Communications Director (Interim – Maternity Leave Cover)

Position description

Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an international, nonprofit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent non-profit organization in June 2017. Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean. Our major focus is on commercial fishing because it is the most widespread human activity at sea, the most impactful on ocean health, and the most crucial for global livelihoods and food security. By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all.

Global Fishing Watch seeks an experienced communications director for a one-year maternity cover to lead the organization’s global communications and public engagement efforts. The communications director is a leadership role responsible for setting communications strategies in support of our programmatic work, including the digital and media outreach efforts that complement them. The post-holder has three direct line reports, within a growing communications team of six staff plus consultants, and is a member of the senior management team. He/She will support the chief strategy and external affairs officer with strategic counsel and coordination to ensure effective delivery against agreed goals. The post requires an excellent writer and editor—ideally versed in Associated Press style—with a keen eye for detail and the ability to set and maintain publication standards. The candidate must have: a thorough knowledge of how communications can support policy engagement; familiarity with science communications; experience with digital strategy and management; a strong understanding of the needs and workings of media.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy, Leadership and Management

• Lead the development, implementation and review of GFW’s global communications approach, and support the design and delivery of regional and project specific communications plans.
• Actively participate in senior management team (SMT) virtual and in-person meetings, providing briefings, escalating issues and risks as needed.
• Oversee and support the head of strategic communications in the development and implementation of GFW program, policy and region-specific communications plans; manage and guide the head of strategic communications to deliver an integrated approach with research and product communications efforts.
• Act as a key advisor to the chief strategy and external affairs officer, providing strategic counsel and support in coordinating delivery of the communications function.
• Maintain and update quarterly communications goals, objectives and key results (OKRs) with team members, manage performance, and track delivery.
• Guide and oversee the growth of the communications team and participate in recruitment efforts.
• Oversee the day-to-day management and successful operation of the communications team. Supervise communications staff, providing leadership, guidance and feedback, mentorship and professional development, and support in resolving conflicts and complex problems. Conduct quarterly evaluations and annual performance reviews for all direct reports.

Communications Delivery

• Manage, guide and support the senior website manager in the development and delivery of the web development strategy, contractors and key projects to improve our website.
• Manage, guide and support the senior manager, media relations in the development and delivery of media strategies, spokesperson training, interview preparation and media outreach.
• Work with partner organizations and institutions to develop shared plans and materials to support program goals and announcements.
• Critically evaluate and report on the success of communications strategies and make recommendations to enhance future performance.
• Oversee and support development of complex and diversified digital, print, video, events and earned media projects, managing vendors when relevant.
• Write and edit communications materials, in line with GFW’s editorial style guide, including press releases, statements, articles, fact sheets and briefs.
• Manage and approve publications for the website; support GFW staff with content editing, copyediting and proofing to ensure external materials comply with messaging and are in adherence to brand and editorial guidelines.
• Be available for communications tasks outside of working hours on a reasonable basis to ensure support to global staff and prompt attention to external queries.
• Organize and manage the process of selecting outsourced agencies/services and manage deadlines and quality of scheduled deliveries.
• Contributes content/material to fundraising proposals, grant management efforts and board materials.
• Develops and manages budgets for communications projects, supporting the chief strategy and external affairs officer on annual budget plans. Review grant agreements and attend grant check-ins, providing updates on communications deliverables.
• Prioritize/lead compliance and best practices efforts across communications materials.
• Ensure a safe, secure, welcoming and legal work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Significant direct experience in positions with communications responsibilities, with experience as a strategic communications, media relations and/or science communications professional preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering high-profile communications strategies. Experience in public policy or campaigns is a plus.
• Significant, demonstrable experience in delivering large scale communications campaigns within a complex stakeholder landscape
• Experience in all aspects of communications delivery, from PR and media to events and social media
• Excellent oral communication, writing, and editing skills, with ease in expressing complex concepts and issues in a clear, effective manner for general audiences and policy experts alike.
• Significant experience in earned media, with understanding of media operations and news organizations and experience pitching press materials. Understanding of traditional and social media with a keen sense of how to adapt to changes in the landscape
• Proficient with G suite (e.g., docs, slides, sheets)
• Experience using content management systems, ideally WordPress, a plus
• Demonstrated organizational skills with ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, organize time and identify resources for projects as needed
• Positive, solution-oriented, self-starter outlook, with comfort working individually and in groups to meet goals
• Strong commitment to accuracy and keen attention to detail
• Possess a proactive attitude to solving problems with a diplomatic approach to communications with colleagues
• Native or fluent in English language. Spanish and/or French proficiency is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will meet most, but not necessarily all, of the criteria above. If you don’t think you check all the boxes, but believe you have unique skills that make you a great fit for the role, we want to hear from you!

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Additional Information

Note: The application period for this role closes on December 6th, however we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Reporting to: Chief Strategy and External Affairs Officer

Manages: Line management of three staff within a growing team of six and consultants

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not supported at this time.

Location: This is a remote role, (U.S. East Coast or Europe/UK preferred), other locations considered. Candidates must be legally authorized and based in the following countries to be considered: Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, UK, USA

Employment Type: Contract – Maternity Leave Cover

Duration: 1 year

Full Time hours: Yes

Recruiting process: Recruiting Process: A cover letter along with a CV will be requested to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. We expect the cover letter to allow applicants an opportunity to explain details on how their skill set aligns with the role and provide a better understanding of their suitability for the position. If selected for consideration, the hiring process for this position will include:

1. An initial interview with the hiring manager and another senior leader
2. Call with our Talent Acquisition team
3. Take Home Assignment
4. Final Interview with 2-4 team members

Compensation: A compensation range for this position is $140,000-150,000 USD per year for US-based contractors, GBP 85,000-100,000 for UK Based, EUR 70,000-80,000 for EU based. For applicants located outside of the US, the pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire. Compensation is commensurate with experience and will vary depending on the hired candidate’s country of residence, in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Application instructions

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