The Senior Strategic Communications Manager drives campaign strategy and communication tactics aimed at influencer and donor audiences. They will bring marketing, communications, advocacy and other campaign tools and thinking to expedite and amplify impact with tangible results.
We need a creative, collaborative and strategic leader who can quickly jump on a team, sharpen the focus, identify key audiences and develop campaign and communications strategies with defined outcomes. The right person is a creative and strategic lead who can set the plan and a strong manager who can drive it towards success.
The Senior Strategic Communications Manager develops, implements and manages 2-3 communication strategies and tactics annually that drive conservation and fundraising goals. They design and implement integrated strategies that tap the expertise and support of a cross-functional marketing team skilled in digital content, events, earned and paid media, donor communications and program strategy. Partners with department and program leads to design campaigns to achieve short and long terms goals, leverage conservation products and external opportunities, and sets tangible objectives and outcomes. The Senior Strategic Communications Manager will oversee and project manage outside contractors in the development and implementation of communications activities and may manage communications budget and key operational plans. They provide consultation, strategy training, coaching and talking points to persons serving as spokespeople. The Senior Strategic Communications Manager will report to the Director of Strategic Campaigns.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work with policy, program, fundraising and marketing staff – as well as with external partners – to develop and implement communications strategies and tactics.
- Research, write and develop compelling communications materials – including opinion pieces, key messages, visual content and other collateral.
- Lead cross-functional teams in workshops, meetings and huddles, both remotely and in-person.
- Manage projects with external strategy, advertising and creative vendors.
- Partner with program leads to develop sharp, action-oriented campaign strategies with defined outcomes. Prepare campaign briefs, audience profiles, and communications plan in line with strategy.
- Assists with creation/administration of budget, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Significant opportunity to act independently within broad program and marketing goals.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in project management, developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results.
- Demonstrated experience directing and implementing campaigns.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and/or teams.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Deep experience in strategic communications and advocacy-based marketing and communications
- Knowledge of conservation and environmental issues and policies is helpful, though not required.
- Media and donor relations experience a plus
- Experience leading in a team-based environment with internal and external partners..
- Excellent writing and communications skills with ability to articulate complex policy and business issues in a compelling manner that can be understood by a broad audience.
- Strong collaboration skills. Ability to coordinate with colleagues across different geographies and to influence without authority.
- Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized organization a plus.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant marketing disciplines. Cross disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
- Experience running workshops and meetings (in-person and remote) with desired outcomes and follow-up.
- Public speaking experience with senior-level staff
- Understanding and experience with fundraising and/or membership campaigns
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.