The US Nature Initiative (USNI) VP of Communications is responsible for overseeing all internal and external communications, including strategy development, media relations and public relations. This position's primary responsibilities will focus on message research and message development/implementation in collaboration with our grantees and other partners. The VP will be USNI’s top level communications strategist who is committed to developing messages and messaging that increase the likelihood of bipartisan nature protection in the US. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Develop comprehensive communication plans, including messaging strategies, public relations campaigns, and social strategies that are executed by our partners and grantees.  Conduct message research that will inform message frameworks and campaign plans. 

• Implementation: Work hand in hand with USNI grantees to implement message frameworks and tactics. 

• Media Relations: Manage relationships with media outlets, handle media inquiries, and serve as a spokesperson for the organization and our shared campaigns with grantees.  Prepare campaign partners and grantees for media engagements. 
• Public Relations: Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including grantees, decision makers and other key partners. 
• Internal Communications: Develop and implement strategies to ensure consistent and effective internal communication, including newsletters, funder presentations, USNI collateral, website updates, and internal events. 
• Content Creation: Develop and oversee the creation of various communications materials that support our priority campaigns and long-term advocacy strategies with grantees and other partners. 
• Team Leadership: Manage a team of communications consultants.   

Qualifications:

• Must be a self starter that is comfortable leading sharp communications strategies that involve multiple stakeholders / multiple players in a coalition environment.   
• Proven ability to commission and use polling, focus groups, and other forms of research to develop values based messages and messaging frameworks. 
• Proven ability to develop and execute on communications tactics in traditional and digital media environments.  
• Excited to participate in a highly collaborative startup workplace culture. 
• Deep experience developing communications strategies that support issue or electoral campaigns. 
• Proven ability to enforce message discipline in what can be busy/chaotic campaign environments. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds including but not limited to political affiliation.
• Experience working with both sides of the aisle and building bipartisan support for conservation/issue campaigns.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Relentless in the pursuit of the win. 

About the USNI 

The US Nature Initiative (USNI) is committed to safeguarding America’s clean water, public lands, and wildlife habitat through strategic grantmaking, targeted communications campaigns, and effective partnerships in key states. USNI leverages widespread bipartisan support for nature to push for and achieve conservation outcomes.

Compensation + Benefits:

The salary for this position is 150-175K based on experience with a very generous benefits package.  Location is flexible and monthly travel is required.