Deputy Director of Conservation Communications, North America Region

The Nature Conservancy•Arlington, TX

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Conservation Communications, North America Region is integral to helping TNC advance its program goals in the North America Region, an area TNC defines as the United States, Canada, Micronesia and the Caribbean. It is TNC’s largest region. They lead internal and external communications for the region’s conservation portfolio, which includes such issues as Indigenous rights relations, equitable conservation, human rights, science, oceans and land protection. They are part of a team that also leads the region’s communications related to policy and climate mitigation. Team members work to find synergies between the three bodies of work—conservation, policy and climate mitigation—so TNC can strategically and efficiently expand its influence and raise revenue in the region. This person reports to the NAR Program Communications Team’s lead and has a dotted line working relationship with the region’s director of conservation. The Deputy Director of Conservation Communications, North America Region oversees or leads the creation and implementation of communications strategies that will help advance programmatic and fundraising goals related to conservation in TNC’s North America region. The strategies include such tactics as traditional media, social media, events and visual/written storytelling. They manage two or more staff. They facilitate on-going communication between all parts of the organization, particularly within the North America Marketing and Communications Division and relevant North America programs/operating units, and external stakeholders. They may work with senior executives to implement strategies to strengthen communications channels and to develop and maintain staff engagement. They develop and foster relations with key persons in selected media. They provide coaching and training related to such issues as media interviews, presentations and writing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 9 years related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing staff and teams.
Experience developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results.
Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
Experience developing and leading complex projects or programs including financial responsibility and measuring results of strategic plans and programs.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
Master’s degree or extensive professional experience.
Management experience, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, manage performance and help with conflict resolution on a multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent internal and external communications, and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to various groups including donors, board members, change agents and the public.
Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices.
Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized organization.
Expressed interest and/or experience working on issues related to human rights and/or partnerships with Tribal nations and Indigenous leaders.
Excellent communications, mediation and negotiation skills.
Experience fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.
Demonstrated ability in planning and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

Design, direct and manage multiple complex and various projects and initiatives, coordinating the work of other professionals, managing budget and ensuring program accountability.
Broad management responsibility for professional staff who are responsible for key communications projects and initiatives.
Accountable for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
Financial responsibility includes developing and managing project/program/team budget objectives, evaluating results and developing corrective strategies as needed.
Provides input to departmental budget process.
Decisions can commit the organization’s actions and resources in a way that affects public image and have program wide impact.
Opportunity to act independently within broad program goals.
Work checked through consultation and agreement with stakeholders rather than by directives of superiors.