Communications Manager

Location: Silver Spring, MD (hybrid telework option)

Supervisor: Director of Strategic Communications

Supervisory Role: No

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Term: 3 years with the possibility of extension

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Communications Manager to lead storytelling and the creation and sharing of engaging, strategic content that showcases and advocates for our national marine sanctuaries through print, digital and social media.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) tells the stories of the people, communities, natural wonders, and cultural heritage of our National Marine Sanctuary System. With six new sanctuaries in the pipeline for designation over the next few years, now is a critical time to build new constituencies and partnerships for the message that sanctuaries are sources of solutions for our greatest challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and systemic inequity. The Communications Manager will share the stories of sanctuaries with key audiences and identify new and exciting ways to spread that message further.

The Communications Manager joins a talented and creative team that is sharing the wonders of national marine sanctuaries. The person in this role will work within the Communications Division which includes the Director of Strategic Communications, a separate Communications Manager, Multimedia Communications Coordinator and Impact Story Producer. This Manager will also engage the Foundation’s Policy Division, Conservation and Science Division, Education and Outreach Division, and Development Department. In addition to the Foundation’s staff, the Communications Manager will work closely with federal partners in the National Marine Sanctuary System and a diverse array of community champions.

This role is currently offered as a three-year term position. Position may be extended based on continued availability of funding. The Communications Manager supports the scope of a federal cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries that focuses on public engagement in the designation process of new national marine sanctuaries.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the ocean's health, coasts, and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

What You’ll Do

• Support the growth of the National Marine Sanctuary System through communicating the impact and value of sanctuaries and advocating new sanctuary expansions, designations, and nominations.
• Create and execute a multi-year social media and digital presence strategy, with emphasis on growing followership and engagement.
• Manage the Foundation’s digital communications platforms, including the website and social media channels.
• Lead the growth of the Foundation’s blog and editorial content on its website with compelling stories that drive interest in Foundation priorities.
• Support the Foundation’s email marketing operation by contributing to and editing monthly newsletters and other marketing outreach.
• Use communications tools to track, analyze, and improve messaging and marketing effectiveness.
• In partnership with the Impact Story Producer, develop, produce, and evaluate content, both text and visual; identify and incorporate new elements, outlets, and opportunities; and build engagement through outreach.
• Provide support for public relations and media outreach activities by writing press releases and tracking news coverage.
• Manage relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to conceptualize and define messages, themes, and experiences for content.
• Support major Foundation events, including Capitol Hill Ocean Week, the Ocean Awards Gala, the Blue Beacon Series, Get Into Your Sanctuary, and National Marine Sanctuary Day with communications planning and execution and on-site assistance.
• Work with the rest of the Communications team to ensure accessibility, translations, branding, and 508 compliance for diverse audiences

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3-5 years of experience in communications, content marketing, and/or media, or 7 years minimum experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience managing or contributing to engaging social media campaigns to convey strategic messaging.
• Excellent skills in communicating through written content, including blogs, op-eds and press releases, and visual content, including photos, infographics, and video.
• Experience or familiarity with digital marketing tools and concepts, including paid online advertising and email marketing.
• Proven track record in growing digital audiences and expanding audience demographics through content.
• Skill in distilling and illustrating complex, multi-faceted issues, and solutions.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to prioritize work, meet tight deadlines, and produce key results with attention to detail.
• Fluency in computer software programs, tools, and technologies (i.e., Microsoft 365, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Asana, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, WordPress, Hootsuite) required.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated initiative; ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and/or knowledge of national marine sanctuaries, ocean conservation, and marine science a plus.
• A sincere interest in, and commitment to, our mission.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter benefits: Paid parking or public transportation subsidy

Compensation and Benefits: $62-$67K annually based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A cover letter, resume, and at least 3 professional references are required. Applications received by May 13 will be preferred.

Location: Ability to work in-person or hybrid remote at the Foundation’s Headquarters office in Silver Spring, Md. is strongly preferred.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.