Director of Communications

Monterey Bay Aquarium

293d • $150,000 - $190,000

About The Position

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking an innovative and collaborative professional to serve as its Director of Communications. This person will build and direct the short- and long-term internal and external communications strategies that advance the Monterey Bay Aquarium objectives, support the organization culture and staff mobilization, further our mission, and elevate the Aquarium's reputation as a leader in ocean conservation to motivate and inspire action. Goals for the role will be to establish and maintain an ongoing, coherent, and uniformly positive perception of the Aquarium among all of our audiences, manage an internal and external communications team, and determine, develop, and communicate the key stories and messages that motivate people to know more, care more, and do more on behalf of our oceans. The role is also responsible for amplifying the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an authority in ocean conservation, promoting leadership as thought leaders in their respective disciplines.

Requirements

• Minimum of ten years experience in communications, public relations, and/or media relations.
• Minimum of six years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in the nonprofit, policy, advocacy, and/or environmental conservation sector preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written (editorial) communications skills.
• Demonstrated and deep knowledge of print, broadcast, and digital media, and how to maintain a constant and positive presence across those outlets.
• Flexible in responding to changes in business priorities; proven ability to work effectively and efficiently under multiple, competing deadlines.
• Experience with contracting and budget management.
• Ability to interface with all levels of management is essential.
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values.
• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium's Leadership Competencies.
• Bachelor's and master's degree in journalism, communications, or marketing strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy, especially in the domains of conservation, science, education, policy, and advocacy.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive internal communications strategy, in partnership with the Chief of People & Culture and other senior executives, that fosters alignment and engagement throughout the organization.
• Lead strategic media relations, guiding and supporting senior leadership and their teams on interviews and other earned media initiatives to ensure well-crafted messaging and achieve broad media coverage.
• Draft, update, and implement all crisis communications plans and activities, always ensuring prompt and effective crisis communications services in collaboration with Communications staff.
• Conduct regular performance assessments and provide constructive feedback. Mentor and coach team members, guiding their professional growth and supporting career development.
• Develop and oversee annual Communications plan, budgets, and resource allocation to align initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient use of resources, measurable impact, and ongoing team development.
• Lead the team in executing daily work plans and managing workflow. Oversee project priorities and ensure alignment with communication goals. Facilitate team access to necessary resources and support.
• Innovate and monitor communications-related trends.
• Serve as the Aquarium's primary spokesperson to the media, as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Salary range of $150,000 - $190,000.
• Generous benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Master's degree