Communications Associate

DEFINITION:

Under direction of the Communications Manager, the Communications Associate assists with the delivery of ReGen Monterey’s internal and external programs, legislative reporting, and community engagement initiatives. The role focuses on  supporting the Communications Department campaigns through public education materials, multimedia content, and stakeholder collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are typical of this classification and are intended only to describe the various types of work that may be performed, the level of technical complexity of the assignment(s) and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties. The omission of a specific duty statement does not exclude it from the position if the work is consistent with the concept of the classification or is similar or closely related to another duty statement to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Schedule, coordinate, and lead onsite tours of ReGen Monterey facilities for groups, organizations, industry leaders, and using designated facility vehicles.
• Prepare and deliver public presentations and educational sessions on waste reduction, recycling, composting, and reuse.
• Respond directly to public inquiries and requests for information or assistance.
• Represent ReGen Monterey as a community liaison at industry meetings, public and community events.
• Coordinate and support the creation, production, and distribution of external print, digital, and visual marketing and communications materials.
• Create, produce, and distribute internal print, digital, and visual communications materials using graphic design principles.
• Administer, update, and monitor website content (WordPress/Google Analytics).
• Support and collaborate with other Communications Department staff on official social media platforms.
• Manage video editing and digital posting for monthly Board of Directors and Committee meetings.
• Facilitate Spanish language translation and interpretation for internal and external communications and campaigns when required to further ReGen’s mission.
• Collaborate with local waste haulers and member agencies to collect data, track program metrics, and compile information for CalRecycle annual reporting and local legislative updates (including AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383,  SB 54 and future legislation).
• Review and provide feedback on educational collateral developed by local haulers to ensure alignment with ReGen acceptance lists.
• Lead designated ReGen programs supporting contracts, timelines, safe protocols, and final displays/presentations in coordination with CSUMB, Last Chance Mercantile, or other contracted agencies, as well as ReGen’s internal Operations teams.
• Assist internal departments and committees with waste diversion infrastructure, proper sorting signage, procurement of approved reusable, compostable, and recyclable products.
• Perform administrative and clerical tasks, including report preparation, data analysis, and documentation using Microsoft Office suite of programs and standard industry software.
• Provide varying administrative support to the Communications Department.
• Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL/BACKUP FUNCTIONS:

• Provide backup support for Sr. Coordinator of Communications and Communications Manager as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• State environmental mandates and regulations including California Integrated Waste Management Acts (AB 939, AB 341, AB 1826, SB 1383, SB 54) or swiftly become versed in current and new legislative initiatives impacting ReGen Monterey.
• Waste management systems, resource recovery methods, and customer service best practices.
• Principles of communications, marketing, public information, and graphic design.
• Proficient use of social media platforms, web content management programs (such as WordPress and Google Analytics), video editing, and graphic design software.

Ability to:

• Speak, read, and write fluently in English (Bilingual English/Spanish skills are highly preferred).
• Communicate effectively, speak confidently in public, and manage large stakeholder groups.
• Proficient use of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphic design programs, PDF editors, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Proficient use of computers, peripherals, digital cameras and the Internet for research.
• Work independently, apply critical thinking skills to operational problems, and maintain professional relationships.
• Maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening and weekend assignments and meet ReGen Monterey’s attendance standards.
• Safely operate company vehicles, requiring a valid California Driver’s License and ongoing insurability.

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: 

• AA degree or units equivalent and two years of varied and responsible experience in Communications as related to community engagement, public information, and environmental education. 
• Bachelor’s degree in related field desired.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Employees are required to sit for extended periods of time; regularly stand and walk, occasionally stoop, bend to pick up objects, reach with hands and arms, lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance and life and move heavier objects with assistance; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to operate standard office equipment; talk or hear in person, in meetings and by telephone; specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

Employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information, and documents; analyze and solve complex policy and operational problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines, respectfully interact with people at all levels and all walks of life.

Work Environment

Most work is performed in an office environment.  Work may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments; occasionally will be exposed to varying temperatures; regular exposure to exposure to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, garbage, foul odors; potential exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals, often works during non-office hours; constant contact with staff and the public.