About Us
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2025, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is recognized for excellence and innovation in delivering conservation solutions for Colorado’s working lands. It is our mission to conserve Colorado’s Western heritage and working landscapes for the benefit of future generations. To date, our work has permanently conserved more than 820,000 acres of open space, natural habitat, and productive agricultural land across Colorado. CCALT is an organization that embraces change and leads the industry in the development of innovative programs and strategic partnerships that expand the impact of our work with landowner-partners.
Position Description
- Title: Strategic Communications and Brand Manager
- Employment Status: Exempt, Regular-Part-time (An average of 30 hours per week; this will be re-evaluated in FY26/27)
- Reports to: Director of External Relations
- Location: This position may be based at any of CCALT’s four offices in:
Lakewood, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Carbondale, CO
Del Norte, CO
- While this is a hybrid role that allows for work from a remote location, it is expected the incumbent will be in the office for at least half of their work time each week.
- Anticipated Start Date: no later than mid-February 2026
- Salary Range:$44,250–$52,500 per year, depending on experience and assuming a 30- hour average work week.
Health benefits
- Medical and accident insurance, 100% of employee-only premium paid by CCALT;
- Dental insurance, 40% of employee premium paid by CCALT, and
- Vision insurance, 100% of the premium paid by the employee.
Retirement Plan:
- eligible for participation in the company 403(b) retirement plan upon the date of hire, eligible for applicable employer match after one (1) year of service. The employer match rate is currently set at up to 4% of compensation for eligible employees.
Paid Vacation: Three weeks (15 days) earned during the first year of employment, accrued monthly. Paid Vacation increases after the first year of employment, up to a maximum of five weeks (25 days), accrued monthly.
Paid Sick Leave:
- Up to ten (10) days of sick time per year, accrued monthly.
Holidays:
- Sixteen (16) paid holidays are provided each calendar year. Included is a weeklong office closure associated with the 4th of July and Thanksgiving holidays.
How to Apply
Interested parties should email a cover letter and resume to Haden Cunningham (haden@ccalt.org) by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026
Summary of Position
Reporting to the Director of External Relations, the Strategic Communications and Brand Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies that raise the profile of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) and generate greater awareness and support for working lands conservation in Colorado. This will be achieved by delivering engaging content across CCALT digital/social platforms; producing high-quality CCALT publications and resource materials; proactive outreach to key stakeholders, including landowners, conservation partners, media, and sponsors; and collaborating in the continued development and growth of the Forever Colorado brand.
Core Responsibilities:
- Strategic Communications: Prepare and disseminate announcements and other communication resources to publicize CCALT conservation easement closings, additive conservation initiatives, education and outreach programs, workshops, events, and personnel. Develop communication resources that engage, inform, and inspire donors, corporate partners, and other funding partners to support CCALT and its mission.
- Media Relations: Proactive outreach to print, broadcast, digital media, and podcast outlets to secure earned coverage of CCALT events, programs, and personnel; build and maintain effective working relationships with key journalists, editors, photographers, videographers, and podcasters; respond in a timely and professional manner to requests for information and interviews from members of the media.
- Digital/Social Media Management: Develop a monthly editorial plan to deliver engaging content for publication on the CCALT website and social media platforms; develop and meet audience growth and engagement targets; create value for CCALT Annual Partners through visibility on digital/social media platforms and inclusion in CCALT publications.
- Brand Growth and Management: Collaborate in the continued development and growth of the Forever Colorado brand platform; ensure consistency in the application and presentation of the CCALT brand and all sub-brands.
- Publishing: serve as editor for the CCALT Annual Impact Report (September-October) and Spring Newsletter (March-April), responsible for content development, editing, and publishing; serve as editor for the monthly CCALT e-newsletter (Open Vistas), responsible for content development, editing, and publishing.
- Graphic Design: design and produce promotional materials to support CCALT fundraising, events, education, outreach, and other business needs; materials will include newsletters, invitations, posters, promotional flyers, event programs, presentations, and more.
Required Professional Skills and Attributes:
- Strategic Communications and Media Relations – an understanding of how to identify and reach desired audiences and achieve measurable growth in awareness and support for CCALT through strategic communications, media outreach, and effective message development
- Creativity – an understanding of how to successfully engage audiences through creative writing and compelling storytelling; a willingness to innovate by introducing new ideas, approaches, techniques, and tools
- Brand Awareness – an understanding of the importance of maintaining brand integrity and how to utilize brand to drive growth in relevance, resource generation, and value for Annual Partners
- Project Management – the ability to facilitate and execute multiple complex projects at the same time, delivering on schedule, within budget, and with a service-first approach to internal stakeholders
- Communication – the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively
- Precision – attention to detail and an appreciation for the importance of accuracy in all forms of communication
- Graphic Design – the technical expertise to design attractive and effective communication pieces for print and electronic outreach efforts, including newsletters, invitations, posters, promotional flyers, event programs, presentations, and more
- Support – ability to support the Director of External Relations, Chief Executive Officer, and colleagues across the organization in implementing the strategic plan that advances the mission of CCALT
- Teamwork – an unwavering commitment to teamwork and consistent willingness to pitch in as/where needed, even if it is not specifically within the job description. Positive, helpful attitude and approach. Comfort working independently in a satellite office environment, but in full alignment with team members based at other locations
- Cultural Awareness – willingness to embrace, support, and advance the organizational culture of CCALT as defined through its RISE principles: Responsibility, Integrity, Synergy, Empowerment
- Problem Solving – ability to solve complex, multidimensional problems
- Resiliency – the confidence and determination necessary to quickly bounce back from setbacks or adversity
- Passion – ability to passionately convey the key messages, objectives, and goals of CCALT and the importance of working lands conservation to stakeholders and partners
- Active Learning – interest in continually expanding knowledge base and professional skills
- Adaptable – ability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances
Minimum Requirements:
- 2-4 years of professional experience working in strategic communications and/or media relations
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills; excellent creative writing, storytelling, and content creation skills
- Understanding and demonstrated success in strategic communications and media relations, including development and implementation of proactive strategic communications plans and campaigns, and use of metrics to evaluate impact and effectiveness
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint, Constant Contact, WordPress, and all relevant digital/social media platforms and tools; understanding of effective strategies to drive audience growth in digital/social media
- Basic graphic design skills; familiarity with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva
- Tactful and positive, possessing the ability to work with a high degree of personal and professional initiative and maintain confidentiality; personal reliability and regular attendance is essential
- Able to travel periodically, including overnight and multi-day travel
- Strong project management experience with an eye for the details
- Knowledge, appreciation, and respect for the people and values of rural Colorado; familiarity and/or interest in agricultural issues within a conservation context is preferred; most important is a sincere interest and commitment to private land conservation, with sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse interests and values of others
Equal Opportunity Employer
CCALT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are evaluated for the positions they apply for without discrimination based on gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or other characteristics protected by law. CCALT will provide accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the interview process. For assistance, please call (303) 225-8677 or email Haden Cunningham at haden@ccalt.org.
