The Director of Communications, Corporate Sustainability develops, implements and manages communications in support of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) strategy to transform business practices to achieve conservation outcomes. This role drives a cohesive communications strategy for the work led by the Corporate Engagement Team. This role liaises directly with external partners, and may advise TNC executives, scientists and project leaders as required.
With a direct reporting line to Global Communications and dotted line reporting to the Corporate Engagement team, the Director of Communications, Corporate Sustainability has a primary focus of leading the development of strategies, plans, messaging, and spokespeople, and leverages visibility opportunities to communicate how TNC is working with the private sector to transform business practices in pursuit of TNC’s efforts to protect land and water, tackle climate change, provide food and water sustainably, build healthy cities and connect people and nature. S/He works across internal teams and networks to develop resources that offer guidance on best practices for working with corporations to advance and strengthen this work. S/He exhibits superb judgement, a global view and diplomacy in working with internal and external partners. S/He serves as TNC’s communications lead in managing corporate engagement partnerships. May serve as a communications advisor as needed. S/He will build and manage a team to advance this work.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Leads the development, implementation and expansion of TNC’s global corporate sustainability narrative and communications strategy/plan.
- Serves as primary point of contact with corporate engagement partner communications team; manages opportunities to communicate achievement of outcomes and key milestones.
- Develops, directs and implements multiple projects, coordinating the work of other teams and staff, managing relationships, budget and ensuring program accountability.
- Engages across a matrixed organization; in one day, may work closely with project staff in an international program, then later brief senior executives
- Assists with creation/administration of the corporate engagement budget, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Operates collaboratively, efficiently and effectively across a matrixed organization and exhibits excellent judgement in managing projects, decisions and people.
- Own responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Understands that decisions can commit the programs’ resources and may have program or project-wide impact; elevates decision-making as appropriate
- Opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
- Ability to work quickly and on nights and weekends as needed, as issues arise
- Serve as mentor/advisor to communications and media staff throughout organization.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing staff and teams.
- Experience developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results.
- Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
- Experience developing and leading complex projects or programs including financial responsibility and measuring results of strategic plans and programs.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Expertise in issues related to food systems, global agriculture issues and/or corporate sustainability preferred.
- Experience developing, implementing and measuring communications for partnerships.
- Experience in project management principles and tools
- Excellent writing, presentation, verbal communication, mediation and negotiation skills.
- Familiarity with digital and social communication tools and practices.
- Experience working in a global, decentralized organization a plus.
- Experience working in communications between NGO, corporate, and governmental organizations
- Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in corporate sustainability and conservation
- Management experience that includes ability to lead, motivate, set objectives and manage performance and conflict resolution.
- Demonstrated ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of budgets.
- Experience working at a senior management level.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.