This job has closed.

National Geographic Society · 1 week ago

Director, Strategic Communications (Blue Boundaries)

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$141K/yr - $148K/yr

10+ years exp

National Geographic Society is focused on research and conservation efforts through its new program called Blue Boundaries. The Director of Communications will be responsible for raising the visibility of this program, executing communication strategies, and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Non Profit

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Vice President, Strategic Communications, the Director will launch the Blue Boundaries program and each ecosystem phase: freshwater wetlands, coastlines and reefs. Develop and oversee the execution of annual strategic communications plans that secures visibility — proactively and reactively — for Blue Boundaries across a variety of earned and owned media channels. Actively engage, cultivate and manage internal and external relationships — including with press — to ensure high-quality coverage and amplification of major announcements and opportunistic elevation of newsworthy milestones from the Explorer-led programs. Collaborate closely with the Advancement division on partnership communications with our philanthropic partners. (50%)

Lead the development of all external positioning and messaging strategies for the new Blue Boundaries program. Create and implement a messaging platform to be leveraged across narrative-building activities and external outreach. Draft, review and approve external-facing communications, including talking points, speeches, press releases, blog posts and social media posts. (25%)

Advise on all matters related to reputational and crisis communications for the Blue Boundaries program and develop mitigation strategies for challenges and emerging issues. (15%)

Create and lead media training sessions for National Geographic spokespeople, including executives and Explorers. Oversee the development of media training materials that highlight the Explorer-led programs and Society’s overarching narrative. (10%)

Qualification

Strategic communicationsMedia relationsCrisis communicationsEnvironmental communicationsProject managementRelationship managementLeadership skillsWritten communicationOral communication

Required

Bachelor's degree required

10+ years of communications and/or PR experience at an agency or in-house communications with 3+ years of project and/or people management experience

Ability to identify compelling narratives, develop clear messaging and tell stories that demonstrate impact

Excellent news judgment, media relations skills and crisis communications skills

Excellent understanding of the changing media landscape, including media relations

Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work with a variety of constituents ranging from executives and Explorers to government officials and corporate partners

Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise good professional judgement

Strong leadership and management skills

Ability to work some late nights and weekends and periodic national and international travel

Preferred

Background in environmental/science communications

Proven track record of securing earned media

PR agency experience and/or managing a PR agency a plus

Strong relationships with journalists — especially those covering science, the environment, education and/or nonprofits, within the U.S. and internationally — a plus

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Engaging and comprehensive wellness program

401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment

Flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave

12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.)

Paid parental leave

Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement

Fertility benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Lifestyle Spending Account

Pet adoption assistance and insurance

Pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy

Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit

A variety of National Geographic discounts and perks