Communications Manager

The Maine Island Trail Association (“MITA”) is a 9,500-member organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. Founded in 1988 to establish and manage the Maine Island Trail, MITA embraces the powerfully simple idea that care of Maine’s wild islands can be left to the users of these fragile places. MITA’s coast-wide programs are run through its office on the waterfront in Portland, ME. Join our fun, hard-working team in pursuit of a fabulous mission!

MITA seeks a Communications Manager (“CM”) to develop and implement creative communication strategies to support MITA’s mission and brand. Working with the entire staff team, the CM produces timely, compelling messaging and content that are consistent across media platforms. The CM supports the Director of Advancement in fundraising and strategic engagement efforts, and works closely with the Membership Manager and Business Engagement Manager on communications, programming, and events. A successful CM will help MITA broaden its audience, grow membership, and increase philanthropic support.

This position requires a strong communications or marketing background, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for MITA’s mission.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Ensures outreach communications are aligned with strategic and annual goals to advance MITA’s mission.
• Produces timely content and compelling stories, often in partnership with others on staff and within MITA’s broader network of members and supporters. 
• Manages MITA’s social media and digital outreach efforts including e-newsletters, Facebook, Instagram, the MITA blog, and the MITA website. 
• Manages the content, production, and design of MITA’s biannual newsletter.
• Manages media relations including maintaining working relationships with media and  responding to media inquiries and requests. 
• Coordinates MITA’s digital marketing, including strategy, messaging, and design.
• Manages the design of fundraising, member renewal, and business engagement materials.
• Collaborates with other members of the Advancement staff team to produce programming and events. 
• Serves as contact with outside vendors for design work, website upkeep, publications, and printing and fulfillment services.
• Serves as an active member of the Advancement Committee.
• Represents MITA at select and relevant community events and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications include:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in communications or marketing, ideally in a nonprofit setting
• Strong commitment to working in a team-oriented environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Experience with graphic design, preferably using Adobe Creative Cloud products
• Experience with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp
• Commitment to detail-oriented work assignments
• Competency with Google Applications and MS Office programs
• Experience with CRM/donor management software (competency in Salesforce a plus)
• Knowledge of the Maine coast and recreational boating experience a plus
• A passion for the Maine coast and MITA mission

Position details:  

Location: Flexible, includes eventual expectation of spending a minimum of three days a week at MITA’s Portland waterfront office, dependent on MITA’s hybrid office policy. 

Hours: Fulltime, 40 hours per week

Reports to: Director of Advancement

Compensation: Salary commensurate with qualifications. Benefits package includes paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance plan, cell phone stipend, and retirement plan. 

This position requires occasional travel and weekend or evening work. The MITA office is accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs. Position requires the occasional carrying of boxes of up to 40 pounds.  

MITA reserves the right to perform background checks as a condition of employment.

To apply: 

Please send resume and cover letter AS A PDF DOCUMENT to search@mita.org, using “Communications Manager” in the subject line. You will receive an emailed receipt to acknowledge your application.  As a small organization we have limited capacity to process applications, so phone calls and postal mail submissions cannot be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled.  All applicants will be notified by email when the position has been filled.  

MITA is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.