Strategic Communications and Marketing Director, Ocean Conservancy

POSITION TITLE: Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing
DEPARTMENT: External Affairs
REPORTS TO: Vice President, External Affairs
DURATION: Full-Time
LOCATION: Washington, DC

OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Founded in 1972, Ocean Conservancy is an environmental nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that threaten ocean life and human wellbeing. Ocean Conservancy has emerged as a powerful voice to advocate for the protection of our ocean that is essential to all life and supplies much of the food we eat, water we drink, and air we breathe. Through its programs, Ocean Conservancy provides leadership to champion the protection of special places, restoration of sustainable fisheries, reduction of human impacts on ocean ecosystems, and comprehensive management of our nation's ocean resources and ecosystems. For more information see:www.oceanconservancy.org.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM

Ocean Conservancy's External Affairs team has a focus that spans government relations, communications and marketing. We strive to condition the climate for change by informing, inspiring and empowering the public to take action; and then build on the new coalitions we create through strategic engagement of stakeholders, policymakers and corporate leaders. We pride ourselves on reaching key constituencies in new and innovative ways; building Ocean Conservancy's brand promise via strategic partnerships; and working with our program teams to win real changes that protect and promote ocean health.

PRIMARY RESPOSIBILITIES

The Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing has overall responsibility for oversight and coordination of Ocean Conservancy's external communications. This includes management of our media affairs and publications work; primary responsibility for building Ocean Conservancy's brand with thought-leaders and the public; and authority to develop and disseminate strategic messaging throughout the organization. The Director manages the strategic communications and marketing staff, a team that spans Washington and our regional offices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven strategic capacity in promoting a message and brand to diverse audiences.
• Minimum seven years of media, strategic communications and marketing experience.
• Advanced degree in journalism, public policy, marketing or other relevant field.
• Superior written communication skills and strong oral communication abilities, including capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
• Experience managing staff, and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of the External Affairs and broader Ocean Conservancy team.

OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to promote Ocean Conservancy's message and brand.
• A high-level performer, with the ability to move rapidly in response to communications opportunities as they present themselves.
• A media relations professional with a thorough understanding story lines, news cycles and how media fits into a broader communications and marketing strategy.
• Attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Personable, passionate, productive, and focused on advancing the cause of ocean conservation.

BECOMING AN OCEAN CONSERVANCY TEAM MEMBER:

The expected start date for this position is ideally September or October 2010. Ocean Conservancy offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. We welcome candidates with a dedication to conservation and a commitment to leveraging the power of partnerships to create momentum for change.

Ocean Conservancy staff use and value our resources—time, talent, and money—to achieve powerful gains for the protection of the ocean that sustains all life. We're dedicated to long-term issues, and we create sustainable solutions based on science, not ideology. We see the big picture and offer realistic solutions to protect the ocean and improve our quality of life. Some things about us you should know:

• Our mission is to inform and inspire. Our strategic communications capacity is prioritized and valued throughout the organization.
• We provide concrete solutions that lead to high-impact results. These include landmark policies like: protecting sea turtles by mandating Turtle Excluder Devices, the establishment of marine protected areas in California, and the protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
• We stand on the shoulders of more than 35 years of policy expertise, and we have the longest track record defining priorities and translating science into sound, practical policies that protect our oceans.
• We leverage our strong networks and deep connections. We've won the trust of legislators over the years, and our access to key decision- makers in Congress allows us to serve as the voice of the ocean in the halls of power. Our grassroots network helps to amplify our voice across the country.
• We recognize that real leadership means cooperation. We know when to stand firm and when to negotiate on behalf of the ocean to achieve lasting victories.
• We're committed to creating long-term change. We continue to monitor legislation and policies long after they fall from the front-page headlines to ensure that vital aspects of ocean life are always protected.

If you think you have what it takes to fill this critical leadership position on Ocean Conservancy's team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs(at)oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Strategic Communications and Marketing Director #1012" in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities and Females are Encouraged to Apply.