Communications Manager

The Ward W. and Priscilla B. Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University harnesses the expertise and imagination of leading academics and decision-makers to create practical solutions for people and the planet.  In the same spirit that inspired Stanford's role in Silicon Valley's high-tech revolution, the Woods Institute is pioneering innovative approaches to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century - from climate change to sustainable food supplies to ocean conservation.         

Position Overview:

The Communications Manager for the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment is responsible for raising the visibility of the Stanford Woods Institute, its research, faculty and scholars through the implementation of the Stanford Woods Institute communications program. He/she will advance the Stanford Woods Institute mission to produce breakthrough environmental solutions that protect and nurture our planet to meet the vital needs of people today and of generations to come.

Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Manager serves as a key member of the Communications Director's team and will implement initiatives in support of the Stanford Woods Institute 5 year strategic plan.

Responsibilities:

Program development and implementation:

Under the guidance of the Communications Director, the Communications Manager develops select programs and implements the overall communications plan to meet key program goals.

• Drive implementation of annual and long-term plans including writing across multiple channels, media relations, research, and event support.
• Create a forum for the communications managers across the Stanford Woods Institute and the University in order to share key learnings, best practices, and keep current on activity and research taking place across the Stanford Woods Institute and the University.
• Develop proactive media campaigns to highlight research focusing on the environment and sustainability. This includes working with media across channels including print, online, broadcast, and social.
• Provide communications support as required for programs such as Uncommon Dialogues, Environmental Ventures Projects, and the Leopold Leadership Program.

Writing:

Work with the Communications Director and the team writer on a variety of writing and editing assignments.

• Provide support to the team writer in the form of creating initial drafts and editing materials for consumption by key internal and external audiences. Material development may include website content, solution summaries, research briefs, Q&As, faculty bios, and brochure copy.
• Provide editing support when requested by Stanford Woods faculty and researchers.
• Conduct fact-checking when necessary.

Media relations:

Work with the Communications Director to develop and implement proactive media relations campaigns across all media channels -print, online, broadcast, and social.

• Develop media outreach plans and develop supporting media materials.
• Act as primary contact for international, national and local media.
• Partner with communications managers across the Stanford Woods Institute on joint media opportunities in order to raise the visibility of the Stanford Woods Institute as a whole.
• Partner with the Communications Director to implement the social media plan.
• Act as primary liaison to the Stanford News Service to ensure Stanford Woods Institute news is disseminated throughout the Stanford community.
• Attend major scientific conferences to coordinate media outreach for Stanford Woods Institute faculty and scholars.
• Organize and manage tiered media database including contact information, areas of focus and status of relationships. 

Qualifications:

The Communications Manager should possess the following professional skills and personal attributes and ideally have a solid working knowledge of environmental issues:

Organizational skills and attention to detail:

• Adept at implementing small and large-scale communications programs.
• Demonstrated success in executing innovative external and internal communications programs.
• Experience implementing effective media programs to reach a broad range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work with a broad range of media including print, online, broadcast and social.
• Adept at managing competing demands on time and remains focused on key objectives.
• Must be able to work independently, while also knowing when to seek guidance from the Communications Director or other resources.
• Must be detail-oriented. 

Collaboration skills:

• Ability to partner across teams, functions, disciplines and geographic locations.
• Demonstrated collaboration skills and possess the ability to lead peer teams in developing and implementing multi-faceted programs in a highly dynamic environment.
• Ability to interface with diverse audiences including faculty, students, staff and media.
• Ability to work effectively with staff and faculty all levels within the organization. 

Results-oriented mindset:

• Prioritizes tasks to make major contributions to team and organizational objectives. Fully understands the relative importance of projects assigned, and shows great flexibility in adapting to changing needs and objectives.
• Proven ability to create well-defined metrics and milestones. Ability to get buy-in from stakeholders and accurately estimates the time and resources needed for on-time, on-budget project completion.
• Must be an energetic individual with a strong work ethic who takes initiative. 

To Apply:

To ensure that your application information is captured in our official files and that the hiring department has immediate access to your resume, please apply online on the Stanford website, Job #45425. Please include a CV and a cover letter that includes contact information for 3 references.