Chief Brand and Communications
Ocean Conservancy
Location Flexible

About Ocean Conservancy

Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers people to take action on behalf of the ocean and works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

For more information on Ocean Conservancy, please read more here.

The Opportunity

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Brand and Communications Officer (CBCO) to play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the organization’s mission, vision and impact on the world through strategic communications and brand building. The CBCO will serve as the senior brand and communications strategist and leader responsible for communicating about and building public awareness of Ocean Conservancy.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the CBCO will be responsible for creating innovative, game-changing, and visionary digital and communications strategies. The CBCO will lead with an eye towards impact and the ability to maximize opportunities to build Ocean Conservancy’s reputation and brand visibility for all facets of Ocean Conservancy nationally and globally.

As a brand subject matter expert, the CBCO will manage institutional brand identity across all communication channels to present Ocean Conservancy as an innovative leader delivering on its 2030 vision: rising to the climate crisis, incorporating justice and equity throughout our work and building power for the ocean and the communities that depend on it.

Working alongside their fellow teammates, the CBCO will coordinate digital, communication and branding efforts among external vendors, board members, and staff. They will have the opportunity to bridge constituents, expand diversity, equity, and inclusion on their team and organization and foster a positive organizational culture.

As an engaged manager, the CBCO will educate, motivate, and lead a dynamic, creative team in applying best practices, with a particular focus on brand strategy, marketing, digital communications, and data-driven decision-making.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics.

An Innovative Brand and Communication Strategist

The CBCO will be an experienced brand and communications leader with demonstrated success within a high-profile, complex organization. With a curious mindset, creative savvy, and a high level of strategic focus, the CBCO will be responsible in devising and implementing integrated strategies across communication channels including digital and social media channels, the organizational website and other collateral. The CBCO will have demonstrated experience in setting and implementing innovative communication strategies with an eye towards integration and cohesion across all platforms and increased impact. In addition, the CBCO will be analytical and data-driven, able to conceptualize and analyze both problems and solutions, and identify key metrics that will help Ocean Conservancy work towards its strategic objectives. The CBCO will be comfortable with ambiguity and institutional change and a willingness to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment.

Strategic Leadership and Management

The CBCO will be a strategic leader who will help set and execute a vision for the organization’s next chapter, with a particular emphasis on incorporating justice and equity into Ocean Conservancy’s external communications strategies and channels. This person will work with internal and external partners to develop a strategic approach and provide ongoing counsel and expertise for increased impact. The CBCO will lead a talented and passionate team of marketing, communications, and digital professionals and will be an experienced leader who can lead, coach, mentor, and build capacity, while creating a positive and inclusive culture. They should possess a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and will be committed to advancing these values on their team and within the broader organization.

A Bridge Builder and Collaborator

The CBCO must be able to build and sustain collaborative relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners. The next leader will demonstrate emotional intelligence, a high level of cultural fluency, and a deep respect for the audiences and partners that works with Ocean Conservancy. The CBCO will have experience partnering with external constituencies and will bring an approachable and inclusive communication style. It will be important for this leader to partner closely with the Resource Development function of Ocean Conservancy and to be the nexus of communication strategy between internal colleagues. The CBCO will be nimble and adaptable and will be energized by a highly collaborative environment.

A Passion for the Mission

The CBCO will have a demonstrated passion for the mission of Ocean Conservancy, whether personally or professionally, and will be able to translate that commitment to furthering the organization’s goals with an eye on increased impact. With a commitment and enthusiasm for embracing the diversity and inclusion within the sector, the CBCO will have a pulse on what is happening in the moment as well as long-term trends that may impact Ocean Conservancy and will be dedicated to preparing the company for continued long-term success.

In addition, strong candidates will offer experience in:

• Developing and implementing an annual strategic communications plan that builds upon the organization’s long-term strategic plan and best utilizes available resources
• Implementing tracking measures on core metrics and regularly report on progress
• Providing leadership and guidance to the CEO, Board, staff, external partners, and brand ambassadors on key Ocean Conservancy messaging and communication priorities
• Providing vision and guidance to senior leaders and the Board on increasing awareness, acquisition and brand loyalty
• Identification of media moments and opportunities and develop, execute and deliver on plans for growth
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment and under tight deadlines to meet goals, with a proactive approach
• Embedding the organization’s vision and values around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into all aspects of brand communications and serving as an ambassador for inclusive practices across the organization
• Demonstrated leadership and relationship management experience
• Familiarity with a wide range of marketing tactics, including but not limited to digital advocacy and fundraising, strategic events, event, thought leadership, traditional media, and others
• Openness to defining a new role, and comfort with the uncertainties of designing, testing, and refining a coordinated communications approach for the organization
• An enthusiastic team player who thrives in a high-energy, results-oriented environment
• At least 15 years of relevant experience designing, cultivating, and implementing successful brand strategy efforts

Compensation & Benefits

Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected hiring ranges for each of its positions. We are targeting a hiring range of $187,000 - $234,000, which will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location and unique background. We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the ability to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected hiring range.

COVID-19 Requirement

You will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status or submit to regular masking and testing, as a condition of employment at Ocean Conservancy’s meetings, gatherings, and offices. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume to Alicia Salerno here.

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Ocean Conservancy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

About Koya Partners

Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

For more information about Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Conservancy is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.