Senior Manager, Communications & External Affairs

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of an annual communications strategy aligned with GLOS’s strategic plan.
• Serve as GLOS’s primary point of contact for day-to-day media relations; supervise the Communications Specialist to develop press releases, news stories, and human-interest features that elevate the impact of GLOS’s work.
• Monitor news cycles and recommend proactive communication opportunities across GLOS’s priority areas.
• Coordinate with media outlets and partners to disseminate key messages.
• Create and oversee creation of high-visibility content (e.g. external communications, funder and annual reports) while establishing and enforcing an editorial review process for all content produced by the team before external release.
• Provide editorial oversight of the Communications and Engagement team that includes the Communications Specialist and Strategic Initiatives Manager.
• Maintain GLOS’s annual editorial calendar and content standards, style guide, and brand across web, social, and print materials.
• Provide oversight of the GLOS website and digital presence, using tools such as Google Analytics and social media platform insights to evaluate website, campaign, and content performance.
• Establish and oversee tracking of key communications metrics (e.g., engagement, reach, click through to GLOS data platforms) and use findings to adjust strategy and demonstrate impact to the CEO, Board, and funders.
• Report regularly to the CEO on communications performance and stakeholder engagement trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, or nonprofit/public sector relations, including demonstrated experience supervising staff.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations and messaging to multiple stakeholder groups.
• Experience with presenting scientific data or environmental information to public sector entities, state agencies, or regional working groups for at least one of the following Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific content for diverse audiences and to review and improve the work of others.
• Working proficiency with web and social media analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to evaluate performance and inform strategy.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, staff, and deadlines independently.
• Must be able to pass Federal background check screening due to GLOS offices being in a Federal building.
• Must reside in one of the eight U.S. Great Lakes states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin
• There will be some travel associated with this position. Estimate 5-6 trips per year throughout the Great Lakes region (including Canada). A valid passport is required.

Preferred

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with Great Lakes issues, freshwater or ocean science, or environmental policy.
• Prior experience supporting or liaising with nonprofit boards.
• Experience with federal grant environment standards and/or federally funded (e.g., NOAA, IOOS) grant environments.
• Background in graphic design or visual storytelling.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision and Dental coverage options
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option
• 401K retirement plan
• Generous paid time off including U.S. Federal holidays and 26 annual PTO days