Opportunities

Solar Cookers International (SCI) is hiring a

Communications Specialist  

 

MISSION  

Solar Cookers International (SCI) improves human health, economic well-being, women’s empowerment, and the environment by promoting climate-friendly solar cooking for vulnerable populations worldwide. SCI leads through advocacy, research, and strengthening the capacity of the global solar cooking movement.  

THE POSITION 

Do you want to utilize your communications skills to grow a movement that saves lives and our planet?  Do you want to work for a longstanding top-rated non-profit by the BBB, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar and winner of the Keeling Curve Prize?  Now is your opportunity as Solar Cookers International is hiring a Communications Specialist. 

This position reports directly to the Executive Director.  This position works closely with SCI’s Development Director in producing fundraising related communications. This position also coordinates with and supports other team members in producing program related communications.  This position would also be expected to work with vendors and/or consultants as appropriate. While this position is called a specialist, it will be responsible for multiple aspects of SCI’s communications given that Solar Cookers International is a relatively small organization.   

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – the duties described below are provided as examples and are not to be considered exclusive or all-inclusive: 

  • Create 8 print publications a year according to SCI’s annual communications/ publication calendar.  Typically, these publications have included 4 appeals, 2 newsletters, 1 Annual Report, 1 holiday card; publications may also include a survey, remit and outer envelopes, and inserts. This has typically been done utilizing the Adobe Suite programs.  Facilitate editing process with the SCI Development Director and other team members as appropriate.   

  • Design and update supplementary materials (e.g. brochures, business cards, PowerPoint templates, etc.) as needed, according to best practices. 

  • Utilize SCI’s mass email platform (currently Salsa Engage) to create and send mass emails (fundraising and programmatic related).  This includes formatting and design, coordinating with coworkers on content, checking audiences, sending test emails, monitoring and updating settings to maximize delivery, etc. 

  • Maintain and update SCI’s website www.solarcookers.org (currently using the Concrete 5 platform).  Drive traffic to the website to increase awareness and support for SCI.   

  • Coordinate with the administrator of SCI’s other web presence (www.solarcooking.org), to keep content up to date and direct content to the appropriate platform.   

  • Maintain SCI’s social media presence (currently on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram) to reinforce and strengthen SCI’s organizational relationships and digital presence. 

  • Utilize, encourage other staff to utilize, train new staff on, and update SCI’s Messaging and Style Guides as appropriate. Ensure that the standards in these guides are applied to SCI communications. 

  • Stay up to date on and apply best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, especially with respect to communications. 

  • Analyze communications efforts and refine strategies based on goals and metrics such as google analytics and Salsa Engage analytics   

  • Strengthen and grow SCI’s press and media connections, presence, and opportunities. 

  • Contribute to organizational processes such as budget preparation, strategic planning, operational planning, etc. when appropriate. 

  • Maximize additional communications opportunities, for example by submitting content to other organizations’ newsletters when invited. 

  • Stay abreast of industry trends and engage in learning opportunities. 

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES REQUIRED  

  • Dedication to and understanding of SCI’s mission and approach 

  • Competency with software for word processing, website development, email marketing, and other specialized functions.  

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Sharepoint)  

  • Experience in (preferred) and/or desire to learn the programs that SCI uses including Salsa (for communications and Customer Relationship Management), Concrete 5 (for its website), the Adobe Suite, Google (Analytics, photos, etc.), Zoom.  Familiarity with similar programs would be highly beneficial. 

  • Excellent written and spoken English language skills  

  • Graphic design 

  • Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills within all organizational levels and with outside constituencies including with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds  

  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy including proofreading and editing  

  • Ability to identify and manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize, and allocate time effectively  

  • Effective planning, critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, and follow through  

  • Report on work progress and outcomes to supervisors and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.  

  • Professional demeanor, work presentation, and ability to represent the organization to all audiences in a positive way  

  • Ability to take direction well, give and accept feedback 

  • Able to work independently and as a part of a team 

  • Initiative in problem solving and information finding; being proactive  

  • Maintain confidential data and information. 

  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships internally and externally. 

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES OF VALUE 

  • Basic video editing 

  • Additional language abilities  

QUALIFICATIONS 

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: 

Required:  At least 2-5 years relevant work experience in a non-profit or relevant setting  

Preferred: Education in a related field such as communications, graphic design, international relations, environmental sustainability, and/or social science. 

WORK SITUATION 

SCI offers room for growth, professional development, and a supportive and competent team in addition to a flexible and dynamic work environment. This position is remote.  

SCI headquarters and many of its supporters are based in Sacramento, California, USA. Business hours are 8-5pm Pacific Time, though SCI staff are located in several time zones across North America and Europe, and are adept at working remotely. While 100% overlap with the 8-5 PT schedule is not required, availability will need to largely coincide with co-workers for scheduling meetings, virtual events, coordination, etc.  

Both exempt (salaries) and non-exempt (hourly) employees generally work 8 hours a day, M-F. Non-exempt employees typically take a 1 hour unpaid lunch break in the middle of their day.  

SCI is committed to building a more just and equitable world, one where all voices are heard and respected regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical ability. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other historically marginalized communities.   

COMPENSATION 

This is a full-time hourly position, paying in the range of $26.44 – $28.84/hour (which is approximately $55,000 - $60,000/year). Compensation is commensurate with experience. Annual salary increases will be considered based on performance and available resources.   

For full-time, US-based employees, SCI covers up to $622/month towards health insurance premiums, paid vacation, 80 hours of sick leave/year, twelve paid holidays, life insurance, and other full-time staff benefits.  Paid vacation begins accruing at a rate of 80 hours a year and increases up to 160 hours a year based on tenure with SCI. SCI has a 403B retirement plan, which employees can contribute to.  SCI will contribute to full-time employees’ retirement plans as the budget and available resources allow. 

SCI is based in Sacramento, California, USA and welcomes applicants with eligibility to work in the United States.  SCI may be able to consider international applicants, based on country of residence tax laws (and corresponding budget ramifications), time zone compatibility, etc. For international candidates, the healthcare, annual leave, and other benefits described above would be revised to meet your resident country's labor laws. 

TIMELINE 

SCI is looking to hire the right candidate to start as soon as possible.  This position is available full time starting January 3rd, 2023.  SCI will review applications on an ongoing basis; we courage applicants to apply early. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

In one email, submit a resume or CV, work sample (that would ideally include some writing and design elements), and cover letter with salary requirements to Sara Rosen, Program and Operations Manager at program@solarcookers.org. Please indicate how you learned about this position.  Candidates are responsible for ensuring receipt of application materials. The most qualified candidates will be invited to a phone interview Contact: program@solarcookers.org 

+1-916-455-4499  

 See www.solarcookers.org for more information.  

  

 

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