Communications Manager

Oceana Inc•Washington, DC

10d•$71,000 - $76,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Manager reports to Oceana’s International Communications Director and supports Oceana’s organizational public relations efforts with the goal of increasing brand awareness to drive media coverage, fundraising, and policy and corporate outcomes. The Communications Manager helps tells Oceana’s global story to key audiences, including the media, funders, supporters, and decision-makers. The Communications Manager is responsible for rapidly researching, creating, and executing strategies that effectively position Oceana and its leaders as authorities in the ocean conservation and environmental spaces. This includes serving as the lead media contact for Oceana’s corporate plastic campaigns targeting major polluters like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, in addition to securing coverage for Oceana’s international brand, annual events, executive committee, board of directors, celebrity supporters, scientific reports, and other ocean topics. The Communications Manager secures opportunities to further Oceana’s objectives through promotion of the organization’s brand, CEO, Chief Scientist, and other leaders across platforms. The Communications Manager works closely with Oceana’s other Communications Managers/Directors in Oceana’s international offices to cross-promote stories and produce media reports for the Board of Directors. The Communications Manager leads the organization’s media tracking efforts and manages the Communications Intern for the department. This position is based in Washington, D.C. Limited domestic or international travel is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
Three to five years of professional experience as a communications manager, journalist, press secretary, public relations consultant, or other position involving media/press relations.
Proven track record of securing top tier interviews and press coverage.
Excellent writing and verbal communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in AP Style and excellent attention to detail.
Familiarity supporting high level executives, policymakers, and individuals with writing.
Ability to synthesize complicated scientific jargon quickly and accurately for lay audiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a team player to coordinate projects, and work effectively with a variety of personalities.
Proficient using Microsoft tools including Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Familiarity with media tracking software such as Meltwater, Cision, and Muck Rack is required.
Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure while maintaining humor and high energy.
Ability to approach problems with a sense of ownership, enthusiasm, and innovation.
Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment, manage multiple assignments and coordinate across departments.
Ability to take initiative in suggesting ways to augment work and responsibilities of position to accomplish Oceana’s goals.

Nice To Haves

Management experience a plus but not required.
Familiarity with environmental and food security issues is a plus but not required.
Experience with international media a plus.
Professional working proficiency in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Create and execute press and communications strategies to achieve Oceana objectives. This includes developing communications plans on the issues of saving the ocean and feeding the world, plastic reduction, increasing transparency at sea, and other organizational initiatives.
Secure press coverage in strategic outlets and serve as the lead media contact for Oceana’s corporate plastic campaigns and the Transparent Oceans Initiative.
Create and maintain successful relationships with members of the media.
Manage the Communications Intern, including overseeing the production of a daily media report summarizing Oceana’s global media hits, media research and list building, and other communications projects as assigned.
Produce written communications (press releases, talking points, op-eds, memos) for press initiatives, interviews, and events.
Translate scientific information into public-friendly materials and strategize and develop communications for targeted audiences and stakeholders (e.g., news media, government officials, donors, and public). Other content production includes brochures, fact sheets, social media toolkits, presentations, website content, press materials, and more.
Generate press coverage for Oceana’s major fundraising events.
Support Oceana’s experts’ and celebrity supporters’ participation in events including preparing talking points, arranging interviews, and more.
Produce and place Oceana’s print, radio, and TV public service announcements in key target areas such as New York and Southern California.
Lead tracking of Oceana’s international media coverage.
Lead efforts to produce biweekly and triannual media reports for Oceana’s international Board of Directors.
Maintain press releases, Oceana in the News, media contacts, and other relevant webpages on Oceana’s international website.
Assist in accomplishing communications goals as needed or requested by Director and Vice President.
Perform additional duties as needed and/or assigned.