The Associate Director of and Marketing and Communications for the Western Dry Forests and Fire Program (WDFFP; the program), a division priority for The Nature Conservancy, is a key position responsible for supporting the advancement of a range of initiatives that help to transform the approach, scale, and effectiveness of management in dry forests across the western United States. This position serves as WDFFP’s senior communications strategist and develops, implements, and manages marketing and communication strategies, materials, plans, and projects that build internal and external visibility, support program objectives, and advance shared communication goals of key partners.

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications collaborates with agencies, partners, leaders, and staff to develop and implement marketing and communications efforts that help achieve WDFFP priorities. They work in close collaboration with the Director of TNC’s WDFPP to meet the needs and expectations for the program’s marketing and communications deliverables, as well as serve as a senior member of the WDFFP management team. They also integrate with and leverage the dispersed Western Division and other TNC program and Business Unit marketing and communications teams to extend and share ideas and resources for the benefit of the program. They develop and foster relations with key stakeholders across TNC’s western states, from the Cascade Range to the Rocky Mountain Front to amplify marketing and communications efforts.

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications implements and manages efficient and effective communications, media, and engagement plans to help drive WDFFP strategy. They identify and share priorities with key partners and implement collaborative approaches to strategic communications to advance the region’s objectives. They also manage and present communication strategies and program implementation, which may include high-profile audiences like the Board of Directors and agency leadership. They manage key operational plans and may coordinate the dissemination of media information. They provide consultation and lead development of talking points for persons serving as spokesperson(s).

Responsibilities & scope:

• Develops strategic plans, oversees, and executes multiple projects, often by coordinating the efforts of various professionals both within and outside the organization.
• Identifies and leads communications initiatives to help drive strategies; collaborates with key partners and leverages local success stories toward the larger goals for the WDFFP.
• Oversees and maintains brand consistency including visual identity and messaging.
• Facilitates on-going communications between various parts of a dispersed team of division staff.
• Provides strategic guidance and oversight on communication assets such as fact sheets, infographics, newsletter, web, and social media; may also be responsible for producing and managing specific communications assets.
• Responsible for plan and budget development, resource identification, identifying potential barriers to accomplishing goals, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed.
• Works closely with conservation, science, indigenous rights relations, and government relations colleagues on WDFFP content relevant for conservation and public policy advocacy; supports policy-related asset development and deployment.
• Develops and fosters relationships with TNC communication professionals from across the region; develops, builds, and manages a regional communications network to deliver on goals.
• Responsible and accountable for meeting strategic goals and objectives
• May manage one or more professional staff and accountable for achievement of team business and professional development goals and objectives.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Travel for business meetings, team retreats, and/or professional development.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have all or some of these qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, apply anyway and tell us about your skills and experience:

• Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
• Ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors, board members, and the public.
• Excellent writing, presentation, communication, mediation, and negotiation skills.
• Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices.
• Experience managing crisis communications.
• Familiarity with communications and/or marketing strategy development and deployment.
• Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized, highly matrixed organization a plus.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant marketing disciplines. Cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
• Highly organized with the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Fosters an environment of creativity and professional growth.
• Experience and/or familiarity with communication and strategy opportunities associated with forest resilience, restoration, prescribed fire, and/or wildfire mitigation and response.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 8 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supervising staff and teams.
• Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
• Experience in project management, developing marketing strategies and measuring results.
• Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
• Experience supervising staff and team.