Communications Director, Restoration

World Resources Institute • Washington, DC

395d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Director for the Restoration program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) will lead the development and execution of communication strategies that position WRI as a global leader in landscape restoration. This role involves translating complex research into compelling narratives, driving media engagement, and managing a small communications team. The director will work closely with various stakeholders to promote restoration efforts that address climate change, biodiversity loss, and equity challenges worldwide.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience in communications, focusing on climate change or natural resource management.
• Experience working internationally and cross-culturally.
• Experience in designing and implementing communication strategies with measurable outcomes.
• Strong project management skills, including team leadership, budget management, and strategy development.
• Ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Extensive media relations experience with global media titles and a robust network within relevant sectors.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in any of WRI's other core languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.) is a bonus.
• Experience with African media is a major plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global communication strategy that aligns with WRI's broader restoration objectives.
• Design and streamline branding strategies to ensure coherence across WRI's restoration products and services.
• Create a comprehensive digital outreach strategy to disseminate restoration data and insights effectively.
• Conduct stakeholder and audience mapping to inform communication strategies.
• Collaborate across WRI's programs, offices, and Core Communications team to integrate restoration into broader narratives.
• Manage communications risks for the Restoration team, especially through media strategy.
• Ensure WRI's restoration data, research, and insights reach diverse global audiences through strategic comms and media.
• Collaborate with researchers and external experts to shape public opinion and influence policy on land restoration and climate adaptation.
• Lead media engagement efforts, including crafting strategies, pitching stories, and responding to media inquiries.
• Develop partnerships to promote data-driven journalism and elevate reporting on land restoration issues.
• Oversee quality and consistency across all communication materials, including social media, blog posts, op-eds, speeches, and newsletters.
• Lead communications support for the Restoration Director, including speech writing and presentation development.
• Manage the Director's public presence through LinkedIn and other professional platforms.
• Craft talking points and briefing materials for external events and speaking engagements.
• Supervise and mentor a small team of communications professionals, managing workflow and capacity.
• Track performance metrics to evaluate the impact of communication activities and ensure continuous improvement.
• Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, and implementation of communication initiatives.

Benefits

• Access to the WRI global network with opportunities for learning and exchange.
• Impactful career development within a mission-driven organization.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives at the workplace.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with retirement plan access and employer contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees