does nearly all their work at a computer. IRF employees are encouraged to change position throughout the day to help mitigate the strain associated with remaining stationary for long periods of time. Some travel is required for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email a cover letter explaining how their skills and background fit this position, a curriculum vitae and 2 writing samples to admin@rhinos.org. Refer to Communications in the subject line. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, February 27th, 2026. No phone inquiries, please. Applications submitted through job board portals will not be considered.