SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, BIODIVERSITY & ARCTIC
OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Ocean Conservancy in its search for a Senior Communications Manager, Biodiversity & Arctic.   

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 www.oceanconservancy.org. 
 

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Senior Communications Manager, Biodiversity & Arctic will oversee strategic communications efforts for Ocean Conservancy’s Biodiversity portfolio, with an emphasis on our Arctic Program, which includes all of Alaska. The Senior Communications Manager will report to the Director of Communications as a member of the communications department and will support their department colleagues with other institutional PR and strategic communications efforts as necessary.  

The Senior Communications Manager, Biodiversity & Arctic will have the following primary responsibilities:  

  • Serve as communications lead for Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic program (approximately 80% of time), which includes developing and implementing innovative communications strategies to advance Ocean Conservancy’s work in the Arctic and Alaska.  

  • Support Ocean Conservancy’s communications work on general biodiversity work (approximately 20% of time), which includes developing and implementing innovative communications strategies to advance Ocean Conservancy’s biodiversity outcomes. 

  • Support development and clarification of public positions on salient Alaska, Arctic, and biodiversity issues. 

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

    Collaborate with the rest of the Ocean Conservancy communications team and development staff to ensure that Arctic and Alaska perspectives are accurately represented, while maintaining trust with local communities and leaders. 

  • Build Ocean Conservancy’s brand in the state of Alaska, developing Alaska-specific messages and building relationships and outreach opportunities.  

  • Seek out, execute and report on media opportunities to highlight Ocean Conservancy’s advocacy goals, including by producing talking points, press releases, statements, and other content. 

  • Leverage rapid response when ocean is in the news to make Ocean Conservancy an increasingly trusted voice on ocean biodiversity.  

  • 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. 

  • Support media readiness of program staff through external and internal trainings. 

  • Support institution-wide communications efforts as assigned. 

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

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, or equivalent experience, and a minimum of 6-7 years of experience working in media and/or communications.  

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

  • Proven track record of developing effective cross-platform communications campaigns with advocacy impact. 

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

  • Ability to grasp data- or science-heavy and/or technical material and distill it into simple, effective messaging. 

  • Ability to see things from multiple perspectives/world views. 

  • Strong sense of Indigenous knowledge preferred. 

  • Exceptional writing skills.  

  • Strong attention to detail and demonstrated project management skills. 

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically PowerPoint, Excel and Word. 

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

  • Graphic design and/or video editing experience preferred. 

TRAVEL 

Approximately 5-10% of your time will be spent traveling.   

LOCATION  

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work structure requiring employees to reside in one of the following US states: AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, VA, TX, WA, and WV. The structure allows staff the flexibility to work virtually and in person while building strong connections across the institution.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.  

The minimum starting salary for this position is $72,035 annually. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. To ensure alignment, candidates are encouraged to share their salary expectations early. This allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer. 

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. All candidates will receive a status update within 3 weeks of applying for a position.

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.   We kindly ask that you refrain from using this email to inquire about the status of an application or to submit applications, as we are unable to respond to such requests.

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.