Communications Director, Audubon Great Lakes

National Audubon Society

Overview:

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

https://www.audubon.org/

Position Details

Communications Director, Audubon Great Lakes
Job
Full-time
5/15/2020
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Position Summary:

The Communications Director for Audubon Great Lakes will play a key role in raising awareness of and building a constituency for Audubon’s conservation priorities within the Great Lakes Region and broader Upper Mississippi Flyway. The Communications Director will lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications strategy, working in concert with Audubon staff within the flyway and nationally, and with partner organizations. The Communications Director will provide counsel on overall strategic direction within the flyway, as well as related to national communications issues.

Essential Functions:

  • Develop a communications strategy and message framework for Audubon’s Great Lakes Initiative, as well as other key flyway and national initiatives, strategic priorities, and events. Provide strategic communications guidance and technical support to policy and programmatic staff.
  • Develop and build on strong relationships with national and regional reporters and media outlets (including print, digital, TV, radio) covering climate, energy, and the environment. Land high-quality media coverage at national, regional, and local levels across all types of media. Develop and deliver media trainings for Audubon spokespeople.
  • Work with AGL Policy team to develop and implement state and federal policy-driven communication campaigns with measurable goals and outcomes. Support Policy team in the amplification and promotion of advocacy activities and work closely with media outlets covering relevant policy to create news moments and shape larger news narratives around policy priorities.
  • Work with regional and national development staff to craft fundraising messaging, pitches and proposals.
  • Develop and oversee social media and virtual content strategies, supporting programmatic staff to create content. Ensure full integration of social media communications
  • Manage relationships with public relations agencies and other vendors, providing relevant tools and services across Audubon departments and ensuring successful completion of projects and campaigns.
  • Support programmatic staff to develop partner communication strategies with non-profit, agency and foundation partners.
  • Write, edit and distribute news releases and statements from Audubon leaders. Draft op-eds and blogs for the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Flyway leadership teams.
  • Cultivate relationships with communications field staff to increase collaboration and support to teams across the organization.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • 8 - 10 years of experience in public relations, journalism or other communications and marketing fields with a demonstrated record of success dealing with national-international media and communications issues. 
  • Demonstrated success in creating and implementing communications strategies. Leadership in effective legislative/advocacy campaigns preferred. 
  • Experience in planning and executing web-based communications campaigns and other electronic communications products. 
  • Ability to maintain strong and productive relationships with media, Audubon staff, partners, and other stakeholders. 
  • Ability to communicate complex and technical information clearly to various audiences. Exceptional writing, reporting and editing skills. Must write well quickly and under pressure. 
  • Ability to communicate complex and technical information clearly to various audiences. Exceptional writing, reporting and editing skills. Must write well quickly and under pressure. 
  • Exceptional time-management skills and ability to juggle multiple projects and consistently meet deadlines. 
  • Familiarity with and interest in conservation issues desirable. Comfort working outdoors preferred. 
  • Bachelor’s degree required. 
  • Regular travel required. 
  • Valid driver’s license required.

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