Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Mississippi River

Minnesota, United States

Wisconsin, United States

Iowa, United States

Illinois, United States

Missouri, United States

Kentucky, United States

Tennessee, United States

Arkansas, United States

Mississippi, United States

Louisiana, United States

Indiana, United States

Nebraska, United States

Kansas, United States

Oklahoma, United States

Ohio, United States

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The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Mississippi River Basin manages and implements integrated marketing and communications strategies, plans and projects that build internal and external visibility, supports philanthropic goals, and advances strategic conservation outcomes for people and the planet.
Candidates that reside in one of the 10 states that border the Mississippi River are preferred.

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Mississippi River Basin, manages and implements impactful initiatives aimed at improving internal communications, engaging media, donor, and legislative audiences, and supporting conservation outcomes for the Program. They develop and manage a Mississippi River Basin communications network across multiple states, are responsible for crafting key stories and messaging, manage the brand, and develop assets that can be adapted to localized geographies. They are responsible for developing and implementing a marketing and communications plan to support internal leadership, donors and policymakers as well as goals and go-to-market initiatives.

They sit on the Mississippi River Basin shared leadership team and are embedded with a well-rounded marketing network with the ability to access staff, talent, and resources to produce content and digital assets. They work closely with a development network, lead fundraisers, conservation and policy staff, and other marketing professionals to achieve conservation outcomes. They facilitate on-going communication between all parts of the region, internal and external stakeholders, and develop and foster relations with key stakeholders to coordinate work product delivery consistent with priorities set by senior management. As prioritized, they also play a lead role in collaborating with external partners to advance collaborative marketing and communications work.

The Associate Director Marketing and Communications, Mississippi River Basin, manages all aspects of specific programs and projects, including budgets, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of our communications efforts. They provide consultation, media training, coaching, and talking points to persons serving as spokesperson(s). They may be required to respond to urgent requests while simultaneously moving foundational strategies forward. They report to the AD of Fresh Water, Great Plains and have a strong dotted line to the Mississippi River Basin Program Manager. Occasional travel is required.

As the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Mississippi, you will:

• Leads marketing and communications programs across markets and channels.
• Advances marketing and communications initiatives through collaboration with key stakeholders (Philanthropy, Conservation, Government Relations and Business Unit Leaders plus Marketing and Communications staff across states).
• Designs, manages and implements multiple projects by implementing and/or coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside the organization.
• Develops communications plans that integrate the use of print collateral, earned media, digital/social media, and other visibility efforts.
• Provides strategic guidance and oversight on fact sheets, infographics, newsletter, web, social media, and other communications assets; may also develop and manage specific communications assets.
• Produces written and digital content for communications including newsletters, websites, videos, social media and other digital channels.
• Supports national and executive level leadership with messaging, content and connection with key stakeholders.
• Identifies and leads communications and media initiatives to help drive strategies; collaborates and key stakeholders, foster key media relationships, leverages local success stories toward the larger goals for the Mississippi River.
• Elevates storytelling as key aspect of communications activities.
• Oversees and maintains brand consistency including visual identity and messaging.
• Facilitates on-going communications between various parts of a nationally dispersed team of internal and external stakeholders.
• Carries responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
• Assists with creation/administration of budget, develops KPIs, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
• Act independently within a specific program or project goals.
• Responsible for plan and budget development, resource identification, and identifying potential barriers accomplishing goals.
• Works closely with lead fundraiser on donor-facing messaging, content and asset development.
• Works closely with conservation and government relations teams on Mississippi River 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.
• 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.
• Excellent writing, presentation, communication, mediation and negotiation skills.
• Conception and execution of marketing and communications campaigns that drive brand awareness, influence and/or engagement.
• Familiarity utilizing communications to help advance fundraising initiatives.
• Experience in pitching and securing media stories.
• Experience with executive leadership visibility programs.
• Ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors and the public.
• Experience working with teams of indirect reporting lines to efficiently allocate available resources to priorities.
• Experience in a client service-oriented environment.
• Creative thinker with proven record of innovative strategies and tactics that move people to action.
• A demonstrated history of being proactive.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience developing, implementing and measuring communication and engagement plans/strategies.
• Demonstrated ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of budgets.
• Highly organized and ability to prioritize while managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience and/or understanding of communication best practices at a decentralized organization a plus.
• Ability to effectively leverage resources in a complex, multi-faceted environment and meet time sensitive deadlines.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant marketing disciplines. Cross disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
• Demonstrated ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of budgets.
• Experience infusing DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice) perspectives into communications approach and content.
• Experience in environmental communications.
• Solid knowledge of word processing and web platforms.
• Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices, e.g., content management software, digital and graphic design skills, Adobe InDesign or similar software.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant marketing disciplines. Cross disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
• Management experience that includes ability to lead, motivate, set objectives and manage performance and conflict resolution.
• Experience and/or knowledge of issues important to the Mississippi River Basin such as river and floodplain conservation and regenerative agriculture.

• 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.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $78,000 - $117,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55450, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.