Managing Director, External Communications

Overview

NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America’s bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Bozeman, Montana; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C.

NRDC is seeking a Managing Director, External Communications to work with the Communications Department in our New York City, Washington, D.C., or Chicago office.

Position Summary

NRDC is looking for a Managing Director, External Communications, to join our Communications team. The ideal candidate has experience in leading a team of integrated communications, media relations and influencer engagement professionals; developing executive positioning plans; and coordinating large-scale public relations campaigns.

As part of the Communications Leadership Team, they will help develop and implement a proactive communications strategy to support NRDC’s institutional priorities, advocacy campaigns and member engagement.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to help create powerful storytelling narratives that reach diverse audiences, drive impact and inspire people to take action. They take initiative, conceive, and make the case for new ideas, and effectively move projects forward in rapidly changing environments and ambiguous situations. They can synthesize complex information and manage projects efficiently. They also have experience cultivating internal relationships in pursuit of shared goals and outcomes.

This role will report to the Chief Communications Officer and oversee the Media, Equity Communications and Entertainment Partnerships teams. They will also work closely with the Managing Director, Brand and Digital Strategy, and collaborate with other senior managers across the organization, including NRDC’s regional advocacy impact and program sector leaders.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of NRDC’s external communications strategy to help advance the organization’s vision, mission, and institutional priorities at the regional and national levels.
• Help cultivate a high-performing external communications team.
• Develop proactive earned media strategies that influence and shape public policy efforts and advocacy campaigns.
• Manage the Media, Equity Communications and Entertainment Partnerships teams, and their budgets, ensuring the teams are aligned with institutional and Communications department priorities.
• As part of the Communications Leadership Team, ensure quality and consistency of values—including racial justice and equity, brand identity, and public narratives across all communications channels, as well as effective collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure message alignment.
• Prepare senior leaders for media interviews, speaking opportunities and events.
• Coordinate closely on communications strategy with advocacy coalition partners and other environmental organizations.
• Manage external communications consultants and vendors as needed.
• Other duties as related and assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in public relations, communications and/or public affairs; at least 8 years managing strong, diverse teams.
• Track record of developing highly visible PR campaigns and securing top-tier media coverage for national organizations and senior leaders.
• A proven record of accomplishment in driving earned media and influencer/entertainment partnership work, agency experience a plus.
• Familiarity with media tools and software, such as Cision, Nielsen, Comscore, etc.
• Demonstrated ability applying a racial justice lens to communications, including crafting of culturally competent messaging.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong collaborative spirit, with an ability to compromise when needed to advance toward a common goal.
• A multitasker and strong project manager with the ability to manage teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Dedication to providing leadership, with a willingness to offer consistent support to direct reports through regular meetings, professional development, and goal setting.
• Ability to travel to NRDC’s U.S.-based offices, approximately 10-15% annually.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles.

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.