Executive Writer

Conservation International (CI) is recruiting an Executive Writer to join its Marketing & Communications division in Arlington, Virginia. CI protects nature for the benefit of humanity through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, with offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries. The Marketing & Communications division harnesses the power of storytelling to shape policy, influence public opinion and drive philanthropic giving.

CI is seeking an early-career writer to produce high-quality communiqués (speeches, op-eds, media statements and similar formats) for the CEO, other senior leaders, world-class scientists and high-profile surrogates. The Executive Writer will function as a translator between experts and the public, and as an in-house strategist helping leadership build their public profiles, navigate complex issues and maintain message discipline.

Responsibilities include drafting speeches, talking points, op-eds and media statements; drafting press release quotes, high-level CEO correspondence and other senior communications; proactively identifying opportunities for thought leadership; contributing to external communications efforts around text- and video-based content; and maintaining knowledge of projects across the entire organisation while developing relationships with subject-matter experts.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; 5 to 7 years of experience in speechwriting or executive communications; previous experience in research and writing speeches and communications content for others; the ability to write clear, concise and compelling op-eds; knowledge of the environmental, political and media landscape; an interest in environmentalism and the ability to learn quickly; and cross-cultural competency, scientific literacy and the ability to collaborate with people across the organisation under tight deadlines.

Preferred qualifications include experience managing clients or high-profile principals, fluency in Spanish or Portuguese, and placed writing (self-bylined or ghostwritten) in a national news outlet. Applications should be submitted with a resume and cover letter.