Director of Communications

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is seeking an experienced, articulate, mission-driven applicant for the position of Director of Communications.

Position Overview:

The Director of Communications has primary responsibility for development, execution, and evaluation of the media relations component for the Global Reef Expedition("GRE"), a multi-year research and education program of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (a U.S.A. non-profit, public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation headquartered in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area).

The successful applicant will play a leading role in national and international communications activities relating to scientific research operations of the GRE. The Director of Communications will report to the Executive Director.

Goals and Objectives:

As Director of Communications, your primary goals and objectives are to expand public awareness of the Living Oceans Foundation, highlight significant scientific findings, communicate the GRE's impacts on marine conservation initiatives, support the GRE's education and outreach program, promote international collaborations encompassed by the Foundation's Science Without Borders(r) program, enhance the Foundation's reputation and manage all types of communication when and if necessary.

Working in close coordination with the Living Oceans Foundation staff, the Director of Communications will advance the Foundation's priority coral reef conservation issues by communicating global coral reef resilience messages effectively, and in compelling ways, using both traditional and new media channels.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive communications plan for the GRE program,
• Establish evaluation criteria to serve as the basis for effective evaluation of the GRE media relations campaign,
• Supervise writing and distribution of news releases, website articles, op-eds, letters to the editor, media advisories and other media-related communications relating to priority coral reef research and conservation issues,
• Build and maintain working lists of regional communications contacts as the GRE progresses around the world and maintain active engagement with counterparts to expand knowledge and awareness of priority scientific research and conservation efforts of the GRE,
• Engage actively with key U.S. and international reporters covering environmental topics to promote coverage of the GRE and global coral reef issues,
• Develop working relationships with key contacts at major U.S. and international television, print and radio media organizations and frequently seek broadcasting opportunities,
• Monitor media coverage of the GRE and our priority issues, advise staff of opportunities to engage through social media, letters to editors, and alert staff to media opportunities,
• Plan and direct periodic press events,
• Routinely liaise with the GRE Educational Program Director to closely coordinate media relations activities with the goals and objectives of the GRE education program,
• Work with staff and affiliated scientists to assist in the development of effective science communications and conduct training in effective science communications techniques,
• Produce quality website content aligned with objectives of the communications strategy,
• Maintain an up-to-date file of GRE press releases, statements, speeches, etc.,
• Conduct media program evaluation, maintain records and archives, and
• Develop new media capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in international studies, journalism, communications, public relations or related field required (master's preferred),
• A minimum of 8 years experience, demonstrating progressive responsibility and a mix of national and international experience in communications, public relations and/or media relations with a non-profit or social change institution, communications agency, or corporation is required,
• Excellent and proven communications skills (written and verbal),
• Proven ability in media relations and experience with new social media,
• Ability to take initiative, work under pressure with limited supervision and work comfortably in a fast-paced and fluid environment with multiple projects, multiple stakeholders and frequent deadlines,
• Experience in environmental/ocean conservation media related programs is preferred,
• Ability to travel internationally up to 15% of time and physically qualified to occasionally be aboard ships and small vessels, and
• Proficiency in word processing, database and spreadsheet applications.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary based upon level of experience and excellent benefits package, including a generous 403(b) plan and flexible benefits options.

Closing Date: We are seeking to fill this position by March, 2011. Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates are encouraged to apply immediately because initial reviews will be conducted beginning January 10th, 2011.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, résumé, 3 professional references and writing samples to the attention of the Executive Director.

Please Note: Only those applicants who submit a cover letter, references, and writing sample along with a resume will be considered for this opportunity. Please include "Director of Communications" in the subject line of the e-mail submission.