Overview

Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) is a California-based private foundation with roots in amateur radio and the technology of internet communication. Our mission is to support, promote, and enhance digital communication and broader communication science and technology, to promote Amateur Radio, scientific research, experimentation, education, development, open access, and innovation in information and communication technology. We do this through grantmaking and administering a block of IP address space that is freely available to the amateur radio community.

ARDC seeks an experienced Communications Manager to join our team. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will serve a key role in delivering a comprehensive communications strategy. This role requires a dynamic individual who is well-versed in writing press releases and blog posts, as well as engaging with people on social media, chat forums, and in-person networking opportunities at conferences. An ideal candidate will be active in technology communities – particularly those related to amateur radio, digital communications science, free/libre open source software, and DIY culture. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in doing communications work in a philanthropic environment related to technology and education.

Responsibilities:

• Communications Strategy: Creating, implementing, and monitoring communications and social media strategies, serving as communications strategist and thought partner on a multidisciplinary team. 
• Content Development: Writing and editing primarily digital content such as newsletters, blog posts, brochures, and public-facing formal reports, as well as developing and implementing social media content. 
• Media Relations: Serving as a media liaison; curating targeted press lists of relevant media outlets, trade publications, and publications reaching underrepresented groups in amateur radio, digital communications, and technology more generally.
• External Engagement and Events: Participating in opportunities to raise visibility of ARDC and seek new projects and communities worth funding; managing and engagement on community forums.
• Community Liaison: Keeping an eye out for relevant events and info that we need to be paying attention to, and educating the ARDC team about what’s going on out in the world.
• Presentation: Working with the ARDC team to develop opportunities and to deliver high-quality presentations, pitches, and interviews in both virtual and in-person settings. 
• Brand Management: Ensuring that all ARDC public-facing materials are reflective of our values and standards. This includes copyediting, website updates and maintenance (WordPress), and creating professional-looking, polished works.
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Required Knowledge and Skills:

• 3+ years’ experience in communications or public relations for a scientific, educational organization such as a nonprofit, school, or university.
• Demonstrated ability to develop an engagement strategy and complete complex communications campaigns.
• Functional skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or other graphic design software.
• Functional skills in video editing.
• Functional skills in working with WordPress (content management, page / post design).
• Ability to follow a style guide / utilize a brand kit.
• Ability to quickly produce clear, concise, and compelling written copy for audiences with varying degrees of technical knowledge.
• Ability to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in a collaborative workplace.
• Ability to manage, maintain and keep deadlines.
• Proficiency in using a range of technology, including LibreOffice and Google Docs, and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Enthusiasm for or the desire to learn about the science and art of amateur radio.
• A collaborative and relationship-building mindset.
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Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, particularly in an area related to technology, management, or communications.
• Experience working in startups or other new, growing organizations.
• Experience working with international colleagues and communities, including working with translators where needed.
• Experience working with distributed teams and working remotely.
• Familiarity with and involvement in amateur radio, ideally including the possession of an amateur radio license (which, if not already possessed, should be obtained post-hire). 
• Familiarity with (and love for) open source software and culture, as well as technological innovation in general.
• Experience writing how-to documentation for technical subject matters.
• Experience with podcast guest appearances and / or conference presentations.
• Experience  working with nonprofits, foundations, or other grantmaking organizations.

Location:

Remote, US. 

Must be able to work with a team primarily based in the Pacific Standard time zone.

At this time, we are only able to extend employment to individuals operating within US states and territories.

Language:

English proficiency required.

Salary & Benefits:

$65,000 – $85,000 / year, depending on experience and selection of a 32-hour workweek.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical insurance premium stipend reimbursement
• Matched contribution retirement plan
• Option for 32-hour work week; some flexibility in work hours

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to hr@ardc.net, as well as three (3) work samples, such as press releases, social media accounts you’ve curated, blog posts, newsletters, etc. Please send all files (including cover letter) as a PDF attachment without spaces in the file name. For example: jane-doe-cover-letter.pdf.