Writer

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Writer for their Communications Department based at The Philip Merrill Environmental Center headquarters office in Annapolis.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional non-profit conservation organization working solely to save the Bay. Established in 1967, CBF has a staff of approximately 165 employees working in offices in Annapolis and Salisbury, Maryland; Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., and in 15 field education program locations. CBF's headquarters office is in the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, a “cutting edge,” environmentally responsible building located in Annapolis, Maryland.
CBF has an annual budget of approximately $20 million and is supported by more than 177,000 members, volunteers, and other supporters. For more information on CBF please visit www.cbf.org.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

CBF’s Communications Department is one of three operating program areas within CBF. The Department’s charge is to market CBF and its programs and thereby galvanize public support for and involvement in CBF’s priorities. Our priorities are reducing pollution, restoring natural filters, and building an engaged and active constituency for clean water in order to substantially improve water quality throughout the region.

The Communications Department is organized around three primary functional areas: creative services; media; and direct/Internet marketing. The Writer is a member of the creative services team.

The primary goal of the creative services team is to produce high-quality, accurate, and engaging information—both written and graphic—that reflects CBF’s mission and the broad scope of our work in a clear and consistent voice. The Writer works primarily with other staff writers and graphic designers to develop content for all media (print, electronic, display, etc.).
Essential functions include:

•Represent Communications on various “campaign” teams and be responsible for developing campaign content for the CBF website and other publications;
• Contribute to writing projects including letters, talking points, white papers, fact sheets, reports, and other projects as assigned;
• Provide editorial assistance for CBF’s member periodical, Save the Bay;
• Provide editorial assistance to members of the Writing Team, members of the Communications department, and other CBF staff;
• With other team members, develop innovative strategies and identify new vehicles for educating and engaging the public through written word; and,
• Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE: Bachelor’s degree in related field required. Communications experience preferred. Documented excellent written and oral communication skills required. Ability to vary writing voice for audience is critical. Outstanding editing and proofreading skills also required. Ability to work in teams and with diverse personalities is also critical. Experience working under pressure in a deadline driven environment is desired. Experience in journalism is a plus, but not required. Attention to detail, organization, respect for deadlines, and creativity also essential. Must be proficient in computer applications, including MS Office software.

The successful candidate will have skills translating sometimes technical and remote topics into engaging, educational, and inspiring material. Environmental writing experience, especially about Chesapeake Bay issues, is desirable.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Handles multiple projects at one time, adheres to strict deadlines, and maintains an organized record of project status.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Goals and objectives are set with the assistance of the supervisor. Accountable for meeting objectives, positive representation of CBF, and positive support and furtherance for the Communications Department’s charge.

STRATEGIC IMPACT: As a member of the communications department, plays a valuable role in telling the story of the Bay and its rivers in a way that garners attention and motivates the public to take action. The work of the Writing team is focused on both internal and external educations, which are key elements in the strategic plan to save the Bay.


To apply, please send resume, cover letter and salary history by September 29, 2006 to:

Human Resources/commwr
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
6 Herndon Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403
[Click here for email]

CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred annuity plan. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.