Summary:
The Public Relations Director is a key member of the Advancement team and leads the development and execution of the organization's public affairs strategy. This role is responsible for shaping and amplifying the voice of the organization across media, government, and community platforms, ensuring alignment with mission-driven messaging and strategic goals. The Public Relations Director oversees external communications, manages media relations, and supports executive leadership with high-impact speechwriting and public positioning.
Essential Functions:
Public Affairs & Communications Strategy
- Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy to advance the organization's mission and visibility.
- Serve as a primary liaison to media outlets, reporters, and strategic communications partners.
- Monitor and respond to emerging public issues relevant to the organization's work.
Executive Communications & Speechwriting
- Draft compelling, mission-aligned speeches, op-eds, talking points, and public statements for the Executive Director and other key leaders.
- Provide strategic counsel and message development for public appearances and high-profile engagements.
Media & External Relations
- Cultivate relationships with journalists, editorial boards, and digital influencers in environmental, political, and nonprofit spheres.
- Coordinate rapid response messaging and media inquiries during high-profile or time-sensitive issues.
- Prepare media kits, press releases, and op-eds that position the organization as a thought leader.
Organizational Communications Oversight
- Work in close partnership with the Communications Program Manager to ensure consistency of tone, style, and strategic alignment across all channels.
- Collaborate with the Public Relations Director and Development staff to support campaigns, events, and donor communications.
- Ensure public-facing materials reflect the organization's voice and commitment to conservation, environmental justice, and community impact.
- Other duties as assigned.
Advancement Collaboration
- Work closely with the Advancement team to craft compelling donor-facing messaging, impact stories, and fundraising collateral.
- Contribute to donor communications strategies, including stewardship materials, annual reports, and campaign messaging.
- Support the Chief Advancement Officer in elevating the public profile of fundraising initiatives, major gifts campaigns, and donor events.
- Collaborate on speechwriting and talking points for fundraising events, board meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
- Ensure alignment between public affairs efforts and the organization's overall development goals.
Authorities:
- Serves as the organization's lead on public messaging, media relations, and executive communications, with authority to shape and approve external-facing content in coordination with the Chief Advancement Officer.
- Represents the Advancement team in strategic planning related to public perception, donor messaging, and organizational positioning.
- Supervises assigned staff, contractors, and consultants supporting public affairs, communications, and media efforts.
Competencies:
- Excellent strategic communication
- Excellent writing and storytelling
- Excellent public affairs and media relations
- Excellent leadership and collaboration
- Good project management
- Good adaptability in dynamic environments
- Familiarwith nonprofit development and fundraising practices
- Strongalignment with mission, values, and environmental conservation ethics
Required Education and Experience:
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in public affairs, communications, or media relations, preferably within the nonprofit, advocacy, or government sector.
- Proven experience drafting speeches and executive-level communications.
- Strong understanding of the media landscape, public policy, and environmental issues.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Deep commitment to conservation, sustainability, and environmental justice.
- Experience working in a mission-driven, community-oriented organization.
- Political or campaign communications background a plus.
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