Associate Director of Communications
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications implements marketing and media relations strategies, plans and tactics focused on advancing the strategic conservation, fundraising and policy goals for the Hawai’i & Palmyra and the Micronesia & Polynesia business units with the Pacific Division. They collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders and partners across multiple states, geographies, and time zones to engage target audiences, build awareness and influence conservation action.
The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing project-specific marketing communications plans and driving earned media for the Hawai’i & Palmyra and Micronesia & Polynesia business units, in alignment with priorities and audiences identified for the business units by senior management. They develop, foster and manage relationships with local and regional media contacts and key internal and external stakeholders to develop story ideas and pitches. They identify and cultivate media opportunities and secure placement in top-tier media outlets. They pitch, place (and at times, write) stories and op-eds and manage visual assets to accompany stories such as photos, videos and b-roll. They advise on earned and paid media tactics and manage, track, and report on earned and paid media results. They collaborate on message and story development, public relations and visibility-building activities, media tours and spokesperson development. They contribute ideas and write and produce compelling content for digital and print channels. They help identify and implement other marketing communications and media needs and opportunities in collaboration with the Pacific MAC team. They also help elevate Pacific Division stories and accomplishments to regional, national and global teams within The Nature Conservancy, as directed.
As the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, you will:
Develop, implement, and measure project-specific marketing communications plans and media relations plans for both earned and paid media.
Cultivate and maintain contacts with key stakeholders internally and with local, regional and diverse media outlets, identify and pitch stories to those contacts, connect journalists with staff for interviews, and respond to inquiries from reporters. Assess media opportunities balancing resource use and staff time with potential reach/outcomes.
In collaboration with team members, develop and write key messages, talking points, op-eds and statements.
Develop spokespeople; provide media and message coaching and consultation to conservation, partners and other staff to prepare them for media interviews and other storytelling opportunities.
Write, pitch, and collaborate to produce stories for earned/paid media as well as other communications channels, from web to social to campaigns and more.
Assist with creation/administration of budget, manage assigned budget, evaluate results and develop recommendations for corrective strategies as needed.
Manage and organize visual assets such as photos, videos and b-roll. Post content to social media and package digital stories to support media placements.
Responsible and accountable for specific project goals and strategic objectives.
May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff.
Some occasional travel may be required.
Other related duties as assigned
We’re Looking for You:
The ideal candidate will have all or some of these qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, please apply anyway and tell us about your skills and experience:
Experience writing and implementing short-term, project-specific marketing communications and media plans, and measuring effectiveness.
Experience developing and implementing earned and paid media and engagement strategies as well as assessing their effectiveness. Experience developing and managing media relations networks and pitching and placing stories. Experience with varied earned and paid media methods from pitches to releases to messages for varied targeted audiences.
Excellent writing, storytelling, presentations, editing, and proofreading skills.
Experience managing and organizing visual assets such as photos, videos and b-roll.
Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects in a dynamic environment.
Experience cultivating and managing stakeholder, vendor, and client relationships.
Experience managing reputational risk and crisis communications.
Demonstrates expertise in regional protocols and social norms relevant to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
Proficiency in multiple languages is valued, particularly familiarity with Hawaiian or other Polynesian languages, to support effective communication in regionally diverse environments.
Experience in intergovernmental or regional collaboration across Pacific jurisdictions, including work with sovereign Tribal or Indigenous entities, is preferred.
Experience translating complex subjects (e.g., conservation, science, climate, policy, etc.) into approachable, relevant and persuasive concepts for diverse audiences including journalists, donors, partners, board members and the public.
Experience with visual and creative storytelling, including video and/or photography skills, a plus.
Experience with social media and website content management, a plus.
Familiarity with current and evolving marketing communications and media technologies, best practices and trends.
Knowledge of conservation issues and work in the Pacific.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 8 years related experience or equivalent combination.
Experience in project management, developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results.
Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
Experience supervising staff and team.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 - $110,000 . This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are :
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.