The Center for Earth Ethics (CEE) at Union Theological Seminary in New York is seeking applications for the newly created position of associate director of communications. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to climate advocacy and environmental justice as well as strong communications skills. The associate director will be a key member of our small team, playing a central role in enhancing the visibility and awareness of CEE, its areas of focus and senior leaders, and CEE’s work confronting the climate crisis. This individual will be a skillful communicator, with a desire to build on their experience in social media, website design and maintenance, media relations, and digital/multimedia storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Post CEE and earth ethics news on website and across multiple social media platforms
• Develop and write original content for CEE website and external media outlets
• Design, implement, and manage print and digital communications, including newsletters, press releases, digital marketing campaigns, reports and white papers, and advancement appeals
• Develop and produce multimedia content for a multitude of platforms
• Build and maintain database/network of journalists, thought leaders, and media outlets
• Perform general website maintenance as needed, ensuring website is maintained, up to date, and functional, with attention to SEO
• Maintain consistent communications in alignment with visual identity as well as culturally aware principles and practices
• Grow, organize, and maintain a database of photo and video assets
• Support in-person and virtual events
• Work occasionally in the evening and on weekends, as needed
• Other duties as required

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as social ethics, climate justice, environmental science, religion, sociology, or communications
• At least two (2) years relevant work experience in communications, climate advocacy, environmental justice, not-for-profit administration, or higher education

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in relevant field, such as climate justice, environmental science, social ethics, religion, sociology, or communications
• 3-5 years relevant work experience in communications, climate advocacy, environmental justice, not-for-profit administration, or higher education

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills, problem-solving skills, and cultural competency
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of WordPress, Mailchimp, Microsoft Office Suite, and G-Suite programs
• Social media savvy with an understanding of various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
• Ability to disseminate news and information to diverse audiences, including members of Indigenous communities
• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders (e.g., staff, faculty, administration, thought leaders, community advocates and organizers), including Indigenous groups and other communities impacted by the climate crisis
• Ability to think strategically and analytically about communications and best practices
• Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly and effectively to evolving tasks and priorities
• Ability to work both independently and on a team
• Strong willingness to learn and assist in a variety of capacities as needed

Additional Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of AP and Chicago styles
• Experience with Photoshop, Canva, or other graphic design software

This is a full-time position based in New York City, with flexibility to work remotely.

About the Center for Earth Ethics

The Center for Earth Ethics (https://centerforearthethics.org) works to change the dominant value system from one based on short-term material gain to one based on the long-term health of the whole community of life. We work through education, advocacy, and movement-building to raise public consciousness as well as to shift policy and culture. We connect individuals and groups through four areas of focus: sustainability and global affairs; environmental justice and civic engagement; Indigenous wisdom, values, and rights; and ecology, spirituality, and faith. We use our unique convening capacity to tackle pressing issues, not only to speak truth to power but also to amplify the voices of those building a different kind of power, often along the margins.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is $65,000 per year, with a competitive benefits package (including medical, dental, and vision).

How To Apply

If you have the qualifications we are looking for and are interested in joining a small, collegial team, we want to hear from you! Please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) two writing samples to tcross@centerforearthethics.org.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate is hired. Select candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in next steps in the selection process.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Financial/Accounting Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead UTS’s day-to-day accounting operations and supervise the general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bursar functions.
• Make sure that systems and procedures are in place to ensure that the accounting transactions, donor contributions, vendor payments, and employee wages are paid accurately, timely coded, and efficiently recorded in the General Ledger to facilitate the preparation of the Financial Statements.
• Prepare monthly and fiscal year-end financial closes.
• Prepare/review reconciliations monthly to include, but not limited to, bank accounts, investment accounts, and all balance sheet accounts, making journal entries as needed.
• Track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and the appropriate accounting for UTS endowment and investments.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with all GAAP, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Oversee and recommend updates to internal policies, procedures, and systems and maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual audit.

Analysis & Reporting

• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate internal and external reports and financial statements monthly, quarterly, and annually; monitor progress toward plans and keep senior leadership abreast of UTS’s financial status and issue monthly reports to departmental managers.
• Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism and oversee cash accounting, including bank reconciliations, cash management, and routine cash flow needs.
• Coordinate and oversee revenue recognition and cash receipt process with the Development Department.
• Assist the CFO and UTS leadership in support of the annual budgeting and planning process; review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the CFO in engaging the board’s audit and finance committees around financial and accounting issues and trends.

Team Leadership

• Leverage strengths of the current finance team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Ensure financial tools are operationalized in such a way to highlight meaningful insights and guide short- and long-term decision-making, including revenue forecasting and programming decisions.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leader with seven to ten years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and board members. The candidate will ideally have experience in a nonprofit and higher education environment with multiple programs.
Specific requirements include:

• Minimum of a BA; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Solid experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Technology savvy and an advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software with experience in the selection and installation of finance and accounting systems.
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills, which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Confident, results-oriented self-starter with time management skills. Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent oral and written communications.
  Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to UTS’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who, in partnership with the CFO, will be an integral part of providing fiscal management and oversight for UTS

Compensation
$110,000