Associate Director of Communications, North America Region

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Associate Director of Communications, North America Region (NAR) provides strategic, internal and external communications support for a multidisciplinary, regional communications team advancing TNC's 2030 goals. This role will work closely with NAR leadership teams, Global Communications, Internal Communications, as well as Conservation and Fundraising teams to advise on, design and implement strategic communications initiatives. This work will be aligned to the overarching Marketing and Communications team strategic plan as well as NAR Conservation and Development strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, North America Activation and Integration, the Associate Director serves as the strategic communications lead for the region, with a focus on internal communications, executive positioning and organizational alignment. This role partners closely with NAR leadership including the Regional Executive Director, the Managing Director of Operational Excellence, other senior leaders and their teams, as well as the Global Director of Internal Communications to shape and deliver integrated communications that advance regional priorities and TNC's 2030 goals. The Associate Director leads strategic communications planning and execution, prioritizing clear and consistent engagement with internal audiences while supporting external positioning as needed. They align messaging across the region and with global teams, strengthen leadership communications and ensure employees, partners and key stakeholders are informed and engaged. The role serves as a trusted advisor to the Regional Executive Director and senior leadership, providing counsel on approach, tone and timing for high-impact communications. They provide strategic counsel and media preparation for senior leaders, including message development, interview preparation and spokesperson support for media engagements. This position manages complex, cross-functional initiatives, builds strong relationships with marketing and communications leaders and key stakeholders and establishes processes that drive coordination and clarity. They also guide regional response planning for sensitive issues to help protect organizational reputation. External and media engagement is aligned to broader strategy and supports regional priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Develop and execute strategic communications plan for NAR office.
• Create talking points, FAQs, backgrounders and other critical communications collateral impacting the NAR.
• Cultivate deep understanding of NAR conservation priorities and programs.
• Advise on and execute NAR communications rollouts related to finance, operations, policy communications, change management, and other internal/external moments impacting staff.
• Provides leadership and connectivity between TNC teams for internal, executive, policy and crisis communications for the NAR.
• Supports rapid response communications involving both internal and external audiences.
• Aligns NAR communications with global Marketing and Communications team strategies and initiatives with regards to messaging, sequencing and strategic direction.
• Along with other key communications stakeholders, provides input for NAR responses using TNC's rapid response framework and internal decision-making tools.
• Works closely with TNC's Global Director of Internal Communications to align NAR internal communications strategy with the global approach.
• Supports executive communications for key NAR leadership.
• Provides communications, technical, and 'on-air' support for NAR management team for townhalls, all staff conversations, conservation learning sessions and division-wide calls when needed.
• Regularly updates NAR internal/external collateral including SharePoint pages, backgrounders and impact reports.
• Provides support for senior NAR leaders' internal and external presentations.
• Social media strategy/support for NAR Regional Executive Director.
• Develops NAR communications materials for leadership team that aligns with TNC's One Future campaign.
• Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in support of executive communications, leadership priorities, and time-sensitive organizational initiatives, including work outside of standard business hours when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related field and a minimum of 8 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience developing complex integrated strategic communications plans.
• Experience measuring results of strategic plans and programs.
• Experience cultivating and managing relationships with senior level executives, board members and members of the media.
• Experience supporting earned media efforts, including preparing executives for media interviews and appearances.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Senior level experience in communications field.
• Excellent writing, presentation, communication, mediation and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing organizational change management and advising senior leaders.
• Experience coordinating with stakeholders across a global organization and with cross-functional global teams.
• Experience developing, implementing, measuring and evaluating multifaceted strategic communications initiatives, plans and programs.
• Proven success in building and maintaining long-term relationships with partners, board members, senior leaders and members of the media.
• Proven ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of annual budgets.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. Salary Information: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $82,790 - $124,270 . This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. Who We Are: The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor. One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people." What We Bring: Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here. We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ. Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to View email address on click.appcast.io with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. The Nature Conservancy