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 on Long Island, in New York, and beyond. We are looking for an experienced communications manager and creative problem solver with excellent people skills and experience developing, implementing, and measuring communication and community engagement/awareness strategies and plans. The position reports to the Long Island 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 Manager for Long Island 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 also serve as a Marketing Communications Manager for the Long Island chapter, elevating 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 water quality improvement, healthy oceans, estuaries, and coasts, 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 op-eds, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
- Utilize social science to develop effective messaging, design campaigns, engage target audiences, and/or gauge level of public support for policy initiatives (polling, focus groups, etc.)
- 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 professional and/or administrative staff
- A minimum 5 years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience cultivating and managing media relationships
- Experience in developing and managing marketing and communications strategies and measuring results
- Experience writing, editing, and proofreading
- Experience communicating with and presenting to different targeted audiences
- Experience cultivating and managing stakeholder relationships
- Experience coordinating, implementing, and managing multiple projects
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skill appreciated; multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred
- Professional communications experience creating content 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
- Experience as a media manager and spokesperson, writing press releases, managing press events, pitching stories and implementing other media strategies, developing and maintaining media and public relationships, and providing media coaching
- 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.