Sr Communications Manager, Coalition for Fisheries Transparency

Salary Range

$85,000.00 to $95,000.00 Annually

Immediate Supervisor: Director, Coalition for Fisheries Transparency

FSLA: Exempt

General Summary

Working in target countries all over the world, the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency (CFT) represents an international group of NGOs advancing fisheries transparency worldwide, sharing information and resources, as well as helping to secure support to address gaps. Through this coalition, we can more effectively coordinate our advocacy efforts, deliver policy victories in countries implementing the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, support campaign strategy development in regions around the world, communicate the urgency of the issue, and elevate the need for transparency in the global agenda, thus helping deliver the changes needed for our oceans and the communities who rely on them for their livelihoods.

The Senior Communications Manager will lead CFT’s communications work including developing and implementing the communications strategy to amplify our advocacy efforts, increase our visibility, and engage key stakeholders. This position will work closely with communications colleagues from CFT’s Co-chair organizations and manage consultants. This role requires a dynamic and strategic communicator who can translate complex policy issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in advocacy communications, media relations, and digital strategy, with a passion for environmental and social justice issues. This role reports to the Director of the Coalition and can expect to travel roughly 10–15% of the time internationally. The position requires flexibility to work in varied time zones and is based out of one of the Oceana offices, preferably in Washington, DC. This is a full-time, exempt position. This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on additional funding.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

As the CFT Senior Communications Manager, reporting to its director, you will develop and guide the CFT communications strategy and efforts through:

• Development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy to support CFT’s advocacy and policy goals.
• Craft clear, engaging, and persuasive messaging tailored to various CFT audiences. Oversee the development of op-eds, press releases, and digital content.
• Facilitate and manage communications steering group with CFT Co-Chairs; drive CFT’s communications strategy with Co-Chair organizations.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, pitch stories, and secure media coverage to elevate the Coalition’s work.
• Oversee the Coalition’s digital presence, including website content, newsletters, and social media channels, to expand audience reach and engagement.
• Ensure consistency in messaging, visuals, and tone across all communications materials. Provide support to CFT member organizations to ensure alignment in their messaging materials.
• Support CFT members in their communications efforts, providing guidance, resources, and capacity-building opportunities.
• Develop and implement rapid response strategies for media and public inquiries on sensitive issues.
• Track and analyze communications metrics to assess effectiveness and inform strategy adjustments.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or related fields, preferably in advocacy or environmental sectors.
• Proven experience in developing and/or implementing high-impact communications strategies.
• Strong media relations experience, including pitching stories and managing press engagements.
• Experience working in international and cross-cultural settings.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complex policy issues into accessible narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work internationally, cross-culturally, and collaboratively as a team player to coordinate projects.
• Ability to approach problems with a sense of ownership, enthusiasm and innovation, as well as to spot opportunities in times of ambiguity and change.
• Ability to take initiative in suggesting ways to expand work and responsibilities of position to help CFT achieve its goals.
• Knowledge of fisheries governance, environmental policy, or human rights issues.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure while maintaining humor, high energy, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in digital communications, including website management, social media, and email marketing.
• Full fluency in written and spoken English. Additional language(s) such as Chinese, French, Korean, Japanese or Spanish are also an asset.
• High level of organizational skill and technological proficiency with MS Office suite, cloud collaborative workspace platforms, and contact management systems. Experience with mass communications tools and event-hosting platforms preferred.

Required Competencies

• Action Oriented: Makes things happen. Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Instills Trust: Is able to gain the confidence and trust of others by demonstrating honesty and authenticity, acting with integrity, being consistent and credible.
• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. Has a reputation of taking ownership and responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures.
• Effective Communication: Understands the value of effective communication. Can deliver messages in a clear, compelling and concise manner. Actively listens, checks for understanding and adjusts content and style to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
• Situational Adaptability: Recognizes the need to be flexible and act differently in different situations – bring empathy in times of stress and change, firm direction in times of uncertainty, or diplomacy in times of conflict.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, exempt position. This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension based on additional funding.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually.

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.

Oceana’s U.S. offices have operated on a hybrid schedule and staff have been required to work from their assigned office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With agreement between the employee and their supervisor, the employee may work remotely Monday and Friday.

Please submit your application by September 26, 2025.

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