National Communications and Media Director

About American Rivers

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.

American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings to our work provide perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the National Media and Communications Director is responsible for leading communications efforts to support our conservation goals and securing media coverage about river and clean water solutions. The ideal candidate is a talented communications strategist and creative thinker with experience in nonprofit advocacy and/or political campaigns. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with visionary colleagues, and are driven to use communications to create positive transformational change for our nation’s rivers. The National Media and Communications Director is part of a collaborative communications and marketing team and works closely with American Rivers conservation staff and partners nationwide.

Principal Responsibilities

• Direct the national press strategy for American Rivers. Work with journalists to spotlight solutions for clean water and healthy rivers. Lead efforts to secure positive media coverage, raising the profile of American Rivers, our partners, and the river movement as a whole.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists at local, regional, and national outlets, including media outlets serving BIPOC communities and outlets covering Congress and the administration. Organize press events, field trips, and briefings.
• Lead rapid response communications, responding to crises such as floods, dam failures, and pollution.
• Create and implement proactive communications strategies around key issues including dams, hydropower, flooding, and climate change.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team, Conservation staff, and the Policy and Government Relations team to identify compelling stories, design advocacy campaigns, engage key audiences, and influence decision-makers.
• Write and edit a variety of communications materials, both internal and external, including press releases, opinion pieces, reporter pitches, talking points, fact sheets, and communications plans.
• Coordinate media strategies for campaigns including America’s Most Endangered Rivers®, River of the Year, and the River Champion Awards.
• Serve as a spokesperson and train spokespeople. Help prepare American Rivers president and conservation experts for media interviews.
• Track news coverage and manage media contacts database.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an appropriate combination of education and experience with at least 7 years of relevant experience. Preference for communications experience at a public affairs/PR agency, political campaign, or nonprofit advocacy organization.
• Experience working with journalists and securing positive local, regional, and national news coverage. Understanding of print, broadcast, and online media. Existing relationships with U.S. media is a plus.
• Proven experience creating and implementing communications plans.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex topics into engaging and creative communications.
• Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to exhibit professional demeanor in high-pressure environments. Nimble project manager who can handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Understanding and application of analytical and research tools to measure and improve communication strategies and tactics.
• Commitment to environmental conservation.
• Ability to travel and work off-hours when needed to prepare for and respond to crisis situations.

Location

Washington, DC area preferred.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $73,000 – $80,000 annually depending upon qualifications and experience. Full-time employee benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; a retirement plan, training budget, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, four weeks of paid vacation, paid sabbaticals every seven years, and a 3% retirement match. American Rivers offers TIAA-CREF Social Choice, including green impact, as an investment option.

Community and Opportunity

Our community’s core values motivate us to lead with collaboration and trust, infuse equity and justice, deliver results, and ensure staff and volunteers thrive. American Rivers offers staff professional development and training opportunities, engages in equitable hiring and retention practices, has taken the Green 2.0 pay equity pledge, and participates in the transparency report. We provide “no meetings” weeks, and host People of Color, Accessibility, LGBTQAI+, Women’s Leadership, Parents and Caregivers, and DEIJ affinity groups and committees led by staff and board members.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7050 or [email protected]. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

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Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.