Communications & Operations Assistant

About SPUN

SPUN is a startup NGO with a mission to map and protect the mycorrhizal fungal networks that regulate Earth's climate and ecosystems. These fungi
draw down approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually through extensive underground networks. Since our founding in 2021, we've built a global data platform to make these invisible networks measurable. Through our Underground Explorers program and network of over 400 Science Associates across more than 80 countries — with the majority in the Global South — we generate high-resolution biodiversity maps and ML-powered tools that integrate mycorrhizal data into climate, conservation, restoration, and land management decisions.

Our work spans from laboratory research, data science, and robotics to locally-led field applications, informing everything from carbon accounting methodologies to protected area design and restoration protocols. With strong backing from leading foundations and growing momentum in international policy circles, we're at an inflection point where strategic partnerships will be critical to driving the adoption of mycorrhizal data into climate strategies, conservation agendas, and restoration efforts worldwide.

The Opportunity

The Communications & Operations Assistant plays a key role in supporting both SPUN’s internal operations and external communications. This position ensures the organization runs smoothly day-to-day while helping amplify SPUN’s voice and visibility through content creation, storytelling, and coordination support.

I. Communications Support (80%)

Purpose:
Enhance SPUN’s digital presence, storytelling, and community engagement across platforms.

Core Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily management of social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, etc.).
• Maintain and update the content calendar in coordination with the Communications team.
• Assist with drafting and editing posts, news updates, and multimedia content (including short videos, graphics, and captions).
• Monitor social media trends and audience insights to optimize engagement and strategy.
• Track metrics and performance analytics across channels.
• Engage with followers and respond to messages to foster an active community.
• Support communications administration, including organizing assets, scheduling posts, and maintaining archives.
• Assist with drafting media content such as bios, speaker introductions, and press materials.
• Collaborate with the Design and Science teams on storytelling campaigns and visual content.
• Help maintain internal tools for communications (Google Drive, Notion, shared folders, etc.).
• Assist with general administrative tasks for the Communications department.
• Assist with project management related to website updates, such as adding new team members or removing former ones.
  
  

II. Operations Support (20%)

Purpose:
Ensure smooth coordination and execution of organizational operations, team activities, and logistics.

• Provide administrative and scheduling support to the Head of People & Operations.
• Help organize and manage internal meetings, team events, and cross-department coordination.
• Manage general organizational inboxes (e.g., hello@spun, careers@spun etc) and route inquiries appropriately.
• Assist in project management tasks as required by the Head of People & Operations

• Maintain internal team calendars and ensure alignment with OOO notices and organization-wide events.
• Assist with organizing staff retreats, workshops, and in-person gatherings.
• Order and coordinate items such as team gifts, flowers, or supplies.
• Send agendas and notes for all-hands or department meetings.
• Manage Notion and Google Drive structures to keep documentation current and accessible.

• Manage and report on SPUN’s carbon offset tracking and other internal metrics.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience in both communications and administrative/operations roles.
• Interest in, or experience with social media accounts for a brand, business, or organization.
• Strong written communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Skilled in content creation, editing, and archiving.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable navigating digital tools (Google Workspace, Notion, Slack, etc.).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and discretion.
• Adaptable to changing priorities and able to maintain a consistent posting schedule.
  
  

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Familiarity with photo and video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, Final Cut, or similar).
• Graphic design or basic animation skills.
• Familiarity with social media algorithms, analytics, and engagement best practices.
• Understanding of SEO, hashtags, and paid advertising.
• Creative thinker with a strong eye for visual storytelling and emerging trends.
  
  

What Success Looks Like

You’re thriving in this role when you’re keeping SPUN’s operations running smoothly and helping our communications shine. You stay one step ahead—organizing calendars, meetings, and logistics with ease—while also helping craft engaging content that amplifies SPUN’s story. You bring creativity, attention to detail, and reliability to everything you do, balancing quick turnarounds with thoughtful execution. The team knows they can count on you for clear communication, polished deliverables, and a positive, can-do attitude.

Reporting & Team

This role works closely with SPUN’s Communications team and reports to the Production & Partnerships Outreach Lead. It also has a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Head of People & Operations for operations-related work.

What You’ll Be Part Of

At SPUN, we’re mapping the world beneath our feet — revealing the hidden mycorrhizal networks that regulate Earth’s climate and sustain ecosystems. As a member of the SPUN team, you’ll join a fast-moving, mission-driven, and deeply collaborative organization advancing mycorrhizal research and conservation on a global scale.

We work at the intersection of science, data, and environmental action — connecting researchers, technologists, and local communities to make these underground ecosystems measurable and actionable. Through our global network of scientists and field partners, we’re building high-resolution biodiversity maps and data tools that help integrate fungal networks into climate, conservation, and restoration decisions.

SPUN values curiosity, creativity, and purpose. Whether you’re contributing through research, design, data, or operations, your work will help illuminate the unseen world that sustains forests, grasslands, and food systems — and drive meaningful impact for the planet.

Location & Compensation

This is a remote freelance role averaging 20–30 hours per week. Depending on the arrangement, SPUN may issue a monthly retainer contract based on agreed hours and compensation.

While applicants from any location are welcome, we have a strong preference for candidates based in or near Amsterdam to allow for occasional in-person collaboration with the team. As this role works closely with team members across Europe, working hours aligned with the CET or GMT time zones are strongly preferred to support smooth communication and collaboration.

The compensation range for this role is USD $25–$60 per hour, depending on experience and location. SPUN applies a global compensation multiplier to ensure equity across regions, adjusting pay according to local market and cost-of-living benchmarks.

Compensation reflects SPUN’s hybrid identity as both an environmental NGO and a data-driven startup, and is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please complete the application form in BambooHR and submit the following materials:

• A resume
• Please submit a cover letter describing what draws you to SPUN’s mission and how your background aligns with this role. We’d love to hear about a project or experience that best reflects your ability to collaborate across disciplines, adapt to challenges, and drive meaningful impact.
• Contact information (including phone numbers) for three professional references

Please note: we will notify you before contacting any references. 

At SPUN, we embrace diversity as a fundamental pillar of our mission to protect underground ecosystems. Our commitment to decolonizing science is dependent on the diversity of knowledge and experience on our team and among our partners across the globe. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background, feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We highly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented or repressed groups, including but not limited to women, LGBTQIA, individuals from the Global South, and individuals with Indigenous heritage, to apply to join our team at SPUN.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about our company and culture, please visit our website
www.spun.earth