Our Mission in Action  

American Forests inspires and advances the conservation of forests, which are essential to mitigating climate change. We do this by protecting and restoring threatened forest ecosystems, promoting and expanding urban forests, and increasing understanding of the importance of reforestation. Founded in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the country and has served as a catalyst for many key milestones in the conservation movement, including the founding of the U.S. Forest Service, the national forest system, and thousands of forest ecosystem restoration projects and public education efforts. 

What You'll Do 

To support this work, American Forests is seeking a creative, proactive Director, Strategic Communications. This role leads the development and execution of comprehensive, organization-wide communications strategies that advance American Forests’ mission to protect and restore forests as solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and community equity. With a strong focus on executive communications on behalf of the CEO, this role positions American Forests as a national thought leader through high-impact storytelling, media amplification, and strategic messaging. 

The Director will build and manage a high-performing team of content and storytelling professionals (FTEs and consultants), responsible for generating compelling stories, assets, videos, infographics, and digital content that directly support the organization’s communications goals. This role collaborates closely across departments to ensure all communications drive awareness, engagement, partnerships, and fundraising goals. 

Key Responsibilities  

Strategic Communications & Planning  

• Develop and lead the implementation of an annual organization-wide strategic communications plan that aligns with programmatic, fundraising, and advocacy priorities.


• Oversee brand management, messaging frameworks, and crisis communications to ensure consistency and impact across all channels. 


• Track industry trends in conservation communications, media, and digital storytelling; recommend and implement innovative approaches. 

Executive Communications 

• Serve as the primary lead for all CEO-level communications, including drafting speeches, op-eds, talking points, annual reports, board presentations, and thought-leadership pieces. 


• Prepare the CEO for media interviews, high-level events, and stakeholder engagements. 


• Develop and maintain executive messaging that elevates American Forests’ vision and positions the CEO as a national voice on forests and climate. 

Content & Storytelling Team Leadership 

• Build, manage, and mentor a team of content creators, storytellers, writers, and multimedia producers (FTEs and consultants). 


• Direct the creation of high-quality stories, videos, photo essays, infographics, long-form features, and digital assets that showcase American Forests’ impact in forest restoration, urban forestry, and Tree Equity. 


• Ensure all content and storytelling assets are strategically developed to support the needs of the Media Relations Director (for third-party placements) and Digital Director (for websites, social, and email campaigns). 


• Oversee content calendars, production workflows, editorial standards, and performance measurement. 


• Cultivate relationships with partners, field staff, and grantees to source authentic stories that reflect diverse voices and community impact. 

Media & Partnership Support 

• Collaborate with the Media Relations Director to identify and develop story angles, press materials, and proactive media pitches. 


• Cultivate and maintain relationships with conservation, sustainability, and national media outlets. 


• Support corporate, foundation, and major donor communications strategies, including customized content and partnership activations. 

Team & Operations 

• Manage the content/storytelling budget, including consultants and vendors. 


• Provide strategic guidance to cross-functional teams on communications best practices. 


• Contribute to department-wide initiatives, events, and measurement of communications impact. 

What We're Looking For 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field (Master’s preferred). 


• 8+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, with at least 4 years in a leadership role managing teams (including consultants). 


• Proven success leading content and storytelling functions in a nonprofit, conservation, or mission-driven organization. 


• Demonstrated experience developing executive-level communications (speeches, op-eds, thought leadership) for C-suite leaders. 


• Strong track record of generating compelling stories and multimedia assets that drive media coverage and digital engagement. 


• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex environmental issues into accessible, inspiring narratives. 


• Experience managing cross-functional relationships (e.g., with media relations and digital teams). 


• Proficiency with content tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, WordPress, analytics platforms) and familiarity with social media strategy. 


• Passion for forests, climate solutions, and equity; commitment to amplifying diverse voices. 


• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. 


• Ability to travel occasionally for storytelling, events, or media opportunities. 

Working Conditions 

This is a remote position based in the United States. Up to 10% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. may be required.   

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.   

Compensation & Benefits 

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $115,000 - 155,000.  

Our benefits are designed to support your whole self at work and at home. We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness resources, disability insurance, and life and AD&D protection to give you peace of mind. You’ll enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and leave programs, including parental bonding, bereavement, and military leave, so you can take care of what matters most. We invest in your future with a 401(k) plan that includes an employer match, flexible spending accounts, and a technology stipend to keep you connected. From work‑life balance to financial security, our benefits ensure you feel supported every step of the way. 

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.  

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply  

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.