Careers & Internships

Full-time positions: Communications Manager

Blue Ridge PRISM seeks a Communications Manager to expand our reach, multiply our impact, and increase support for PRISM’s work across the Commonwealth. Successful candidates will have exceptional oral and written communication skills, as well as the highest quality presentation, graphic design, and social media skills. They will have a successful track record with producing highly engaging newsletters, webinars, podcasts, press releases, annual reports, and other digital marketing and fundraising communications. The Communications Manager upholds all aspects of PRISM’s brand as the trusted, leading expert in the field of invasive plants in Virginia. They will support PRISM by providing the necessary communications presence and resources to ensure that we achieve our Big Hairy Audacious Goal — to reverse the spread of invasive plants in Virginia.

The Communications Manager must be accountable, reliable, independent, presentable, professional, and a self-starter. They need to be comfortable in a wide range of environments, from out on the rural landscape to the halls of the General Assembly.

Qualifications

  • 5-10 years professional experience in a related field

  • Proven management, program, and organizational skills

  • Hands-on experience working directly with, or volunteering with, invasive plant removal in Virginia

  • Interest in learning about Virginia native plants, and preserving Virginia’s natural heritage

  • Exceptional oral presentation design and delivery

  • Virtual and in-person event and presentation management experience including using Zoom webinar platform

  • MS Office and Google Workspace software; ideal candidate will have experience in Squarespace/Wix, Mail Chimp or Constant Contact, Canva, and social media management

  • Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work with minimal supervision, proactive

  • Attention to detail and able to ascertain the strategic implications of actions

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Position Requirements and Compensation

This is an exempt full-time position based on 40 hours per week. The work will be done remotely (PRISM does not have a central office) and high-speed internet connectivity is a must. Ideally the successful candidate will reside within PRISM’s 12-county service area with strong preference given to candidates living near the Charlottesville, Virginia area (within a 45-minute drive).

Occasional local and statewide travel will be necessary to facilitate in-person meetings with partners and to attend key PRISM and Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition business meetings. Access to reliable transportation is required and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Salary range is $55,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. Blue Ridge PRISM offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare, SIMPLE IRA with a 3% employer match upon eligibility, long and short-term disability, 20 PTO days annually plus federal holidays. The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director.

Blue Ridge PRISM is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage candidates that may not meet all of the listed qualifications to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume with cover letter outlining your qualifications, three professional references, and three writing samples to lauren@blueridgeprism.org. Use the subject line, “Communications Manager.” No phone calls please. Applications received before November 1, 2025 will be prioritized for consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Internships

Blue Ridge PRISM is a hard-working, team-oriented, conservation organization committed to improving the health of our natural world for future generations. We welcome interns with the same qualities.

Our unpaid internships are highly competitive and typically offered to undergraduate candidates with specialized skills and relevant experience.

Virtual internship opportunities:

  • Video production

  • Invasive plant photography

  • Invasive plant research and app development

  • Grant research

  • Grant writing

We offer three internship cycles a year:

  • Winter: January to May

  • Summer: June to August

  • Fall: September to December

Specific dates are flexible, but internships remain the same from cycle to cycle. 

Preference will be given to interns who can commit at least ten hours a week.

If you are seeking credit for this internship, we are pleased to work with you and your school.

To apply: send your resume, a writing sample (school assignments are fine), and a cover letter that clearly states what position you are seeking, why you are suited for it, and what specific skills you can bring to PRISM to lauren@blueridgeprism.org. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to every one. If you are a strong candidate, we will be in touch to schedule an interview. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Internships are open until filled.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!