Communications Manager, Innovation

Global Fishing Watch

4h•$55,000 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

The communications function is a core strategic component of Global Fishing Watch’s program, integral to generating public visibility, political support and building an international constituency for the organization and transparency in global fisheries. Global Fishing Watch’s communications is centered on driving impactful messaging, obtaining targeted media coverage and furthering engagement that promotes transparency as a fundamental component of responsible ocean stewardship. Reporting to the senior manager of program communications, the communications manager, innovation is responsible for supporting the implementation of the organization’s global communications strategy, with a specific focus on making its technology, data and scientific research understandable, relevant and usable at scale. Positioning Global Fishing Watch as a leading authority and partner of choice for data-led transparency in ocean governance, the post-holder will directly support the delivery of the organization’s 2030 goals by translating complex science, data and technology into compelling stories and digital experiences that demonstrate real-world impact. This position requires exceptional writing and editorial skills, including the ability to quickly understand complex scientific, technical and analytical information and translate it into clear, engaging and accurate content. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in storytelling and digital communications, with demonstrated experience engaging both expert and non-expert audiences through innovative formats, multimedia narratives and evolving digital strategies. Working closely with our research and product development teams, the communications manager, innovation is expected to help shape narratives in project lifecycles, ensuring outputs are relevant, accessible and impact-oriented. Leading communications efforts to profile the organization’s groundbreaking research and scientific breakthroughs, the communications manager will work alongside the chief scientist and his team of researchers to spotlight our cutting-edge technology and develop data-driven stories that help map our progress to monitor all human activity at sea. They will also work closely with the product development team to identify communications opportunities that highlight use cases and demonstrate technological successes, particularly around major platform updates and product evolution. The successful candidate will bring creativity, innovation and analytical thinking to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. In addition to leading their own portfolio of work, the post-holder is expected to contribute to broader communications planning, supporting communications priorities as needed, and helping ensure cohesion, clarity and strategic alignment across Global Fishing Watch’s science, technology and impact storytelling.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, science communication, or equivalent professional experience
5+ years of communications experience, preferably with a background in science or technology journalism.
Proven excellence in writing, narrative construction and digital communication, with ease in expressing complex concepts and issues in a clear, effective manner for general audiences and scientists alike.
Experience managing the creation of visual content, including data visualizations, graphics and video.
Experience collaborating with scientific, technical, or product teams.
Track record of driving projects autonomously and building stakeholder relationships within a remote, globally distributed matrix organization. Able to work well with a diverse set of multicultural and multidisciplinary internal and external stakeholders.
Highly organized, analytical, detail oriented and self-motivated.
Flexibility to collaborate with team members across global time zones.
Fluent or highly proficient in English.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in other languages, especially Spanish and French.
Experience innovating in digital storytelling formats and working with data visualization or multimedia teams.
Familiarity with technology and science, policy or governance contexts, particularly in environmental or ocean-related fields.
Proficient with G suite (e.g., docs, slides, sheets).
Experience using content management systems; familiarity with Notion and WordPress is a plus.
Previous experience working remotely or in a globally distributed team.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated communications plans for an assigned portfolio of technological products and research initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and cross-functional coordination.
Translate complex scientific research and technology into clear, compelling stories and narratives that highlight real-world impact on ocean governance.
Create high-quality content across various formats — web content, fact sheets, video/multimedia, infographics, data visualizations and other digital storytelling pieces to demonstrate practical use of tools and insights by scientists, researchers, governments and partners.
Lead communications for major scientific publications and technical releases, showcasing Global Fishing Watch’s innovation and influence.
Communicate the evolution of our technology and tools, translating complex data and 2030 milestone achievements into clear, impactful stories that demonstrate our continuous improvement and global progress to target audiences.
Coordinate communications and PR efforts with partner institutions to promote integration of Global Fishing Watch data and technology into external platforms, enabling scientific advancement and better management of ocean resources.
Collaborate closely with digital, multimedia and graphic design consultants to develop high-impact data visualizations, infographics, videos and other assets that strengthen understanding and influence.
Lead the development and publication for the quarterly research newsletter and oversee public outreach materials produced by the research and product development teams. Ensure scientific accuracy while optimizing clarity, narrative flow and audience engagement.
Support media outreach by identifying compelling stories; translating complex technical insights into clear media narratives; developing strategic angles in coordination with the communications manager; and preparing comprehensive briefing materials, backgrounders and spokesperson guidance.
Distill complex research and technical updates into accessible key messages and draft social media content, equipping the social media team with accurate and engaging material.
Perform other duties as assigned.