Reports to: Communications Manager (Latin America)
Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala

The Rainforest Alliance (RA) is an international nonprofit organization that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Based in New York City, with offices throughout the United States and worldwide, the Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers.

Position Summary:

The Communications Coordinator (Central America) will be responsible for researching, writing and editing public information materials in English, taking photos, taping video and handling journalists' trips and queries related to RA's work in Central America, specifically Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Belize.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate media outreach, including researching and writing press releases, responding to media queries about RA projects in Central America;
• Coordinate the visits of journalists to field projects and regional offices and arrange interviews with RA staff and other experts as needed;
• Work with communications staff to craft pitches, media advisories, letters to the editor, write and edit press releases and follow-up with reporters;
• Organize media coverage and media information kits for RA special events held in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Belize;
• Coordinate production of public information materials by researching, writing, and proofreading materials, taking photos and video, creating and choosing graphics, working with designer to finalize, and distributing to relevant staff;
• Provide Rainforest Alliance service- and seal-using businesses with needed data, quotes, photos and videos;
• Research, write, translate and distribute forestry newsletter, in English and Spanish, in conjunction with communications assistant and research and contribute articles to other Rainforest Alliance publications;
• Monitor relevant blogs and respond as needed on behalf of the Rainforest Alliance; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required;
• Minimum 3-5 years work experience in journalism, communications, and/or media outreach;
• Strong interest and some experience in biodiversity conservation and/or development issues, particularly in Latin America; experience in tropical agriculture, biology and/or forestry a plus;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish;
• Outstanding photography and videotaping skills;
• Interest and experience in blogging and/or other Web 2.0 realms;
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Internet, Photoshop, etc);
• Ability to work within a team structure as well as independently, be creative, take initiative, juggle priorities and deadlines; be attentive to detail and possess excellent interpersonal communication skills;
• Dependability and good organizational skills necessary; and
• Willingness to travel at least 30% of time in Central America.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

To apply:

Send resume, cover letter and salary history to Human Resources, Rainforest Alliance, 665 Broadway, Suite 500, New York, NY 10012; Fax: 212-677-2187; E-mail: Personnel@ra.org