Public Relations Director

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries.

About This Position

If you are passionate about protecting nature and wildlife, ensuring all have equitable access to the outdoors, and being at the forefront of fighting climate change, consider joining Mass Audubon’s marketing and communications team. Guided by new senior leadership and an ambitious Action Agenda, there has never been a more exciting time to join the organization.

The Public Relations Director will help achieve the goals established in the Action Agenda and elevate the organization’s work across various dimensions by designing and implementing a communications strategy that will drive broader and deeper press and influencer coverage. The Public Relations Director will also advise on executive communications and manage crisis communications situations when needed.

Reporting into the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Public Relations Director will supervise a Public Relations Manager and work closely with a team of marketing and communications professionals who are collectively responsible for leading organization-wide marketing strategy, implementing integrated marketing campaigns, and promoting various programs and initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop organization-wide PR and communications strategy that will build awareness of and support for Action Agenda priorities
• Advise in the positioning of the organization as a leader in nature-based climate solutions and other aspects of the organization’s work
• Help craft messaging and storylines across various programs and initiatives to most effectively engage new audiences
• Develop plan to engage social media and other influencers to reach broader audiences and more diverse communities
• Supervise Public Relations Manager and guide day-to-day media outreach and messaging
• Prep and provide media coaching for designated spokespeople, with briefings prior to each media engagement
• Guide and draft executive communications as needed, tying into broad storylines to drive visibility for organizational leadership and vision
• Provide regular reporting on media outreach and influencer activity through the lens of continuous improvement
• Manage and guide response strategy to crisis communications as needed
• Serve as PR and influencer expert on marketing and communications team, and collaborate closely with the team, which includes digital marketing, branding, creative, and content/campaign management expertise

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• At least 10 years of experience in public relations or related field
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proven experience in distilling complex topics for broad audiences
• Ability to write for a variety of audiences, including the media, current supporters, new audiences, and employees
• Familiarity with traditional and new media, as well as influencer landscape, and experience in developing relationships with media and influencers
• Experience in developing response plans to mitigate the impact of challenging developments
• Experience prepping and coaching spokespeople on interacting with the media
• Experience managing team members in formal reporting relationships
• Ability to relate to and work with a diverse range of people and exercise cultural humility and inclusion, and commitment to self-education about social justice (we provide ongoing training)
• Flexibility and ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities, meet deadlines, and work as an effective team member
• Proven ability to think critically and collaborate in large, complex systems
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters
• Interest in environmental issues, equitable outdoor access, and conservation (we provide ongoing learning opportunities)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within Massachusetts (we provide vehicles as required for work-related site visits and events)
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or related field

Nice to Haves

• Spanish and/or other language skills are a plus

Compensation & Benefits

This position’s base salary range is $90,000 - $110,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, though flexible hours and work locations may be negotiated.

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations

Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How To Apply

Please apply on ADP Workforce Now: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=6044bc19-19e6-443a-8a51-62fe8af33798&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=450579&lang=en_US&source=EN.