Senior Communications Manager

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Since its founding, Oceana has expanded its campaigns to nine coastal countries and the European Union and protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean.

Oceana leads strategic, directed campaigns that achieve measurable protections for our oceans. We seek a passionate, driven and highly skilled communicator to help our U.S. campaign team save North Atlantic right whales from extinction and promote responsible fishing. Oceana seeks someone with PR agency-style instincts, strong media relations and writing skills, and the ability to get people to care.

The qualifications of the Senior Communications Manager should include highly developed copyediting and writing skills; strong project management skills; the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, lawyers, fundraisers, and external partners; and the ability to manage in all directions. In a challenging policy and stakeholder environment, Oceana’s communications team plays a critical role in communicating to influence change. The Senior Communications Manager will need to proactively identify and manage the execution of strategic communications activities and tactics to influence decision-makers and increase public awareness and engagement for the campaigns. A comfort with rapid action and the ability to translate scientific terminology into accessible language with meticulous attention to detail is also a must.

This manager is responsible for end-to-end public relations management, managing initiatives through research, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This individual must cultivate and maintain successful media relationships to secure placements for Oceana’s campaigns across all media. The individual must manage strategic relationships inside and outside the organization to facilitate our work and maximize Oceana’s campaign visibility, including executives, campaign teams, digital and creative teams, partners, teams in other country offices consultants, influencers, and celebrity supporters.

Candidates must manage competing priorities, thrive in a fast-paced environment under pressure with superior attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communications skills, problem- solving and excellent customer service skills, and be extremely organized and responsive. The Senior Communications Manager reports to Oceana’s Communications Director and is a member of the Global Marketing and Communications Department, working closely with the Campaign Director and team to advance Oceana’s U.S. campaigns. This position is based in Washington, D.C. Limited domestic or international travel may be required.