Great Lakes Storytelling Coordinator

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters. The Federation’s mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We are committed to inspiring all people around our shared love of nature by creating a welcoming and inclusive community.

To advance our mission, we are seeking a Great Lakes Storytelling Coordinator to join our communications department. This role will harness the power of narrative to protect and restore the world-class fisheries of the Great Lakes, which are vital to our region’s ecology, economy, and way of life. This is a 2-year term-limited position that is grant-funded.

We believe the health of our fisheries tells the story of the health of our Lakes. This coordinator will collect, craft, and amplify stories that spotlight why these fisheries are critical—for sustaining biodiversity, supporting commercial and recreational fishing heritage, feeding communities, and defining Tribal and cultural identity. The person in this role will develop a compelling storytelling strategy focused on fisheries, collaborate with a diverse network of partners, and create multimedia content that engages and mobilizes a broad audience toward conservation action.

Qualifications:

A deep passion for the Great Lakes, their fisheries, and the communities sustained by them, with a commitment to equity and inclusive storytelling.

This role will work closely with representatives from Tribal Nations and Indigenous community members across the Great Lakes region. Candidates with experience working with Tribes and Indigenous Communities will be preferred. We encourage you to list any work or lived experience with Tribes and Indigenous communities in your application materials.

A proven track record of producing and publishing compelling narratives (e.g., articles, blogs, podcasts, photo essays, video documentaries); self-published or commissioned work is acceptable.

At least 1 year of professional or demonstrated volunteer experience in storytelling, journalism, communications, or a related field.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to translate complex ecological and economic issues into engaging, human-centered stories.

Self-starter able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.

A demonstrated interest in fisheries, conservation, outdoor heritage, or a related area. This can include a BA/BS in a relevant field, or equivalent professional or lived experience.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Travel Requirements:
This position will have the option to be hybrid to work out of the region's office in Ann Arbor, MI or remote. Preference will be given to candidates living within the Great Lakes region, as travel within the region will be required.

Location and Work Mode:

While this is a remote or hybrid position, proximity within the Great Lakes region is strongly preferred, as there will be travel in that region. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Principal Duties (major areas of responsibility):

Narrative Strategy & Content Creation: In coordination with the Great Lakes team, develop and implement a storytelling plan focused on the ecological, economic, and cultural centrality of Great Lakes fisheries. Produce, collect, and curate compelling written, audio, and visual stories from anglers, Tribal communities, scientists, and coastal towns.

Community Engagement & Partnership: Cultivate relationships with key voices in the fisheries community, including guides, processing facilities, outdoor recreational businesses, fishing organizations, and Tribal Nations. Collaborate with NWF’s restoration and policy staff to highlight stories that connect fishery health to habitat, water quality, and climate issues.

Amplification & Outreach: Share stories through NWF’s digital platforms, partner networks, and media channels to illustrate the importance of fisheries.

Coalition Support & Collaboration: Represent NWF in relevant fisheries and conservation coalitions. Provide narrative tools and content to partners to strengthen unified advocacy for healthy fisheries.

Project Coordination: Manage story archives, track engagement metrics, and report on the impact of storytelling efforts.

$50,000-60,000 annually