Director of External Communications

Responsibilities

• Lead public relations strategy, overseeing the development, implementation and management of sustained, targeted campaigns for the Aquarium with the goal of maintaining and improving NA’s brand reputation and sentiment as well as gate and philanthropic revenue goals. Provides guidance and support for the PR Manager in these efforts.
• Serve as a close strategic partner to the VP, External Affairs on public affairs and community affairs strategy. Co-develop an integrated annual plan that aligns communications with legislative, funding, and community priorities, and maintain a regular joint planning cadence to share media and issues intelligence and align on upcoming policy moments, public events, and announcements. Translate policy and advocacy goals into narratives, message maps, talking points, testimony, op-eds, and briefing materials, and use earned media and thought leadership to advance them.
• Develop and execute integrated public relations and stakeholder communications in partnership with External Affairs, supporting the Aquarium’s relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community leaders to increase awareness, influence public dialogue, and advance organizational goals.
• Execute the National Aquarium’s thought leadership strategy, promoting the Aquarium’s experts and unique areas of leadership.
• Lead external messaging around large-scale organizational efforts, including major projects and high-profile fundraising efforts.
• Own the annual report narrative and coordination.
• Build and maintain relationships with media partners, serving as primary point of contact.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Internal Comms to outline complementary comprehensive plans for internal and external messages to all stakeholders.
• Identify appropriate spokespersons for media opportunities, provide message maps and conduct media training.
• Lead issues management, rapid response management and crisis communications for NA, coordinating closely on internal/external messages and cadence. Serve as the primary external communications contact for media partners in crisis situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing, or related area.
• 8-10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, public affairs, communications strategy or related field required.
• Proven experience developing and leading comprehensive external communications and public relations strategies that advance organizational priorities and strengthen brand reputation.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with local and national media, elected officials, government agencies, community leaders and other key external stakeholders.
• Experience developing and executing public affairs and strategic stakeholder engagement initiatives, including representing an organization in community and public-sector settings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop compelling organizational narratives, key messages and strategic communications plans for complex initiatives, high-profile projects and fundraising campaigns.
• Experience managing organizational reputation, identifying emerging issues and developing proactive communications strategies to address reputational opportunities and risks.
• Demonstrated experience leading crisis communications, issues management and rapid-response strategies, including coordinating messaging across internal and external audiences.
• Ability to be onsite and available for crisis scenarios as needed, at times outside of standard workday hours.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation and public speaking skills.

Benefits

• National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave.
• Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work.
• Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.