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The Biomimicry Institute

Director of Strategic Communications

The Biomimicry Institute, Long Island City, New York, United States, 11101


The Biomimicry Institute is a fully remote organization. However, we will only consider candidates from the states of California, Washington, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania or Virginia. As part of the application process, please submit your letter of interest as well as a sample of a strategic communications asset that you have created. Applications missing this information will not be considered.Applicants from states with salary band posting requirements: Salary is determined based on internal equity; internal salary ranges; market data/ranges; applicant’s skills; prior relevant experience; degrees or certifications, etc. The salary for this position ranges from $90,000 - $110,000.We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Even if you don’t think you are a perfect fit, apply anyway - you might have qualifications we haven’t even thought of yet.

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

Interested in learning more about this role in an interactive Q&A with Biomimicry Institute staff? Join us for an Info Webinar on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 11am EST/ 10am CST / 9am MST / 8am PST. Please reserve your spot here.Job Purpose The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for elevating the Institute’s profile and influence through strategic communication, media relations, and brand management. This individual will develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to amplify the Institute’s mission, managing a team of communication professionals, and overseeing the integration of innovative public relations techniques to engage new audiences and support organizational growth. The Director of Strategic Communications will develop strategic plans for the institute’s communication and amplification objectives, collaborate with leadership on evolving program and brand strategy, and oversee the expansion of the Institute’s presence across social media and global stages.Essential FunctionsStrategic Communications:

In collaboration with the CEO and program leads, develop and implement a comprehensive communications and external affairs strategy, including defining short- and long-term goals and objectives to advance the Institute’s mission and broaden awareness of its programs, focusing on both stakeholder audiences as well as untapped potential audiences.Collaborate with CEO and program Directors to refine and evolve the Institute’s brand strategy and messaging framework.Spearhead strategic initiatives to identify and engage untapped audiences, leveraging data-driven insights and innovative approaches.Working with the Director of Development, create and execute amplification campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and public events through the engagement of external partners and consultants.Organize and promote high-profile PR events and manage the editorial calendar for the planning and timely execution of all communications activities.Ensure cross-collaboration between communications and other departments and ensure that adequate support from communications is provided for priority projects and/or campaigns.Collaborate with leadership to promote positive internal communications that keep all staff members up-to-date and promote an integrated and collaborative environment.25% of this role will be focused on the Design for Transformation program to deliver a comprehensive global narrative and storytelling program, working with external agencies, global partners and funders.Public Relations:

Champion the Institute’s brand, ensuring a strong and consistent presence both internally and externally.Manage the Institute’s social media strategy, driving audience growth and engagement, with a focus on increasing distribution channels and media contacts.Lead media relations efforts, serving as the primary contact for media inquiries and managing publicity campaigns.Develop, update, and manage inventory of internal and external communications tools and platforms across the organization.Management:

Develop and manage a communications budget, including forecasting requirements; coordinate creative services for communications materials; hire and support contractors, including managing work plans, providing feedback, and leading meetings.Oversee the production of key communication assets, including annual reports, development collateral, digital content, and media materials.Manage direct reports by participating in the recruitment, selection and onboarding of new Communications employees.Look for ways to streamline communications operations and enhance team productivity.Communicate and set clear job expectations.Continually evaluate performance, culminating in an annual written performance evaluation.Lead, mentor and support professional development of team.QualificationsEducation and Experience

BA in a related field and 10+ years of combined experience in communications, marketing and/or public relations.Experience in brand management, media relations, and digital amplification of mission-based programs a plus.Experience synthesizing and disseminating information through multiple distribution channels.Excellent working knowledge of the social media landscape, with an understanding of community activation and engagement.Excellent knowledge of biomimicry. If not trained in biomimicry, then must complete advanced training.Proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.Skills/Abilities

Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Biomimicry Institute.A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making.Adaptable—manages a constantly changing remote work environment.Clear, direct, and succinct writer. Strong editing skills, including an ability to write for a variety of audiences and channels.An eye for design, enough to effectively communicate vision.Comfortable learning and using the digital tools the Biomimicry Institute uses.Self-sufficient—takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision.Strong communication and relationship building skills.Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Activities that occur constantly are communicating effectively with others; assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently; prolonged periods of working at a computer.Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds.Work Environment (Remote) The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Duties are performed in a home workspace. Employees are expected to maintain their home workspace in a safe manner, free from safety hazards.Flexibility to respond to various global time zones.May require up to 10-20% travel.The Biomimicry Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and consideration of all applicants for positions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or any other legally protected category.

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