Communications and Operations Manager   

One Cool Earth is a non-profit organization with programs in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Our School Garden Program works with schools to champion garden education as a way of teaching students hands-on skills, science, nutrition, technology, and environmental literacy. 

The Communications and Operations Manager works closely with the Executive Director, the leadership team and dynamic group of Garden Educators. The Communications and Operations Manager will be responsible for providing support across the entire organization as outlined below. This role will report directly to the Executive Director and may require some evenings and weekends during the academic year.   

 Areas of Responsibility 

Administrative Support – 40% 

• Organize and file receipts  
• In coordination with OCE bookkeeper and oversight from the ED: 
• Within Quickbooks 
• Categorize transactions 
• Enter checks 
• Create invoices 
• Run reports as requested 
• Responsible for administrative tasks as it relates to supporting Director of Programs; creating quotes, processing reimbursements and managing budgets  
• Requests and processes PTA/PTO reimbursements  
• Ensures vendors are paid on time, including our credit accounts 
• Check P.O Box weekly (in San Luis Obispo)  
• Deposit payments 
• Work with new employees and provide onboarding support 
• Process payroll 
• Manage data and files in Google Drive  ​

Communications Support – 40% 

• In partnership with ED, ensure organization activities align with the communications plan 
• Coordinates an effective online presence across all online and media platforms 
• Keeps website up to date  
• Creates and distributes press releases (minimum quarterly) 
• Writes monthly newsletters  
• Manages social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Youtube  
• Creates and compiles materials for boothing opportunities as identified by the ED and Program team 
• Provide marketing support for OCE programs and events by creating marketing materials in alignment with brand 
• Honoring grantors by recognizing them publicly, meeting any publicity requirements set by our grantors 
• Recruit and manage communications interns as needed 

Fundraising Activities – 20% 

• Lead in the planning and coordination of two annual fundraisers  
• Virtual fundraiser: “Rooted in Community”  
• Community Event: “Garden Party” 
• Duties include and are not limited to:  
• Event details 
• Sponsorship development,  
• Budget management 
• Donor acknowledgement 
• Ensure proper applications are completed for events 
• Insurance 
• ABC licensing 
• Raffle applications 
• Donor management 
• Assist with the development of and execute Bloomerang strategy for donor development 
• Ensure donor acknowledgement ​

Additional Duties as Assigned 

• Occasional assistance with garden builds or garden project may be requested 

Qualifications

•  2+ years of relevant professional administrative, communications, development, and basic bookkeeping experience
• Excellent working knowledge of Google Workspace and Excel /Google Sheets with technology fluency and capacity to master new platforms and systems and train others in their use. Skilled in using Quickbooks preferred
• Media and website design experience preferred 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong communication/customer service skills, including on the phone and written
• Highly collaborative work style
• Emotional maturity and ability to make good judgments about when to seek guidance
• Patience and a positive attitude
• Gardening, farming and/or teaching experience is preferred but not required
• Enthusiasm for the mission, goals, and purposes of the organization
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the position, from sitting or standing at a desk for long periods to safely lifting 30 pounds. This position requires occasional garden work. 

Benefits: This is a year-round full time salaried at-will position (1 FTE). Pay range is $37,500-$50,000 depending on experience. One Cool Earth offers salaried employees a generous vacation package, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, optional 401(k), health insurance reimbursement starting Jan. 1. Be part of a growing, mission-driven team; Change children’s lives for the better; Flexible scheduling; Most of the work will take place virtually but some regional travel is required. Must live in San Luis Obispo County.  

One Cool Earth is an equal opportunity provider and employer. People of all races, colors, religions, sexual orientations, gender identities, national origins, and ability, are encouraged to apply. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply ASAP. 

To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter to Katharine Rondthaler Krieg at kathariner@onecoolearth.org