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Communications Specialist -- Graphic Design & Content Marketing

Xerces Society Inc
locationPortland, OR, USA
PublishedPublished: 11/22/2025
Full Time

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist -- Graphic Design & Content Marketing


LOCATION: Remote position. Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.


COMPENSATION: $32.24/ hour, (approx. 67,558 per year)


STATUS & SCHEDULE: Full-Time, hourly, non-exempt position, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week.

JOB START DATE: January 2026


APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 07, 2025


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs


JOIN US!

Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a Communications Specialist – Graphic Design & Content Marketing, to join the communications team and steer an effective and accessible visual brand and digital presence.


At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.


WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Reporting to the director of communications, the communications specialist will be responsible for creating cohesive and engaging graphic designs for digital and print platforms and helping staff integrate the Xerces visual brand into their work. They will also be guiding content for the xerces.org Drupal website, collaborating with conservation staff to develop accessible and scientifically accurate content, and driving traffic and engagement through SEO optimization and compelling content. As part of a small team with diverse responsibilities, the ideal candidate is strong at graphic design, digital content marketing, and collaboration. This hybrid role is perfect for someone who thrives at the intersection of visual storytelling and strategic digital marketing.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

In collaboration with Xerces staff and web developers, the specialist will have the following functions and responsibilities.


SEO & Content Marketing

  • Develop and implement on-page SEO strategies to improve search engine rankings.
  • Complete content edits to xerces.org (Drupal CMA) from Xerces staff in an efficient and timely manner, providing editing and advice to optimize web content for SEO, reading level, and accessibility.
  • Conduct keyword research and apply best practices to website content, blogs, and landing pages.
  • Track and report on SEO metrics and website performance using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and SEMrush/Ahrefs.
  • Ensure all content is consistent with brand voice, style, and messaging.
  • Effectively communicate recommendations and changes both in writing and visually.
  • Act as a liaison between staff and web developers.
  • Maintain and grow expertise in Drupal, SEO, metrics, and other digital marketing channels.


Graphic design:

  • Maintain, improve, and apply visual branding and style that communicates Xerces Society’s core brand identity.
  • Design print and digital marketing products and educational content.
  • Design templates for staff to implement visual style into recurring projects.
  • Train and assist staff on integrating visual style into their work.
  • Ensure brand consistency and accessibility standards across all digital visual materials.
  • Assist with photography and videography for Xerces communications products.
  • Maintain and grow expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft, Google Workspace and Canva platforms.

General communications:

  • Contribute ideas and written / visual content for social media, blogs, and other communication channels.
  • Create, edit, proofread, and fact-check assets for brand, tone, audience, consistency, accessibility, and accuracy.
  • Apply accessibility best practices and standards for visual and digital communications, including Section 508 and WCAG with assistance from web developers.
  • Provide input on the development of communications strategy, policies, governance, and other communications matters.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • Solid understanding of design principles, accessibility, typography, layout, and color theory.
  • Prior experience editing and designing a CMS website, Drupal preferred.
  • Solid understanding of SEO principles and tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Search Console, SEMrush, Moz, etc.).
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Strong copywriting and editing skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines independently.

PREFERRED

  • Understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG).
  • Experience with motion graphics or video editing (e.g., After Effects, Premiere).
  • Experience creating scientifically accurate visual and written content.
  • Knowledge of issues in invertebrate conservation.
  • Knowledge of HTML/CSS.
  • Experience creating and managing Google Ads campaigns.
  • Understanding of UX/UI principles in design and content placement, and proficiency in UX tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, etc.).
  • Experience creating and modifying Drupal views




QUALIFICATIONS: REQUIRED

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, visual arts, computer science, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in graphic design and digital marketing.
  • Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or reasonable accommodations:· Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours.· Able to move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 20/ 30 lbs;


BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen paid holidays, paid time off accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule), 16 hours of PTO at new hire date, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, the option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, short-term disability insurance where not provided under state law, long-term disability insurance, participation in a 401k retirement program with employer contribution match upon meeting eligibility requirements, and a flexible work environment.


MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs


TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.


MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to consider.


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.





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