The American Littoral Society is seeking a talented, creative Senior Communications Manager to strengthen external communications and connect more people to the coast.

For more than 65 years, the Society has advanced coastal conservation through restoration, education, advocacy, science, and community engagement. Our staff help communities increase coastal resilience, restore shorelines and habitats, promote clean water initiatives, protect fish and wildlife, advance science-backed policy, and connect thousands of people with the coast. Our work is tangible, visually compelling, and deeply connected to the places and communities we serve. We are looking for a communications professional to translate our work into language the public can understand, and into stories people can connect with.

The Senior Communications Manager will create content directly, delegate production when appropriate, and remain accountable for the quality and timely delivery of the Society’s external communications. lead the Society’s publications, social media, visual storytelling, website content, and major communications projects, shape our external presence, support media connections, and other external-facing work for the organization. The ideal candidate is an excellent storyteller and editor with a strong creative judgment, exceptional organizational skills, and excellent writing/ editing ability, and the initiative to take projects from idea to completion. Key roles include:

Lead Communications & Storytelling

• Develop compelling stories from across the Society’s restoration, education, advocacy, science, and community work.
• Lead and edit publications, web stories, newsletters, policy campaign materials, and other external communications.
• Develop messaging for major projects, campaigns, events, and organizational priorities.
• Support media relations and help manage other priority external communications in coordination with the Executive Director.

Own Content & Creative Production

• Lead Society publications from planning through writing, editing, design, and distribution.
• Manage the editorial calendar and keep communications projects moving on schedule.
• Guide social media strategy, content, and creative direction.
• Track basic website, email, social media, publication, and campaign performance and use those insights to strengthen future communications.
• Help staff develop stronger photography, video, graphics, and field-based storytelling.
• Create polished materials using Canva and Adobe software and coordinate specialized creative support when needed.
• Help maintain a consistent and professional voice, visual identity, and brand.

Manage Communications Operations

• Supervise and coordinate the work of a part-time communications staff and interns.
• Work with staff across the organization to identify stories, gather content, and plan communications.
• Coordinate outside designers, photographers, videographers, and web support as needed.
• Maintain editorial oversight of the Society’s website, ensuring content is current, accurate, engaging, and consistent with organizational priorities
• Partner with the Development team or Program staff on communications that strengthen outreach with members, supporters, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with staff and partners on policy, advocacy, and community outreach campaigns related to program work for coastal resilience and clean water.
• The Senior Communications Manager will also work with the Executive Director on priority organizational messaging, announcements, press materials, op-eds, and other timely communications as needed.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Excellent writing/editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong creative and visual instincts.
• Demonstrated project-management and organizational skills.
• Experience managing communications projects from concept through completion.
• Experience with digital content, social media, videography, publications, or related communications channels.
• Proficiency with Canva and working knowledge of relevant Adobe Creative Cloud applications or comparable design tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams while taking ownership of assignments and deadlines.
• Someone creative, motivated, organized, and ready for greater responsibility and opportunities for leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with photography, video, websites, email marketing, media relations, fundraising communications, or environmental issues
• Experience supervising staff, interns, freelancers, or cross-functional projects.
• Experience developing or directing photography and video content.
• Experience with media relations, advocacy communications, fundraising communications, or environmental issues.

Why Join the American Littoral Society?

This is an opportunity to help shape the public voice of an established coastal conservation organization at an important point in its growth. You’ll work with a passionate staff of 14, scientists, educators, restoration practitioners, advocates, volunteers, coastal communities. This role will have significant ownership, support from existing staff, and the opportunity to grow into greater communications leadership as the organization develops.

And if you already love the coast, whether through fishing, birding, surfing, paddling, wildlife, beaches, or simply spending time near the water, you’ll fit right in.

Compensation & Work Environment

Salary: $68,000–$78,000, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package that includes medical, paid leave and holidays, and professional development support. This is a full-time, hybrid position with regular in-person work at the American Littoral Society’s Sandy Hook headquarters in Highlands, New Jersey. Some regional travel and occasional evening or weekend work to cover events will be required.