Communication is an integrated strategy essential to achieving our conservation goals. This position will focus on advancing strategic communications, community outreach, media relations, and marketing initiatives to further the Conservancy’s goals and objectives in the Adirondacks, in New York, and beyond. We are looking for an experienced communications manager and creative problem solver with excellent writing skills, people skills and experience developing, implementing, and measuring communication and community engagement/awareness strategies and plans. The position reports to the Adirondacks Chapter Director with a dotted line to the Senior Director of Marketing for the New York Division and will be a member of the New York marketing/communications team and part of the Conservancy’s global marketing division.
The Communications and Community Engagement Manager – Adirondacks works closely with the Adirondacks Chapter Director and conservation and philanthropy staff in the Adirondacks and the New York Division to produce impactful communication materials that describe our work, uphold our values, and reduce reputational and other types of risk as well as engages and serves as a liaison to community partners and stakeholders. They will be embedded in conservation strategy teams, working closely with the Marketing and Policy teams to develop, manage, and implement communication and media strategies that facilitate comprehension, adoption, and advancement of the Conservancy’s goals and objectives. They will elevate the profile of the organization and its work through media, events, content, and other profile-raising strategies.
Working in close coordination with the Conservancy’s marketing, science, and policy staff, they will develop, execute, and monitor communications plans designed to build the base of support to achieve strategic outcomes that include healthy forests, sustainable waters, and tackling climate change.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage and serve as communications lead on assigned conservation teams and communication/media initiatives translating strategy and concepts into implementable plans
- Identify and engage relevant audiences, influencers, and stakeholders; recommend and implement actions to amplify key messages
- Create content for traditional and new media platforms (including but not limited to media pitches, op-eds, print and digital publications, social media.)
- Develop effective messaging, and engage target audiences
- Manage dissemination of information to the media, Conservancy media spokesperson, write press releases, schedule and manage press events, employ other media strategies, and develop and maintain media and public relationships at local and regional level
- Provide consultation, talking points, media training, and coaching to Conservancy spokespersons
- Accountable for achieving project goals and objectives, measuring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of communications and social media outreach, and recommending and developing strategies to improve impact
- May supervise staff and/or oversee work of volunteers or interns
- Experience cultivating and managing media relationships
- Excellent writing, editing, communications, and presentation skills
- Experience communicating with and presenting to different targeted audiences
- Experience with current communication technologies and brand marketing
- Experience cultivating and managing stakeholder relationships
- Experience coordinating, implementing, and managing multiple projects and timelines
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred; multi-lingual skills appreciated
- Experience as a media manager and spokesperson, writing press releases, managing press events, issues management, pitching stories and implementing other media strategies, and developing and maintaining media and public relationships
- Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and plans with constituencies
- Professional communications experience writing for traditional and social media platforms (including newsprint, blogs, op-eds, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube)
- Knowledge of current and evolving trends in communications, digital marketing, and digital metrics
- Knowledge/experience in the field of conservation or natural resource protection
- Experience managing a budget
- Willingness to travel
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.