World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Vice President, Media & External Affairs based in Washington, DC. The VP leads a cross-functional team to develop and implement innovative public relations strategies to advance WWF’s priority conservation goals, protect and enhance WWF’s global reputation, increase understanding and support for conservation across a variety of external audiences, and elevate the profile of key WWF experts and executives. Provides vision, strategic leadership and counsel, and practical experience to design and execute all efforts and activities and provide communications support critical to WWF’s mission.
Working in 100 countries for over half a century and with the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. The Media & External Affairs division executes innovative traditional and digital communications strategies for WWF in the United States and collaborates on global communications within the larger WWF Network.
- Lead Media and External Affairs staff to influence target audiences by promoting WWF’s goals and increasing its visibility in top traditional and digital media, and among key influencers, using a variety of tools and approaches. Monitor and evaluate WWF’s presence and positioning in external channels and in the news cycle.
- Monitor and measure progress and revise public relations plans to fit overall institutional priorities. Review and ready for approval all content, including media releases and advisories, third-party content, statements, social media posts, strategies and other materials from unit. Oversee the planning of news conferences and other external events; coordinate with outside representatives of corporations, other NGOs, and government(s).
- Oversee issues management and crisis communications work for the organization, including coordinating and liaising with WWF’s Network of offices to ensure a coordinated and robust approach. Identify and maintain relationship with external agencies and consultants who can provide outside expertise, strategic counsel.
- Develop and ensure consistent and impactful external institutional messaging across the range of WWF’s goals, priorities, and channels. Develop strategic communications campaigns to drive WWF messages to key audiences.
- Design, direct and oversee development and implementation of PR plans and programs, both short-term and long-range, to achieve program and development goals, increase market share, expand membership and public recognition and increase support of WWF and conservation.
- Create and implement an effective and holistic executive communications platform and program to increase the access and influence of WWF’s leadership with key external audiences. Provide strategic communications counsel to WWF leadership and executives.
- Oversee WWF’s communications work to engage key external influencers in supporting the organization’s mission, including celebrities and the entertainment industry, and US Hispanics.
- Work with key internal constituents across the organization to develop and effectively integrate communications strategies, messaging and long- and short term targeted plans. Create integrated and efficient programs.
- Identify news cycles, trends and external drivers which will provide opportunities to tell the WWF story and elevate conservation, including through rapid response efforts.
- Ensure WWF spokespeople are identified and prepared to represent WWF in a timely and effective manner. Be prepared to act as WWF spokesperson.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- 15 years professional experience in public relations, public affairs, media relations or related field required. Conservation, environment and/or non-profit experience is preferred.
- Proven ability to lead a dynamic communications team charged with implementing various strategic plans.
- Superb oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to create and implement media strategies on tight deadline.
- Able to prioritize and coordinate several projects at one time.
- Prior management experience required. Must be able to motivate and manage staff. Able to offer constructive criticism in an effective manner.
- Appreciation and enthusiasm for conservation.
- Able to provide strategic counsel on messaging to reach various C-Level audiences
- Knowledge of influential speaking platforms and ability to pitch WWF executives and scientists
- Experience with corporate partners
- Experience in crisis communications and issues management
- Speechwriting
- Demonstrated success as an inspirational manager who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence
As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.