Director of Communications, Earth Island

Position: Director of Communications
Status: Exempt, Full-time
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: Competitive Salary and Generous Benefits Package
Application: Open until filled

Position Summary

Earth Island Institute, a 37-year-old nonprofit organization with a 14M annual budget, seeks a Communication Director who will lead comprehensive communication activities to support the organization’s mission to confront the unprecedented environmental threats to life on Earth. A top-rated charity founded by iconic environmentalist David Brower, Earth Island is well-respected for its accomplishments and for being a leading force in the movement for effective grassroots environmental action.

This is a newly created position. We are a fiscal sponsor for 80+ conservation action projects operating in the US and around the world. In addition to sponsored projects we have programs to build youth environmental leadership through our Brower Youth Awards and New Leaders Initiative. We promote legal efforts for the protection of wildlife and wild places through our legal arm, Earth Island Advocates. We seek to educate and inspire through our quarterly award-winning magazine Earth Island Journal, as well as online posts. 

The Communications Director has the responsibility for planning and overseeing Earth Island Institute’s communications strategy and implementation. The person in this role is a part of our Manager Team. They will develop editorial material to convey the breadth of our activities, impact and values, and help us better tell our story.

Responsibilities

  • In conjunction with EII’s Manager Team, set the vision for communications across our program areas and develop short and long-term strategic communications plans including digital and social media, email, print, events, and press;
  • Create and coordinate communication for EI core work areas and events;
  • Provide strategic communications advice, guidance, and coaching to EII’s network of Projects;
  • Develop and implement creative strategies for telling Earth Island’s story through press, online and other outreach mechanisms;
  • Manage pro-active development of media relations in order to enhance EI’s public image and name recognition;
  • Coordinate with EI Journal staff for strategic integration of project and core program content into print and online publication;
  • Serve as in-house writer/editor for reports, proposals, email outreach, and website;
  • Research, write, and edit compelling content to be utilized in outreach;
  • Manage EI social media platforms in coordination with program staff;
  • Manage EI website, including supervision of webmaster;
  • Serve as an organizational spokesperson, as needed;
  • Assist Executive Director in developing executive communications;
  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications, preferably within the nonprofit community;
  • Supervisory experience preferred;
  • Undergraduate or advanced degree in journalism, public relations, communications or other equivalent background/experience;
  • Excellent communications skills, oral and written, including the ability to work with people from all walks of life;
  • Excellent writing, editing on deadline, and storytelling skills;
  • Extensive knowledge of social media, digital marketing, SEO, and Google Analytics;
  • Understanding of web design, email marketing and social media follower conversion, and citizen engagement strategies;
  • Strong computer skills including CMS and CRM platforms, online constituent engagement programs, and XLS;
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as abilities to work in a team and independently;
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with high expectations.

Application Procedure

Please submit a resume with cover letter explaining what you can bring to Earth Island Institute.
Send to jobs@earthisland.org.

Earth Island Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Earth Island Institute
David Brower Center
2150 Allston Way, Suite 460
Berkeley, CA. 94704