Director, Executive Communications

Job Requirements

Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Ocean Conservancy in its search for its first Director, Executive Communications. 

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY 

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create 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 

Ocean Conservancy seeks an experienced and highly skilled strategist and communicator to join our dynamic team as a Director, Executive Communications. The position is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive executive communication strategy for the CEO; content creation; executive positioning; thought leadership and influence; and media engagement.  

The Director, Executive Communications reports to the Vice President of Strategic Communications and works closely with the Chief of Staff, Director of Internal Communications, and Vice President of Development, Individual Giving. The Director, Executive Communications will also be a collaborative member of the Communications Leadership team and the CEO Deployment team. 

The Director, Executive Communications will have the following primary responsibilities:  

Executive Communication Strategy 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive executive communication strategy aligned with the CEO's vision and goals to emphasize and elevate the CEO’s external profile. 

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Development, Conservation, Communications and the Executive Office, to ensure alignment between the CEO’s messaging, organizational strategies and institutional communications efforts.  

• Identify and strategically amplify the CEO’s messaging in key events and opportunities within Ocean Conservancy. 

Content Creation 

• Master the voice of the CEO, ensuring all written communications authentically reflect their unique style and perspective. 

• Craft and refine content that effectively conveys the CEO's vision, values and key messages, as well as the strategic direction of Ocean Conservancy, to both internal and external audiences.  

• Direct the social media strategy for the CEO, drafting content and planning the social media calendar in tight collaboration with the Digital team. 

• Partner with relevant executives and teams to write, review, and edit publications, op-eds and other enterprise communications that require the CEO's voice. 

• Write impactful messages, talking points, presentations and speeches for public and private speaking engagements, including funder meetings, media events and other important engagements as necessary.  

• Collaborate, as needed, with organizational executives and teams to ensure alignment in content creation.  

Thought Leadership and Influence 

• Collaborate with Development, Conservation and Communications teams to develop and implement a thought leadership program that elevates the CEO and Ocean Conservancy to a broader external audience. 

• Act as the CEO's brand strategist, handler, voice and trusted advisor in an effort to establish and enhance the CEO’s image, reputation and voice across all channels. 

• Leverage social media platforms, particularly Instagram and LinkedIn, to amplify the CEO's voice and engage with key stakeholders. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the CEO on media interactions and manage media relations to promote positive coverage of the CEO and Ocean Conservancy. 

• Partner with the VP of Strategic Communications to provide media coaching, prepare briefing materials and strategically position the CEO as a thought leader in the industry. 

• Identify and leverage opportunities for the CEO to participate in relevant events, conferences and speaking engagements. 

• Provide staffing support for the CEO at high-profile events such as donor meetings, conferences and media engagements.  

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE 
The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or equivalent work experience.  

• Minimum of eight years of experience in communications, public relations or related role.  

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to craft compelling messages for various audiences.  

• Proven ability to collaborate with senior executives to enhance executive presence and communication effectiveness.  

• Extensive experience leading media relations and interactions for senior executives, including providing media coaching, preparing briefing materials and strategically positioning senior executives as thought leaders in their industry. 

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse teams across disciplines and with a variety of stakeholders.  

• Ability to effectively communicate academic and scientific concepts to broader audiences and translate complex ideas into accessible and engaging content.  

• Social media savvy, with a deep understanding of Instagram and LinkedIn platforms and best practices for engaging audiences and building thought leadership. 

• Fluid workstyle that allows the applicant to be agile, adaptable, and swiftly respond to evolving communications priorities, coupled with proficient task management skills to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality written materials.  

• Strong task management skills, ensuring prompt delivery of written materials while maintaining high-quality standards. 

• Solutions-focused mindset, with sound judgment and a commitment to maintain strict confidentiality in all communications and interactions.  

• Passion for environmental issues with a demonstrated ability to quickly become proficient in new issue areas.   

TRAVEL 

Approximately 10% of your time will be spent traveling with the CEO.   
  

LOCATION  

Ocean Conservancy follows a hybrid work structure.  The person in this role must be based in Alaska, California, Oregon, or Washington. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The salary range for this position is $101,210 - $148,844 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the location, qualifications and experience of the hired candidate. 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 1 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.  

See full list of benefits at: Ocean Conservancy Benefits 
 

HOW TO APPLY  

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by applying here. Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.    
  

Ocean Conservancy encourages applicants with a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. Ocean Conservancy wants to support employees’ career growth, and in return, its employees help it grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution. 

All applications, 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.

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