Director, Strategic Communications

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Job description

TITLE : Director, Strategic Communications

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION : Marketing and Communications

FLSA STATUS : Exempt
REPORTS TO: VP, Marketing & Communications

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: 2-3

LOCATION : Arlington, Virginia HQ preferred. Remote considered.

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

The Conservation Fund is seeking an experienced and dynamic Strategic Communications Director to lead our communications efforts and enhance our visibility and impact. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of media relations expertise, with a proven track record of pitching stories, securing speaking engagements, and driving strategic messaging. This role requires a deep understanding of a holistic, multi-channel approach to communications, ensuring our message resonates across diverse platforms and audiences. They will be responsible for developing a national communications strategy that encompasses regionally specific goals and objectives. The ideal candidate will be ambitious and creative in telling The Conservation Funds story, hungry for compelling coverage and excited to partner with programmatic staff from across the organization to gain a deep understanding of TCFs conservation projects so they can shape holistic, multi-channel communication strategies.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Media Relations: Develop and execute a robust media strategy to promote our organizations initiatives, successes, and impact. Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts, pitch stories creatively and effectively, and secure high-profile media coverage.
• Content & Communications Strategy: In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Digital Engagement, create and oversee a comprehensive content strategy that includes press materials, op-eds, blog posts, and social media content. Ensure all communications reflect our mission and values and engage our target audiences effectively. Track and identify trends across land conservation, clean energy, and climate to develop strategies to drive TCFs solution set across public conversations on these topics.
• Secure Speaking Engagements: Identify and coordinate opportunities for organizational leaders and experts to speak at conferences, events, and panels. Prepare speaking materials and coaching to ensure compelling and impactful presentations.
• Multi-Channel Communications: Implement a cohesive communications approach across traditional media, digital platforms, and grassroots channels. Utilize analytics to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjust as needed.
• Brand Management: Uphold and enhance the organizations brand and reputation through consistent and strategic messaging. Work alongside the VP of Marketing & Communications to manage crisis communications and respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Supervision : Lead a team of communications professionals, providing leadership, professional growth and support to achieve departmental objectives. Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Internal Collaborative: Help to build a shared understanding across the organization of the purpose and value of strategic communications to advance TCFs mission. Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior management and program staff to shape strategic communication plans that gain visibility for TCFs work, in service to larger institutional goals for the organization.
• Project Management: In partnership with VP Marketing & Communications and the Director of Marketing and Digital Engagement, oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of MarCom projects and campaigns. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet strategic objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusions responsibilities.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new staff.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
• Manage relationships with contractors and oversee deliverables as needed.
• Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handle discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

• Bachelors degree in communications, public Relations, marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience in similar fields.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic communications, with a strong background in media relations.
• Proven success in pitching stories and securing media coverage in national and local outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-channel communications and develop content that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and creativity.
• Minimum five years of experience supervising and empowering professionals to execute a strategy and to grow and achieve their vision of success.
• Demonstrated experience managing laterally and upwards to effectively communicate a recommended vision for success.
• Proficiency in using communication and analytics tools to measure effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience working with and managing external vendors.

WHAT WED LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in land conservation or environmental advocacy, is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting.
• Work is sometimes performed under deadlines and quick turnarounds.
• Estimated travel 10-15%.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $125,000 - $150,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

The Fund offers a highly competitive package of benefits including:

Employer contributions for comprehensive medical, vision and dental insurance packages.

Company contributions to HSA account.

14 paid holidays.

Generous paid vacation, sick and floating holidays.

Retirement plan discretionary company contribution.

Company-paid paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance subject to the plan maximum

Six weeks paid parental leave.

Continuing education benefit for approved programs.

Employee assistance program (EAP).

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Cover letter and resume required for consideration

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.




The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing,
to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.

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