Senior Writer, Executive Communications

National Audubon Society•Washington, DC

1d•$110,000 - $125,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Audubon seeks an exceptional executive writer to support communications for the CEO. The Senior Writer, Executive Communications will research, write, and edit speeches, remarks, articles, correspondence, social content, and briefing materials that convey Audubon’s work with clarity and conviction. Reporting to the Vice President, Executive Communications, this person will turn science, conservation results, and organizational strategy into memorable narratives tailored to staff, supporters, partners, policymakers, and other audiences. They will work from source materials and input from colleagues to develop strong examples and capture the CEO’s voice across spoken, written, and digital platforms. This is an individual contributor role for a writer with strong editorial instincts, sound judgment, and experience writing for an executive. The writer will independently identify and recommend timely story ideas, fresh angles, and opportunities to connect the CEO’s perspective with Audubon’s work. Working under the editorial direction of the Vice President, Executive Communications, they will develop and revise drafts and prepare briefings, talking points, and suggested questions that equip the CEO with relevant context and clear messages for meetings, interviews, and other engagements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
At least 7 years of experience as a dedicated writer in an executive support, communications, or speechwriting role. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Demonstrated experience in conservation, climate, environmental policy, or a related mission-driven sector, with the ability to write for and authentically reflect the voice of senior executives.
A portfolio showing exceptional writing across formats, including work written in another person’s voice.
Proven ability to capture an executive’s voice, develop a persuasive narrative, and revise constructively in response to feedback.
Strong research and synthesis skills; ability to work from source material and subject matter input to turn complex material into precise, engaging prose.
Experience writing speeches, remarks, briefings, articles, and digital content for senior leaders and distinct audiences.
Ability to build a clear narrative for executive presentations and work effectively with visual and creative partners.
Excellent editorial judgment, fact-checking habits, and attention to detail.
Ability to build trust with senior leaders and collaborate effectively with subject matter experts across disciplines.
Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive information.
Ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments independently and deliver under tight deadlines.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Vice President, Executive Communications, draft and revise speeches, remarks, scripts, talking points, articles, executive correspondence, invitations, board communications, staff messages, and other high-visibility content.
Develop a close understanding of the CEO’s voice, perspective, and priorities, and adapt the writing to the audience, setting, and format.
Translate complex science, conservation work, policy developments, and organizational strategy into clear, accurate narratives, using concrete examples and a strong story structure to make Audubon’s impact and priorities meaningful to each audience.
Gather source materials and input from subject matter experts and colleagues; verify facts and develop concrete examples for executive communications.
Draft and review letters, invitations, thank-you notes, and other correspondence requiring the CEO’s voice or signature; develop reusable stories and language for recurring needs.
Write and edit copy for the CEO’s digital presence, including LinkedIn, in partnership with the Vice President and communications colleagues.
Research, draft, and edit concise, insight-driven briefs for the CEO’s meetings, interviews, panels, speeches, and other strategic engagements.
Synthesize the purpose, audience, participants, relevant developments, and Audubon priorities into practical preparation materials and suggested questions or talking points.
Work with colleagues across conservation, policy, development, and communications to gather context and ensure every brief is accurate and useful.
Tailor preparation to the CEO’s needs and the demands of each engagement, from internal meetings to conversations with donors, partners, media, and policymakers.
Help develop the narrative and written content for executive presentations, collaborating with design and creative colleagues on supporting visuals.
Propose messaging and content approaches for major organizational moments and the CEO’s external visibility, working with the Vice President, Executive Communications to refine and align them with communication priorities.
Shape written materials that connect the CEO’s perspective to Audubon’s strategy, impact, and role as a conservation organization powered by birds.
Collaborate with media and communications colleagues on executive preparation and timely statements during sensitive or fast-moving situations.
Independently identify and recommend timely stories, emerging ideas, and fresh angles for speeches, articles, posts, and other thought leadership content; develop proposed approaches for the Vice President’s review.
Manage assigned writing projects and revisions in coordination with the Vice President, tracking and incorporating feedback, deadlines, and versions through final approval.
Edit and strengthen material from colleagues for structure, clarity, voice, accuracy, and readiness for executive review.
Build trusted relationships with the CEO’s office and partners across Audubon; exercise discretion with sensitive information.
Deliver polished work on short timelines and adjust quickly as priorities change.
Other job-related duties as assigned.