Communications Manager, Texas Coast and Water Program

Job Details

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization, with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters. This includes hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. The Federation is committed to inspiring all people around our shared love of nature and wildlife by creating a welcoming and inclusive community representative of all Americans.

Texas Living Waters (TLW) is an NWF-led collaborative effort with other organizations working together to improve Texas’ management and use of water, ensuring that sufficient freshwater is available to support abundant fish and wildlife and thriving communities. To support Texas Living Waters and NWF’s broader Texas Coast and Water Program, we are seeking a Communications Manager to join our team.

Position Overview

The Communications Manager will serve as a strategic thought leader on NWF’s Texas Coast and Water team. Your primary responsibility will be to develop, support, and implement a robust communications program to cultivate, engage, and mobilize a wide range of partners and allies to support the strategic goals of NWF’s Texas Coast and Water Program, including Texas Living Waters (TLW) with outside partners. Areas of focus for those goals include equitable water policy and planning for all Texans, water conservation, freshwater inflows for healthy bays and estuaries, nature-based solutions to water-related hazards, and more. The Communications Manager will report to the Senior Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program.

Responsibilities

Develop, Implement, and Maintain a Communications Strategy (40%)

• Develop, manage, and track all aspects of the Texas Coast and Water Program’s and TLW’s communication strategy in collaboration with TLW organizations, other partners, and external consultants.
• Identify opportunities to highlight activities of the Texas Coast and Water Program and TLW through multiple platforms.
• Develop and be responsible for grant-specific communications strategies and reporting.
• Support external communications across multiple mediums, including written, graphic, photo, and video, to promote and support the Texas Coast and Water Program and TLW.
• Craft, implement, and maintain quality control of TLW’s key messages, brand, and image.
• Lead the development of an annual impact report for TLW funders and supporters.

Produce Content for Texas Coast and Water and TLW Audiences (25%)

• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic materials, including but not limited to newsletters, annual reports, brochures, social media, and web content.
• Create promotional materials for the Texas Coast and Water Program and TLW initiatives (e.g., factsheets and issue briefs).
• Provide writing and presentation assistance to team as necessary.
• Manage contracts with English-to-Spanish translation services as needed.

Cultivate and Maintain Press, Media, and Partner Relations (25%)

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with media members (print, TV, radio, and online platforms).
• Elevate the team’s expertise to the media on issues within our strategic goals.
• Manage press relations through inquiries, pitching stories, and responding to media requests.
• Assist in op-ed and other persuasive writing for placement in newspapers, magazines, and other media.
• Pursue opportunities to tell our story and elevate issues through media platforms (news, social media, podcasts, partnerships).
• Work with NWF’s national communications team for general coordination and organize outreach support to Spanish-speaking outlets.
• Coordinate with NWF’s South Central communications team for general outreach and engagement in the region.
• Assist in maintaining donor communication processes as necessary.

Design and Manage Web and Digital Platforms (10%)

• Effectively communicate our work and impact by updating and maintaining the TLW website.
• Help staff generate blogs, reports, and general information related to each issue area to feature on the TLW website.
• Perform regular site maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Manage social media platforms and strategically communicate about our work and priorities in real-time.
• Track and measure engagement levels on web and social media platforms.
• Manage contracts with web consultants on these tasks as necessary.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience (Communications and/or Environmental Studies preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in communications or related positions, such as print communications, social media management, science communication, earned media, digital presence, visual communications, website content creation, event promotion, or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences, specifically racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong copy editor with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with PC-based software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Creativity, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter, independent thinker, creative problem solver, and team player.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with various writing styles and formats (e.g., digital media, white papers, press releases).
• Experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated graphic design and website design experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English).

NWF Values

• Actions should reflect National Wildlife Federation values: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus.
• Competencies should include:
  • Motivation by values of equity and responsibility toward marginalized communities.
  • High level of empathy and social skills.
  • Commitment to deepening environmental justice in policies, programs, and partnerships.
  • Responsiveness to team feedback and clear communication with staff.
  • Dedication to advancing NWF’s equity transformation and promoting equity in partner work.
  • Passion for NWF’s mission.

Physical Requirements

• Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping with hands or arms; dexterity to use a keyboard; ability to see and hear within normal range; ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds.
• Persons with disabilities may perform essential duties with reasonable accommodation.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional local and statewide travel, with occasional travel outside of the state as needed.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Location and Work Mode

This position is based out of our South Central Regional Center (SCRC) in Austin, TX, and applicants must be within driving distance of Austin. National Wildlife Federation promotes a flexible, community-focused work environment. Work mode will be determined in collaboration with your supervisor during the interview process.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $72,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience.
• Designated as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits by Mogul and recognized by Forbes as a top small employer.
• Comprehensive benefits, including:
  • Paid time off: three weeks’ vacation, unlimited wellbeing time, and 10 holidays.
  • Paid winter break (Dec. 25 – Jan. 1).
  • Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave.
  • Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance, with in-network mental health coverage.
  • Free access to a therapist.
  • Pet insurance, discount perks, and wellbeing allowance.

For more benefits details, please visit the National Wildlife Federation’s Careers page.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit a cover letter and resume.

Commitment to DEIJ

We are dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all our work, supporting the interdependent needs of wildlife and people. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

For accommodations during the application or interview process, contact us at [email protected] or 703-438-6244.

Background Check

A background check will be conducted if selected for this position.