Description

mParks is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) is a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Lansing, Michigan. mParks serves as the voice of Michigan's parks and recreation on the local, state, and national levels. The association serves more than 2,500 members across the State of Michiga

mParks is dedicated to proving that parks and recreation matter; they enhance quality of life and significantly boost our economy. mParks offers advocacy, resources, and professional development opportunities to a committed and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors, and advocates.

WE ADVOCATE | mParks shares the value of parks and recreation by engaging with the government, foundations, media, and other entities. We share the story of parks and recreation to ensure adequate funding and public support, so we can continue providing value to Michigan residents and visitors.

WE TEACH | mParks creates programs that educate and inform key audiences (within the parks and recreation community and for communities they serve) about conservation, health and wellness, and other issues vital to parks and recreation in Michigan.

WE INSPIRE | It is easy to forget how good playing and getting outdoors feel. mParks helps remind people of the freedom, adventure, and joy of parks and recreation through public outreach and events. We invite all ages to get active, have fun, and foster a connection with the outdoor world.

WE UNITE | mParks strives to create a park and recreation industry that serves as the foundation of communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Association and for the people we serve.

Position Description
mParks is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Communications Specialist to support the organization’s member communications, storytelling, and digital content efforts.

A primary responsibility of this contract position will be the development and production of myParks Weekly, mParks’ weekly member newsletter. The Communications Specialist will work closely with mParks staff to identify timely, relevant, and engaging content and will be responsible for developing, writing, editing, and preparing content for publication.

The Communications Specialist will also help tell the stories of mParks members, programs, events, partnerships, and the parks and recreation profession. In addition to myParks Weekly, the position may develop original stories and other content for the mParks Newsroom, social media channels, and other organizational communications.

Technology & Resources Provided
mParks will provide the Communications Specialist with access to the software, systems, and organizational resources necessary to complete assigned projects, including:

• An mParks.org email address
•  Asana project management system
• Mailchimp
• mParks Member Management Database
• Relevant mParks brand, communications, content planning, and organizational resources

Time Commitment
This contract position is expected to require approximately 10–15 hours per week. Work hours may be flexible; however, the Communications Specialist must be available to coordinate with mParks staff and consistently meet established deadlines, including the weekly production schedule for myParks Weekly.

Reporting Relationship
The Communications Specialist will report to the mParks Director of Communication & Strategic Partnerships, who will establish communications priorities, coordinate content needs, provide overall direction, and review and approve work as appropriate.

Compensation
This is an hourly contract position. The hourly rate will be determined based on the selected contractor’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.

The Communications Specialist will submit hours worked in accordance with mParks’ established process and will be paid on a biweekly basis.

How Do I Apply?
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and relevant supporting documents to Nichole Fisher, Executive Director, at nfisher@mparks.org. Please include the job title in the subject line.

Applications will be reviewed regularly, and interviews may begin as suitable candidates are identified. We encourage early applications, as the position will remain open until it is filled. 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

The ideal Communications Specialist will possess a combination of writing, editing, digital communications, storytelling, and project management skills, including:

• Experience creating and managing email newsletters.
• Familiarity with Mailchimp or comparable email marketing platforms.
• Excellent professional writing, storytelling, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to identify compelling story ideas and develop them into engaging content.
• Experience capturing quality photography and video content for use in newsletters, websites, social media, and other digital communications.
• Comfort using a smartphone or other available equipment to capture photographs, short-form video, interviews, event highlights, and other visual content.
• Experience creating short-form video content for social media, including selecting footage and developing appropriate content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Experience conducting interviews and turning conversations into accurate, engaging stories.
• Experience writing newsletters, feature stories, website content, social media content, or other organizational communications.
• Understanding of email marketing best practices, including subject lines, calls to action, readability, links, and audience engagement.
• Experience developing content for social media platforms.
• Ability to adapt long-form content into concise, engaging digital and social media content.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interviewing and communicating with members, staff, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and consistently meet weekly deadlines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Experience with Asana or similar project management platforms is beneficial.
• Basic understanding of website content management, digital publishing, and communications analytics is beneficial.
• Familiarity with membership associations, parks and recreation, local government, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations is a plus.