Manager, Communications (51164)

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION • Washington, DC

1d • $75,096 - $125,160 • Remote

About The Position

As the Manager, Communications you will play a key role in advancing AGU’s mission to promote discovery in Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity by providing strategic communications for the organization. You will be responsible for developing and executing high-impact communications that support AGU’s programs, leadership, and institutional priorities. You serve as a strategic writing and messaging partner to senior staff and volunteer leaders, producing speeches, talking points, executive remarks, organizational statements, and narrative materials that translate complex initiatives into clear and compelling communications. You play a central role in organizational media relations, working in close coordination with the scientific media relations staff to align strategy, messaging, and timing. You are required to have professional editorial judgment, comfort operating in complex or sensitive situations, and the ability to advise leaders on communications strategy as well as execution. You will report to the Director, Media and Public Relations, within the Strategic Communications and Marketing (SCM) department, and will work in collaboration with the Marketing, Design and Branding, and Eos science news teams in SCM.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of progressive experience in communications, strategic communications, media relations, or a related field, with a bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting organizational or executive-level communications, media relations, or institution-wide initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, with demonstrated strength in strategic writing, speechwriting, and executive communications.
• Professional editing and proofreading skills required; knowledge of AP style preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders, staff at all levels, scientists, researchers, external partners, and media professionals.
• Editorial judgment and the ability to advise leaders on communications risks, opportunities, and tradeoffs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor staff, or readiness to take on people management responsibilities.
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive or confidential internal and external matters.
• Organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage complexity across multiple initiatives.
• Proficiency with standard business and communications tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, content management systems, and analytics tools).
• Familiarity with digital communications platforms is expected, though this role is not primarily execution-focused.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a matrixed organization.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a membership association, nonprofit, and/or scientific, technical, or policy-oriented organization strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Director, you will manage the development of strategic communications products for AGU leadership and programs, including speeches, talking points, executive remarks, briefing materials, and written narratives for complex initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior staff and program leaders, providing guidance on message framing, tone, audience considerations, and reputational risk.
• Manage and coordinate organizational media relations in collaboration with SCM leadership and the scientific media relations team to ensure aligned strategy, clear roles, and consistent messaging.
• Support crisis and issues communications, working closely with the Director and Vice President to draft materials, prepare leadership messaging, and respond to emerging situations as needed.
• Write and edit high-stakes communications such as organizational announcements, leadership correspondence, position statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, and other materials representing AGU publicly.
• Lead the development of communications plans for major initiatives and programs, integrating messaging, audiences, timing, and channels in collaboration with internal partners.
• Provide limited support for internal communications, including select leadership updates or organizational announcements, as needed and in coordination with relevant teams.
• Ensure consistency with AGU brand voice, editorial standards, and style guidelines; provide editorial oversight and coaching to staff and contributors as appropriate.
• Collaborate extensively with staff across departments to understand programmatic goals and translate them into effective communications strategies and products.
• Support communications needs for AGU meetings and major events, including leadership messaging and media coordination, working with internal and external partners.
• Use analytics, feedback, and professional judgment to assess communications effectiveness and recommend refinements to strategy or approach.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects under tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy, clarity, and discretion.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Benefits

• remote-first organization
• flexible work hours
• unlimited PTO
• Summer Fridays off
• paid holidays
• military leave
• parental leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, wellness, tuition reimbursement, 403(b) retirement plan, FSA, HSA, theft protection, personal and professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager