Human Resources and Communications Specialist

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: California; Requires maintaining a home office

Position Type: Full-time; Hourly/Non-Exempt; Eligible for Benefits

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000

Total Compensation Including Stipends: $81,120.25 - $96,120.25, including home office and phone stipends

Benefits: Includes, but is not limited to, 11 paid holidays annually; three weeks of vacation annually (progressive); sick leave; substantial employer contribution to health insurance plan; dental and vision plans; employer contribution to retirement plan

About the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM)

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, created in 1990, whose mission is the perpetual stewardship of natural and created conservation lands, sensitive species, and their resident ecosystems. Conservation stewardship activities are practiced on preserves in California, Oregon, and Washington. CNLM currently has a preserve portfolio of over 100 preserves that combined represent more than 75,000 acres of high conservation value.

Central to CNLM's mission and fundamental to its success are the principles of rigorous cost estimation for managing conservation areas in perpetuity and application of appropriate scientific information for conservation and restoration. CNLM staff developed the iconic "PAR" software and made it available (now through subscription to the app) to the conservation community to assist with determination of perpetual stewardship costs.

CNLM is culturally significant in its focus on rare and vulnerable species, small populations, and sensitive habitats. Such responsibilities require stewardship staff with a strong background in natural sciences, the ability to apply principles from conservation biology with experienced discretion, and a passion for contributing to conservation success through long-term, on-the-ground, management. To fulfill its conservation mission, CNLM has a well-established practice of selecting and investing in excellent staff.

CNLM offers competitive salary, paid vacation and sick time, and other financial benefits. Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to work with a team of talented and committed conservation professionals and to achieve a legacy of substantial conservation impact.

About the Role

The Human Resources and Communications Specialist is responsible for leading the organization's human resources functions while helping to promote the organization's mission through professional communications in various media. This hands-on hybrid role supports organizational goals by fostering a positive workplace culture, managing employee relations, overseeing talent acquisition and retention, and providing professional and engaging communications to the public on behalf of CNLM.

What You'll Do

Human Resources

• Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee development, and offboarding.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on HR-related matters.
• Administer employee benefits programs and coordinate with benefits providers.
• Lead employee engagement, recognition, and retention initiatives.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development efforts.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR information systems.
• Coordinate training and professional development programs.

Communications

• Partner with Executive leadership to determine priorities for outward-leaning messaging.
• Evaluate the relative value and appropriate use of CNLM website, social media, and direct outreach for CNLM outreach goals.
• Create and review content for organizational messaging via CNLM website, social media, and other communication tools.
• Ensure consistency in branding, messaging, and organizational voice.
• Manage media inquiries and support public relations activities.
• Support specific communication needs for organizational changes, events, and special projects.
• Monitor communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in California human resources and communications.
• Strong knowledge of California employment laws, HR best practices, and employee relations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and digital communication tools and platforms.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid driver's license and safe driving record.
• Ability to operate from a home office, and to make efficient use of the limited funds available for transportation in traveling to/from other work-related responsibilities.

Strongly Preferred

• Outreach for non-profit entities.
• Interest in environmental conservation and natural resources.
• Website and graphic imaging skills to compliment outward facing materials.

Working Conditions

• Regularly works alone without direct supervision.
• Regularly sits at a desk or work station for long hours.
• Occasionally lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

The working conditions described here are representative in part of those that will be encountered by an employee in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully function in these working conditions.

Additional Position Information

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CNLM management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

CNLM is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen based on ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the CNLM and the employee and is subject to change by CNLM as the needs of the CNLM and requirements of the job change.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must provide: a detailed letter of interest, a detailed resumé, and two examples of written and graphic communications for which the applicant was the sole author (such as a report or publication).