Director, Communications

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Director drives the broader communications strategy for Ocean Conservancy, leading a team of communications professionals and contractors to increase impact for our ocean and support Ocean Conservancy’s brand and reputation. The Director oversees all strategic communications work to advance our conservation objectives, including media outreach, messaging alignment, and process adherence. They are also responsible for capitalizing on opportunities that do not fall under any one Ocean Conservancy workstream in order to broaden the relevance of Ocean Conservancy as a voice for the ocean. The Director brings a high degree of cultural competency and ability to navigate confidently through complex policy environments, as well as strong management experience and a dedication to developing their direct reports. The Director is a member of the Communications Leadership team and collaborates with their peers across the communications department and the wider organization to ensure alignment and maximize impact.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Communications Team to implement outreach strategies that reach target audiences to advance conservation goals across Ocean Conservancy’s portfolios.
• Manage and provide strategic oversight to staff, consultants, and interns to execute the organization’s communications strategies.
• Skill- and team-building for the Communications Team to ensure Ocean Conservancy is positioned to maximize its communications potential, including staying on top of trends in the field such as AI.
• Ensure messaging accuracy and brand alignment across multiple programs and institutional leadership.
• Oversee all media outreach for the organization, increasing Ocean Conservancy’s credibility and influence on ocean issues in the media and other public spheres.
• Oversee media rapid response for the organization, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities that do not fall neatly within any one conservation team workstream.
• Maintain relationships with reporters and ensure press lists are regularly updated.
• Apprise the Vice President, Strategic Communications of any potential or imminent public relations crises, and partner with the Vice President to address.
• Build Ocean Conservancy’s visibility through appropriate venues and events for thought leadership.
• Serve as a credible ambassador of our work with external audiences.
• Function as a trusted partner within the organization across multiple programs as well as cross-cutting departments like Government Relations and Development.
• As a member of the Communications Leadership Team, act as a touchpoint with peers, especially the Digital Team.
• Share lessons learned as appropriate and support the broader mission of the organization.
• Apply a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion lens on communication goals, processes and outputs.
• Manage tools, budgets and resources to increase outreach impact.
• Support the Vice President, Strategic Communications in strengthening and reinforcing the team’s impact.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience with strategic communications, with at least 5 years of direct staff management.
• Strong ability to manage, supervise, and motivate a multi-disciplinary team in achieving concrete and meaningful outcomes.
• Experience creating and executing multilayered communications strategies.
• Adept at translating technical and scientific content into accessible, public-facing materials and campaigns.
• Strong ability to create and respond to opportunities for earned media success, with existing relationships in the U.S. media market.
• Ability to deliver impactful communication materials for media, decision-makers, and other target audiences.
• Experience identifying risks and opportunities and managing crisis communications across program teams and the institution.
• Belief in and commitment to Ocean Conservancy’s mission and values, ideally as demonstrated by experience in conservation, and understanding the intersection of conservation and justice.
• Strong commitment to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially as it pertains to team building and management.
• A respected people leader with experience coaching and leading individuals and teams to success; ability to foster trust and inspire confidence in leaders and individuals.
• A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
• A strong writer with excellent command of written and spoken Standard American English, second languages and proficiencies in other dialects highly desirable.
• Collaborator adept at working across lines of difference.
• Design and multimedia skills a plus.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, public policy, marketing or other relevant field. At least 6 years of work experience accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected salary range is $101,210 to $148,844. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at jobs@oceanconservancy.org.