Northern Rockies Communications Director

July 24, 2009

Qualifications

The Wilderness Society, a national non-profit membership organization devoted to preserving wilderness and wildlife, seeks a highly creative and skilled communications professional to lead its communications work in the Northern Rockies.

The communications director will be tasked with creating and implementing communications strategies that support wilderness and other public lands campaigns. The ideal candidate has significant experience in campaign, advocacy, and/or political communications work, outstanding strategic instincts, excellent writing skills, a proven track record of successful media relations and broader communications initiatives. Experience with legislative/public affairs campaigns and a strong interest in conservation issues are desirable. The ability to lead coalition initiatives, juggle competing priorities, and work effectively within teams is essential.

The position is fast-paced and challenging, and offers a wealth of opportunity to increase and diversify skills and experience, exercise leadership and fuel creativity. Some travel is required.

Responsibilities

The communications director is a critical member of our Bozeman-based Northern Rockies program as well as our national communications program. Working closely with Bozeman program staff and the Senior Director of Communications based in DC, this manager will actively direct communications efforts, including:

• Lead and participate in development of regional and issue-based communications strategies, message research and development, and campaign planning, including use of new media and approaches to effectively get our message out to various audiences;
• Work closely with local and regional partners and coalitions, often leading coalition communications and strategy efforts;
• Develop new messengers, through outreach and training, to effectively deliver conservation messages from diverse constituencies;
• Work to strategically leverage TWS resources, especially our original science and analysis on both the national and regional level;
• Initiate and maintain excellent working relationships with key members of the media (including “new media” audiences);
• Craft a variety of messages and media outreach materials including op-eds, press releases, brochures, web sites, and briefing packages for print and broadcast media;
• Produce and manage media events such as press conferences, reporter conference calls, ed board visits, and one-on-one interviews;
• Coordinate with TWS staff and outside consultants/vendors in support of programs;
• Play a leadership role in broader departmental and organizational identity initiatives.
• Manage budgets for applicable program communications efforts.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• 5+ years of related professional experience
• Experience working on Capitol Hill or in political campaign communications, in public relations, or in advocacy communications
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communications skills
• Ability to work quickly under deadline
• Familiarity with environmental and/or conservation issues

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

This position is located in Bozeman, MT.

Submit résumé, cover letter, at least two writing samples, and at least three references to:

Anne Rockhold
Office Manager, Northern Rockies Office
The Wilderness Society
503 West Mendenhall
Bozeman, MT 59715

Anne_rockhold@tws.org

No phone calls please.