Communications Associate

Position Start: June

Position Type: Full-time

Location: Any SCELP office; hybrid schedule available (2 days per week remote)

Salary Range: $50-60k, based on experience

Benefits: 100% Medical, Dental & Vision; 5% Retirement Plan Match

Summary

The South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP) is now accepting applications for a Communications Associate. SCELP was founded in 1987 to meet the critical need for specialized non-profit legal services for environmental protection in South Carolina.

As a non-profit public interest environmental law firm, we use our legal expertise to protect land, water and communities across South Carolina and to achieve a vision where our land, water and communities are protected and SC laws and policies prioritize life sustaining natural systems.

SCELP has a main office in Georgetown and satellite offices in Columbia, Greenville and Mt. Pleasant.

Description

SCELP is looking for a creative, digitally savvy communicator who is passionate about environmental advocacy and eager to develop well-rounded communications expertise. The Communications Associate is a core member of our small-but-mighty Communications Team, responsible for driving our social media presence and supporting a wide range of communications activities that advance our work, reputation and mission.

The position will report to and work closely with the Communications Manager and collaborate across the organization with the Development Team and Staff Attorneys.

The goals and key responsibilities of this position include the following:

Management of Social Media Accounts (60%)

• Own day-to-day management of SCELP's social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – including posting, monitoring and community engagement.
• Create compelling content across formats, including graphics, short-form video, stories and other emerging formats that connect with our audiences.
• Shoot, curate and edit short-form video content for use across social platforms.
• Monitor breaking news and lead rapid-response social media content in coordination with the Communications Manager and Staff Attorneys.
• Build and maintain relationships with social media leads at partner coalitions and coordinate joint campaigns.
• Engage with supporters on social media by answering messages and questions, driving comments and guiding discussions.
• In coordination with Communications Plan, develop and implement social media strategy to broaden our target audience, increase brand awareness and deepen engagement, especially in key markets.
• Bring fresh storytelling ideas to weekly Communications Team meetings.
• Stay ahead of platform trends, algorithm changes and best practices.
• Partner with Development Team on paid promotional strategies for major fundraising campaigns.
• Support event marketing on social media, including for SCELP's annual fundraiser, Wild Side.
• Track and analyze key social media performance metrics, and contribute those to quarterly communications reports for Board and Committee meetings.

Support Broader Communications Strategies (25%)

• Assist in updating website CMS with regular content, including news articles and case updates.
• Support media relations and nurture relationships with local, regional and national journalists, especially through social media.
• Contribute to audience development and selection for e-news and other communications.
• Assist with ad creation and paid campaign planning and execution, including paid posts, lead generation and our Google Ads grant.
• Assist with event planning for the annual Wild Side fundraiser and other events as needed.
• Table and assist with volunteer coordination at community events, farmers markets and other functions.
• Support other communications functions as directed by the Communications Manager.

Graphic Design and Brand Management (15%)

• Design social media graphics, templates and visual assets that reinforce brand consistency and improve content efficiency across channels.
• Work with the Communications Manager to ensure that content across channels is on brand, and plan visual storytelling recommendations to improve performance overtime.
• Play an active role in SCELP's 40th Anniversary campaign and other future brand campaigns, supporting design and visual content needs across digital, print, events and video.

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Qualifications & Experience

The Communications Associate is expected to be current and knowledgeable about best practices in traditional, digital and other media with a willingness to continue learning as the industry evolves.

Specific requirements for this position include:

• 2-4 years of experience in communications, marketing, social media or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated fluency across major social media platforms, including content creation, community management and analytics tools.
• Proficiency with graphic design tools (Canva is essential; Adobe Creative Suite a plus).
• Familiarity with short-form video creation and editing.
• Strong writing and editing skills with a sharp eye for tone and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace, MS Office and Asana or similar project management tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to SCELP’s mission and environmental protection values.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• A collaborative, team-player mindset and a good sense of humor.

Preferred/Bonus Skills:

• Video production and editing experience is a plus and will be highly valued. We are actively expanding our short-form video presence and would love a teammate who can help us grow in this area.
• Experience in a nonprofit, legal or mission-driven organization.
• Knowledge of environmental law, policy or advocacy.

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To Apply

Please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to shelby@scelp.org

We also encourage you to share a link to your portfolio or an example of your work, such as a social media graphic, flyer or other visual communication.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.