The Director of Communications leads the communications strategy to elevate the strategies and work within TNC’s Provide Food and Water Sustainably priority. S/he serves as a member of the Provide Food and Water Sustainably leadership team and provides strategic communications direction for the priority. S/he reports to the Managing Director of Global Communications, with a dotted line to the Managing Director for the Provide Food and Water Sustainably priority.
The Director of Communications, Provide Food and Water Sustainably develops and implements strategic communications plans that advance TNC’s strategy programs within the Provide Food and Water Sustainably priority. S/He leads strategy setting, planning and execution of communications that elevate TNC’s work among thought leaders and high-level funders in the food and agriculture space. S/He works across a matrixed organization with colleagues in global programs and regions who are leading efforts connected to the priority, including global water, corporate engagement, climate change, biodiversity, aquaculture and other relevant areas. S/He works across the broader Marketing Division to leverage TNC owned channels and campaigns to amplify messaging and to design and implement marketing and communications plans to achieve the goals of the program and to help ensure public and private support for The Nature Conservancy.
S/he develops and implements communications for digital, print and campaigns/events, including messaging, speeches, digital content, print materials, blogs and opinion pieces; directing rapid response outreach to audiences; supporting executive visibility plans and speaking opportunities; and working with digital, social and traditional media managers to support TNC’s work in the Provide Food and Water Sustainably space.
S/he is a collaborator who facilitates on-going communication between all parts of the globally dispersed Marketing Division and internal and external stakeholders, and identifies communication and media needs and opportunities. S/he works closely with TNC’s media relations staff to cultivate earned media in key markets and works closely with other communications and marketing teams to execute communications plans. S/He exhibits superb judgement, relationship savvy, creative thinking, curiosity, hustle and a global view and diplomacy in working with internal and external partners. S/he will act as a communications advisor to staff as needed, and may provide consultation, media training, coaching and talking points to persons serving as spokespeople.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Sets multi-year communications strategy and annual plans to advance the priorities of the Provide Food and Water Sustainably priority and actively collaborates with colleagues leading components within the space.
- Leads strategic initiatives through collaboration with senior level stakeholders to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Designs and directs complex and diversified digital, print, video, events and earned media projects, coordinating the work of other professionals, and ensuring program accountability.
- Creates compelling stories and messaging about the Provide Food and Water Sustainably priority that can be used externally with key audiences and donors and amplified by the broader organization; leverages resources developed by other teams.
- Assists with the creation and management of budget and actively works with the Provide Food and Water Sustainably team to identify opportunities to seek funding for communications initiatives; evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Operates collaboratively, efficiently and effectively across a matrixed organization and exhibits excellent judgment in managing projects, decisions and people.
- Owns responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Has significant opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
- Understands that decisions can commit the programs’ resources and may have program or organization-wide impact and elevates decision-making as appropriate.
- Provides input into departmental budget process.
- Serves as mentor/advisor to communication and media staff throughout organization.
- Experience developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results.
- Experience cultivating and managing relationships with senior level executives, Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and/or national media contacts.
- Experience in program management, including broad financial responsibility and measuring results of strategic plans.
- Experience managing a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.
- Experience designing, directing and implementing multiple projects.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Expertise in conservation, agriculture issues, and/or managing complex communications for an international nonprofit organization.
- Experience developing communication and engagement strategies and evaluating effectiveness of communications.
- Excellent writing, presentation, communication, mediation and negotiation skills.
- Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized organization.
- Master’s degree or extensive professional experience.
- Experience in project management principles and tools
- Management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, manage performance and help with conflict resolution on a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors, board members and target external audiences.
- Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices.
- Demonstrated ability in communications planning and execution.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
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.