Multimedia Communications Fellow

Join one of the most effective community-based environmental groups in the country.

Title: Multimedia Communications Fellow
Supervisor: Multimedia Communications Manager
Office Location: Warrenton, Virginia, hybrid eligible
Job Classification: Full-time, Temporary, Non-exempt (hourly)

About PEC

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

Your Role

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking a multimedia communications fellow to join its communications and outreach team to help advance PEC’s mission and outreach objectives. This is a 40-hour per week position with flexible or varying hours. This one-year position is designed to give the fellow an opportunity to develop their photography and videography skills and portfolio, while actively contributing to PEC’s communications efforts.

Key Responsibilities

The multimedia communications fellow will create content using original video, photography, and graphic and audio elements to promote PEC’s mission and vision.

Depending on preference, the fellow may either use PEC-owned camera equipment or their own personal camera equipment, with a PEC-provided limited reimbursement for use of personal gear.

Essential Functions include:

• Plan, script and produce high-quality videos suitable for use on PEC’s various communications channels.
• Deliver assigned content on schedule and within budget, with organizational brand identity and messaging priorities in mind.
• Prepare social media content for publication, optimized for audience engagement.
• Along with the multimedia communications manager, photograph and record video and possibly drone footage of outreach events, conservation projects, land use projects, landscapes/streetscapes, and staff in the field for use in print and digital communications. Quickly produce/finish edited and produced images and video for use in communications.
• Assist with maintaining and managing PEC’s library of photos and videos with the goals of preservation, organization and accessibility to staff and partner organizations; regularly identify and fill unmet photography needs.
• Maintain camera and video equipment and accessories; stay on top of the latest editing software technology; make recommendations for equipment and software improvements as appropriate.
• Assist staff with the development of presentations, video and other products for use during meetings and public outreach events.
• Assist with PEC events and field projects as necessary (e.g. help with setup and breakdown, registration, parking, etc).

Geographic Focus

This 40-hour per week (with flexible or varying schedules), hybrid-eligible position will be based at PEC’s headquarters office in Warrenton, Virginia, and will be expected to travel throughout PEC’s nine-county region and the state as needed (at least weekly likely, and occasionally more often) to fulfill the communications needs of the organization. PEC reimburses mileage for work-related travel.

Required Qualifications  

• Strong work ethic and commitment to PEC’s core values, mission and vision.
• At least one year of audio/video/photographical visual storytelling experience in a professional or educational setting.
• Relevant portfolio that showcases video and photo experience for communications, storytelling, brand, and/or marketing initiatives, including short- and long-form content. See “Application Process” section below for details.
• Proficiency in the use of professional video editing software such as Adobe Premier Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Adobe After Effects.
• Proficiency with photo editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Proficiency with professional-quality mirrorless or DSLR cameras.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and on numerous projects simultaneously, at varying stages of production.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative abilities, including the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and work styles.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about messaging and to communicate complex information to a general audience.
• Demonstrated storytelling skills.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to work some nights, weekends and holidays, as our events to be photographed or videotaped are occasionally held.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using drones for aerial photography and videography. A current FAA Part 107 UAS License is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office software products.
• Understanding of nonprofit communications concepts, best practices, procedures and analytics.
• Knowledge/experience in environmental, conservation, and/or land use issues.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position will be completed in both an office environment and the outdoors. Office work requires extended sitting or standing and the use of a computer, keyboard and mouse. Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, frequently carried out alone, and may be physically demanding, including walking/hiking several miles over remote, rugged terrain, with a risk of exposure to natural hazards. Occasional lifting of materials up to 40 lbs. is required.

Benefits

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

• Two health plans (83% employer paid premium for employee only plan, 80% employer paid for added dependents)
• Short- & Long-Term Disability*
• Group Term Life*
• Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances*
• HSA account (with employer match up to $750 per year)
• FSA accounts (health & dependent)
• 403(b) pension plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
• 10 paid holidays
• 2 floating holidays
• PTO leave – 24 days per year, accrued each pay period
• 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer at another non-profit or charitable cause
• Salary continuation leave for employee or family illness – from 2 to 8 weeks fully paid leave eligibility every 24 months, depending on length of service
• Paid bereavement, jury duty and military service training leave
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Hybrid work environment and flexible work schedules
• Cell phone reimbursement, up to $75 per month
• Professional development support
• Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.

*Indicates that this insurance premium is 100% paid by PEC for employee’s coverage.

The Piedmont Environmental Council recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, and therefore our job descriptions are guidelines. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may be requested. If you have any questions or concerns, please email apply@pecva.org.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.