Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Media

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Application Instructions:

Please attach a cover letter as well as a resume in your application.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Media develops, creates and implements communications strategies that align with overall goals for the Pacific Division. They provide direction and leadership over earned media, social media, crisis communications and strategic communications. This position is based in California (CA).

The Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Media develops and implements an integrated and effective communications and earned media plan to help drive brand awareness and donor engagement and action in the Pacific Division. They manage public and media relations, external speaking engagement opportunities, and develop thought leader strategies for subject matter experts (SMEs) and senior leaders. They lead and implement strategic communication plans for reputational risk and crisis mitigation. They manage one or more staff. They facilitate on-going communication between all parts of the globally dispersed Marketing division, internal and external stakeholders, and identify communication and earned media needs and opportunities including social media.

The Associate Director 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 journalists and key persons in selected media and develops and proactively pitches and places earned media stories in high-level and strategic outlets. They manage communication strategies and program implementation for high profile or key audiences like Board of Directors, state and country board of trustees, and state and federal policymakers. They manages the dissemination and amplification of earned media information. Lastly, they provide consultation, media training, coaching and talking points to spokesperson(s).

We’re Looking for You:

We’re looking for an experienced media professional who is motivated to support natural resources conservation at this critical time. If you have experience working in a large, complex organization and are eager to be part of a dedicated Marketing team bridging science into public storytelling, apply today!

What You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 9 years of related work experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

  • Experience developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results

  • Experience managing staff and teams.

  • Experience developing and leading complex projects or programs including financial responsibility and measuring results of strategic plans and programs.

  • Experience cultivating and managing reporter relationships.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Multi-lingual skills.

  • Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.

  • 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.

  • Experience overseeing and leading on reputational risk mitigation, and crisis communications.

  • Experience placing earned media and social media and measuring results.

  • Experience placing speakers and developing thought leadership.

  • Experience measuring results of earned media plans and programs.

  • Excellent communications, and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors, board members and the public.

  • Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices. Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized organization.

  • Excellent communications, mediation and negotiation skills.

  • Experience fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $105,400 - $170,850 . This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. (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.)

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor .


Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our 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 diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.