Communications Manager

Overview

The communications manager reports to Oceana’s U.S. communications director and is a member of the global marketing and communications department. The communications manager is responsible for leading public relations efforts to advance Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign. In addition to securing quality news coverage about the U.S. plastics campaign, the communications manager assists with all forms of communication and outreach related to targeted audiences (e.g., media, elected officials, supporters, and others), including reports, brochures, and fact sheets.

The communications manager also works closely with Oceana’s in-house creative team and outside consultants to create materials for the organization’s target audiences. This position is responsible for providing writing and editing support to the U.S. plastics campaign as needed, including crafting messaging and drafting talking points, opinion pieces, press materials, and other documents. Additionally, the communications manager works with the campaign teams, communications staff, and Oceana’s marketing team to develop social media strategies that expand the visibility of Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign in new and existing social media channels.

While the U.S. plastics campaign will be the communications manager’s primary focus, they may be directed to support other campaigns, communications, and organizational work as needed. Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment that requires quick decision-making under pressure and strong multi-tasking skills. Limited domestic travel may be required.

• Serve as a communications lead for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign
• Develop and execute communications strategies for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign, managing initiatives through research, planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Cultivate and manage successful relationships with key journalists, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders
• Secure placements for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign in top local, regional, and national media outlets, including tracking press coverage and meeting specific goals
• Orchestrate, manage, and execute successful media tours and strategic events for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign
• Conceptualize, develop, and manage production of high-level strategic materials for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign, ranging from communications plans and press releases to reports and advertising campaigns
• Assist in the development, design, and production of reports and other materials, working closely with the campaign teams, communications staff, and outside vendors
• Manage outside vendor agreements for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign with the legal department
• Provide writing and editing support for Oceana’s U.S. plastics campaign as needed
• Find opportunities to spread Oceana’s U.S. campaign messages through traditional and online media sources such as letters-to-the-editor, op-eds, and blog posts. Efforts include drafting, editing, and placing opinion pieces
• Work with Oceana’s marketing team to develop a stronger voice for the campaigns across social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Instagram
• Support Oceana’s field team with communications support for state and local campaign priorities
• Secure speaking engagements for Oceana’s campaign experts

Education and

Work Experience:


Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field and 3-5 years of public relations experience, with demonstrated expertise in media relations, including pitching and writing for the media, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills And Knowledge:

• Strong journalistic writing skills with excellent knowledge and use of the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines
• Superb writing, editing, and verbal communication skills adaptable to a variety of audiences
• Superior attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to synthesize complicated scientific jargon quickly and accurately for lay audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a team player to coordinate projects, and work effectively with a variety of…