Communications Manager

MISSION

Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) strengthens the enduring connection between people and the national park by stewarding the river and enriching the lives of all those who experience the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

ABOUT MPC

MPC is the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a National Park Service unit located in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro area.

We support the national park by: 

·        Providing funding for youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs.

·        Co-managing programs to improve outcomes, including Volunteers-in-Parks, Paddle Share, Plant for the Future, and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change. 

·        Supporting outreach and communication about the park through social media, the web, and in-person community programs. 

·        Creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities.

MPC serves as a place-based nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to connect people to the outdoors through hands-on, meaningful experiences in the national park. We are a collaborative, passionate team working closely with the National Park Service, donors, volunteers, and local partners to inspire stewardship and connection to the Mississippi River and surrounding public lands. We accomplish this through habitat restoration events, community and corporate volunteerism, and affinity and public programs on the river and in the park. To learn more about MPC, visit our website at parkconnection.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

Job Title: Communications Manager 
Location: Mississippi Park Connection / National Park Service Office – Saint Paul, MN 
Reports To: Executive Director 
Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week) 
Salary: $58,000 – $72,000/year depending on experience 
Benefits: Mississippi Park Connection offers generous benefits, including a 50 percent match for health care premiums, 401 (k) match (up to 5%), paid time off, a $100/month transportation stipend, professional development, and opportunities to recreate on the river.

Mississippi Park Connection is seeking a full-time Communications Manager to lead our organization’s storytelling, public engagement, and donor communications across digital and traditional channels. This person will be instrumental in building and nurturing a broad community of support for the national park by sharing stories that inspire people to give, volunteer, and connect with the river.

The ideal candidate will have experience developing communications strategies and campaigns, managing content across platforms, and integrating storytelling with fundraising, membership, and event goals. They will also be excited to grow MPC’s donor and volunteer base and represent the mission of the park in an authentic, inclusive, and accessible way. This role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on content creation and plays a key part in expanding MPC’s impact and presence.

Priority deadline to apply is July 6, 2025, with rolling applications accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2025.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Strategy and Planning 

·        Develop and implement an annual communications plan aligned with MPC’s fundraising, program, and outreach goals.

·        Build and nurture community support through consistent and inclusive messaging across email, print, digital, social media, and press.

·        Work cross-functionally to support internal communications and ensure message alignment across the organization.

·        Ensure all communications reflect MPC’s core values, mission, brand, and voice.

·        Manage communications budget and deliverables.

Content Creation and Campaign Management 

·        Create compelling, donor-centric content for use across platforms, including email marketing, website, newsletters, blog posts, social media, and video.

·        Write and manage print materials including donor appeals, event invitations, annual reports, and stewardship communications.

·        Assist in the development and writing of stories and content for annual reports, newsletters, magazines, and grants.

·        Collaborate with program and development staff to support fundraising and membership event promotions.

Community Building and Audience Growth 

·        Expand and engage MPC’s donor and volunteer base through inclusive and data-informed outreach strategies.

·        Use storytelling to connect people with the park’s mission, build trust, and motivate action. 

·        Coordinate targeted campaigns to support program participants, giving, and volunteerism.

·        Lead, coordinate, and support fundraising/membership events and campaigns that drive attendance and giving.

Evaluation and Analytics 

·        Track and analyze campaign, communication, and event metrics (e.g., surveys, email engagement, social media performance, website traffic) to measure effectiveness and improve outcomes.

·        Manage the communications calendar and ensure alignment across teams.

Collaboration and Coordination 

·        Work collaboratively with staff and partners to support organization-wide communication needs.

·        Coordinate messaging with National Park Service partners to ensure alignment and amplify shared goals.

·        Oversee relationships with vendors, including designers, printers, consultants, and digital contractors.

·        May supervise staff, communications interns, volunteers, and contractors depending on experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this position successfully, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, nonprofit management, or related field; or equivalent experience.

·        3–5 years of experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, or public relations.

·        Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies.

·        Excellent written, visual, and verbal storytelling skills for both print and digital platforms.

·        Experience with fundraising and donor communications, including direct mail and donor appeals.

·        Familiarity with relevant communications tools: email marketing platforms, website content management systems, social media and scheduling platforms, analytics and reporting tools, and basic design or visual content creation tools.

·        Experience organizing and promoting fundraising and membership events.

·        Collaborative and inclusive approach to working across teams.

·        Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

·        Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of MPC and a passion for national parks and environmental stewardship.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·        Some lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Ability to lift supplies, equipment, and materials.

·        Moderate noise level.

·        Required to move about in an office environment, sit for extended periods of time, and move about in the community.

·        Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

·        Ability to work outdoors for events and meetings. 

·        Ability to work seated and on a keyboard for longer periods of time.

·        Ability to work in person from the Saint Paul offices. Flexible work schedules may be discussed.

·        Hold a valid US Driver’s License and be qualified to drive a federal vehicle.

·        Ability to travel within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor.

·        Ability to pass a federal background investigation for PIV card, federal vehicle, and federal building access.

Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At MPC, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.