Vice President Executive Communications

Washington, DC, United States

Overview:

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.

North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds and our planet are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Position Summary:

Audubon is seeking a dynamic and seasoned professional to fill the Vice President of Executive Communications role as an integral part of the CEO's Office. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, this senior-level position is responsible for creating, shaping, and executing a comprehensive executive communication strategy for the CEO. This is a unique opportunity to play a very active role in supporting a CEO and conservation organization during an exciting time of growth and transformation.

This is a hybrid position with ability to work from our Washington, DC office location.

Compensation:

$ 195,000 / year

Essential Functions:

Executive Communication Strategy:

Develop and implement a comprehensive executive communication strategy aligned with the CEO's vision and goals.

Craft messages conveying the CEO's vision, values, and key messages to internal and external audiences.

Collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications team to ensure alignment between CEO and organizational communication strategy.

Speech Writing and Presentations:

Write speeches and prepare presentations for the CEO, ensuring alignment with Audubons five-year strategic plan, Flight Plan, and CEO communications strategy.

Collaborate with the CEO to deliver impactful and authentic speeches that resonate with various audiences.

Executive Image Management:

Act as the CEO's brand strategist and trusted advisor, managing their image, reputation, and voice across all channels, including social media.

Develop and execute strategies for CEOs internal engagement with staff and Board.

Draft messages and speeches, including for media engagements, as well as prepare talking points for public and private speaking engagements, including Board meetings.

Thought Leadership and Influence:

Collaborate with Development team, Conservation team and Marketing and Communications team to develop and implement a thought leadership program that elevates the CEO and the organization to a broader external audience.

Identify and position opportunities for the CEO to participate in relevant industry events, conferences, and speaking engagements.

Staff CEO communication needs at high profile events.

Media and Public Relations:

Serve as the primary point of contact for CEO on media interactions.

Working with VP, Communications, provide media coaching, prepare briefing materials, and strategically position the CEO as a thought leader in the industry.

Manage media relations to promote positive coverage of the CEO and the organization.

Handle crisis communications effectively, providing strategic guidance during challenging situations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Develop and execute a proactive strategy for CEO to stay connected and engage with staff.

Support the CEO in building and maintaining relationships with the Board, donors, partners, elected officials, chapters, and decision-makers.

Manage and mentor the Manager, Executive Communications, ensuring professional development while setting objectives and managing toward goals.

Stay current on trends, social issues, and industry news, and ensure the CEO's messaging reflects prevailing global sentiments and events.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelors degree and at least 15 years of experience in a Communications, Public Relations, Internal Communications, or Executive Communications role, and 5 years of leadership experience. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.

Excellent judgement and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Extensive experience writing and editing content for senior executives.

Proven experience collaborating with senior executives to enhance executive presence and communication effectiveness.

Extensive experience leading media relations and interactions on behalf of a senior executive, Proven track record of providing media coaching, prepare briefing materials, and strategically positioning senior executives as a thought leader in the industry.

Strategic mindset and ability to map out a series of communications.

Experience managing, mentoring and developing staff.

Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills. Accountable, great execution ability with a positive attitude.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure is essential.

Strong writing and research skills, a global mindset, an emphasis on quality and detail, and the ability to work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment are critical.

Proven track record for staying informed about industry best practices, emerging trends, and innovations in executive communications, implementing continuous improvement initiatives to elevate the effectiveness of the approaches to executive communications.

Understanding of the social media landscape.

Ability to build collaborative relationships with senior executives, marketing, and communications to develop leadership content and communications.

Team player.

EEO Statement:

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement:

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected] . This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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