Senior Communications Manager, Climate
Ocean Conservancy

Bonsai Leadership Group is honored to partner with Ocean Conservancy in its search for a Senior Communications Manager, Climate.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with its partners, it creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more about Ocean Conservancy at oceanconservancy.org. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Communications Manager, Climate, will oversee strategic communications efforts for Ocean Conservancy’s climate program, a portfolio that encompasses the organization’s work on ocean climate science; international offshore wind, oil, and gas; and green shipping; and touches several program and cross-cutting teams (Arctic, Government Relations, etc.). The Senior Communications Manager, Climate will report to the Director of Communications as a member of the Strategic Communications Department and will support their department colleagues with other institutional PR and strategic communications efforts as necessary.  

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as communications lead for Ocean Conservancy’s climate portfolio, one of three priority portfolios for the organization. 

  • Develop and implement communications strategies and campaigns to expand responsible offshore wind, advance green shipping, decommission offshore oil and gas, develop and promote ocean climate science, and advance other climate-related priorities.  

  • Collaborate with the Climate program team to develop and clarify positions on salient climate issues as well as an overarching narrative around their work and the ocean’s role in climate. 

  • Work closely with Ocean Conservancy’s digital team to maximize the communications impact of the organization’s climate work. 

  • Seek out, execute and report on varied media opportunities to highlight Ocean Conservancy’s advocacy goals; produce related talking points, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, and other content.  

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets and facilitate internal and external media training for staff as needed to ensure media readiness.  

  • Execute a rapid response when ocean-related climate issues are in the news to establish Ocean Conservancy as an increasingly trusted voice on ocean climate science.  

  • Coordinate with external partners to develop cohesive messaging strategies. 

  • Be ready to respond to and manage potential media or communications crises. 

  • Draft and/or edit blogs, reports, remarks, and other program content as needed to ensure consistency in messaging. 

  • Represent Ocean Conservancy as needed at events, nationally and internationally, including the annual COP meetings. 

  • Support institution-wide communications efforts as assigned. 

  • Manage outside designers, writers, and other consultants as needed. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

Ocean Conservancy encourages applicants with a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required.  

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with 6+ years of experience in media, broadcast journalism, or communications; at least 1+ year of direct experience communicating on climate change issues.  

  • Proven track record of media placements (quotes, op-eds, etc.) across media types (broadcast, print, etc.). 

  • Demonstrated success in developing and leading cross-platform communication campaigns that drive advocacy impact.  

  • Creative and/or enterprising approach to communications, including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with partners.  

  • Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a strong grasp of tone, clarity, and strategic messaging. 

  • Strong attention to detail and demonstrated project management skills. 

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

  • Familiarity with communications-specific software including Cision, Muck Rack, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and digital asset management systems like Media Valet. 

  • Ability to understand and translate complex, technical, or data-driven material into accessible, simple, and compelling messages.   

  • Experience managing communications around conferences and events.   

  • Graphic design and/or video editing experience are a plus. 


TRAVEL 

National and international travel is required 3-5 times per year to attend conferences, events, staff meetings, or retreats.

LOCATION 

This is a hybrid or remote position based in Florida; Maryland; Virigina; Washington, D.C. (preferred); or West Virginia. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The minimum salary for this position is $80,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the hired candidate’s location, qualifications, background, and experience. In addition, Ocean Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:   

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees, spouses (both same sex and opposite sex), domestic partner, and dependent children (effective day one of employment) 

  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (free for employee)  

  • Basic Life Insurance (free for employee) 

  • Healthcare and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account  

  • Retirement Planning - 100% vested upon hire; can begin contributing at hire. After 1 year, Ocean Conservancy will open a 401(a) account for you and will contribute 6% of your monthly salary whether you participate in the 403(b) or not.   

  • 15 paid vacation days, 11 holidays, 12 sick days, and two personal days

SHARE YOUR INTEREST

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, join the candidate pool by submitting your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest here. 

If you are a person with a disability and need help submitting your materials for consideration, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.  This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of your interest in this position.   

All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.