Director Of Communications and External Affairs

Charlottesville, VA (On-site)

$75K/yr – $90K/yrDirector/Executive7+ years expFull time

Posted 20 hrs ago

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Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Serve as SNPT's primary communications ambassador — managing media relationships, earned media strategy, and crisis communications
  • Partner with the Executive Director on government affairs outreach, policy analysis, and stakeholder-ready advocacy materials
  • Lead community and stakeholder outreach with gateway communities, tourism, and civic partners
  • Develop and execute SNPT's annual communications strategy across print, digital, email, website, and social
  • Co-lead the 20th Anniversary communications strategy alongside the Director of Development
  • Serve as a thought partner to SNPT leadership team and write speeches, op-eds, testimony, and remarks for the Executive Director
  • Supervise the Communications Manager and manage outside vendors and consultants

Requirements

  • 7+ years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, or external relations, with demonstrated leadership responsibility
  • Proven track record in media relations, including earned media strategy
  • Experience with successful campaigns across digital, print, and social channels, with an emphasis on digital strategy and fluency in AI-assisted content tools
  • Exceptional writing and editing skills — from social copy to executive speeches to policy briefs
  • Strong track record of crafting compelling narratives with proven outcomes that resonate with donors, members, and the public
  • Experience tracking and interpreting metrics (email, social, web) to inform strategy and report to leadership and the board
  • Experience working with executive leadership, board members, elected officials, and high-level donors in sensitive, high-visibility settings
  • Comfort working in a small, agile nonprofit environment
  • Experience supervising staff and managing external vendors or agencies

Preferred

  • Background in conservation, public lands, or federal agency communications
  • Experience in government/legislative affairs, ideally at the federal or state level
  • Familiarity with the National Park Service, National Park Foundation, or park nonprofit ecosystem
  • Existing media relationships covering conservation, outdoor recreation, or environmental policy
  • Experience supporting major gift campaigns or organizational milestones

Benefits

  • comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage, 4 weeks PTO, up to 4% retirement match, paid professional development, a flexible work environment, and a park pass.
Shenandoah National Park Trust logo

Shenandoah National Park Trust

Shenandoah National Park Trust raises funds and accepts monetary donations on behalf of the park. They money that is raised is used to support many things, including, but, not limited to: rescue equipment, providing transportation to the park for inner-city kids, exhibits, and education. To make a gift today visit www.snptrust.org and click Donate Now! Thank you in advance for your support!

Founded in 2007
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
15 employees (2 in marketing)

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