Social Media and Graphic Design Specialist
The Our-Trees Initiative (TOUTI)
Independent Contractor | 10–15 hours per week
Remote within the United States | Salt Lake City area preferred
About TOUTI
The Our-Trees Initiative (TOUTI) highlights the importance of trees through the power of stories from many ways of knowing, inspiring actions that help trees and people flourish. Led by forest canopy ecologist Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, TOUTI brings together community groups and National Geographic Explorers to share their relationships with trees and support projects in their communities.
The Opportunity
We are looking for someone with strong design skills to create content and manage TOUTI's Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts. Most of the work will involve social media posts, graphics, and short videos, with occasional support documenting project activities. You will work with TOUTI's Program Manager, Owen Watkins, who will provide project updates and source materials, establish priorities with Director Nalini Nadkarni, and coordinate content approval.
Responsibilities
• Design social media graphics, reels, event announcements, and reusable templates that match TOUTI's visual style. Create clear, engaging designs tailored to each platform.
• Write captions and adapt project updates, stories, and resources for Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Suggest post ideas and ways to make TOUTI's work easier to understand and share.
• Maintain a social media calendar, prepare drafts for review, and schedule and publish approved content. Keep account information current and prepare titles, descriptions, and thumbnails for YouTube uploads.
• Edit photos and footage into Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other short videos. Select footage, improve audio when needed, and add accurate captions and graphics.
• Monitor comments and messages, respond to routine questions, and flag anything requiring staff input. Provide a brief monthly update on reach, engagement, and content performance.
• Provide occasional documentation support using materials supplied by TOUTI staff, such as assembling photo recaps or preparing short project summaries for social media.
Initial Priorities
The selected contractor will begin by reviewing TOUTI's accounts and existing content with the Program Manager, developing a small collection of design templates, and proposing a posting calendar.
Together, we will establish a realistic mix of graphics, posts, and short videos within the available weekly hours. Social media management and graphic design will remain the primary focus of this position.
Experience and Skills
• Experience creating social media content for an organization, publication, campaign, or client.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to turn supplied information into clear, accurate, and engaging posts.
• Familiarity with Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social media platforms, including scheduling, publishing, and basic analytics.
• Proficiency with Canva or Adobe design tools and a video editor such as CapCut or Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Ability to create polished graphics and edit short videos with accurate captions and clear visual storytelling.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to incorporate feedback and meet agreed deadlines.
• Understanding of accessibility, image credits, and permissions for photography and video.
Experience with environmental, science, or nonprofit communications is welcome, but not required. A specific degree is not required.
Compensation and Contract Details
Pay: $20–$30 per hour, depending on experience and portfolio.
Hours: Approximately 10–15 hours per week.
Employment: Independent contractor.
Location: Remote within the United States. Candidates in the Salt Lake City area are preferred for occasional local photography or video support arranged in advance.
Schedule: Flexible around agreed deadlines and occasional virtual meetings during Mountain Time business hours.
Start date and duration: To be agreed upon with the selected contractor.
How to Apply
Please email Program Manager, Owen Watkins at owen.watkins@utah.edu with:
• A resume or brief summary of your professional background.
• A short note explaining your interest in TOUTI.
• Links to 3–5 relevant work samples, such as social media graphics, posts, videos, or other design projects.
• Your location, availability, and earliest possible start date.
We look forward to seeing your work!
The Our-Trees Initiative
https://www.our-trees.com
