Sets the strategy and direction for a cross-functional team to implement innovative media and external affairs strategies to advance WWF’s conservation mission and drive engagement with policymakers, the public, influencers and media. Directs the Media & External Affairs team’s work in support WWF’s policy, oceans, and climate & energy team goals.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Leads and manages the Media & External Affairs team’s external and internal engagement on US and international policy work. Also oversees MXA’s efforts on oceans and climate & energy issues cutting across the organization’s goals.
- Manages and directly oversees the work of staff working on these issues.
- Designs and directs comprehensive, integrated and proactive external affairs and public relations strategies to promote WWF’s engagement with key audiences and to deliver on the organization’s conservation goals through multiple channels. Devises ways to grow WWF’s presence with new target influencer audiences.
- Monitors and measures progress and revises plans to fit overall institutional priorities. Reviews and approves press releases, media advisories, statements, strategies and other written materials. Directs the planning of news conferences and other events; coordinates with outside representatives of corporations, other NGOs, and government(s).
- Oversees policy elements of external communications strategies for high-profile priorities and campaigns. Works with communications and program staff to develop and lead these strategies.
- Acts as one of MXA’s primary liaison and coordination point with other WWF offices on policy, oceans, and climate & energy issues. Works with media and program staff at WWF-International and other WWF National and Program Offices.
- Assists with planning and preparation of other major projects as assigned by the Senior Director, Media and External Affairs.
- Under the supervision of the Senior Director, directs, develops and manages budget. Ensures budget and funding allocations are structured to meet the needs of the institution and expenses are managed within budget constraints.
- Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with environmental media and influencers, and internally with other WWF teams in Marketing and Communications, Policy, Oceans, Climate & Energy, and across WWF’s other goals. Interacts regularly with WWF senior management and with program staff leads.
- Represents WWF-US at appropriate conferences and events where strategic communications is a priority. May travel to field programs, other WWF offices, government headquarters and other locations both domestically and internationally.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required as is strong experience working with media and engaging in digital public relations tactics.
Skills/Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in public relations or journalism is required.
- A background in communications related to environmental issues or other scientific fields is preferred.
- Superb oral and written communications skills are a must.
- Ability to create, manage, and implement external affairs and public relations strategies on tight deadlines.
- Ability to manage cross-functional staff in support of meeting institutional priorities.
- Must be able to simultaneously manage and lead multiple projects; also must be flexible and able to be a cooperative team player.
- Successfully sell ideas within the organization and work cooperatively with people from other organizations and cultures.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, especially relationship management and leadership skills and the ability to work diplomatically as part of a high-level, multidimensional, international team.
- Strong organizational/analytical skills, including ability to manage budget.
- Must possess appreciation and enthusiasm for conservation.
- Highly-motivated, self-starter who knows how to take projects and run with them.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Oct 6 2018
Active Until:
Nov 6 2018
Hiring Organization:
World Wildlife Fund
industry:
Nonprofit