Communications Manager, Ocean Program

Job Summary

In this role, you will implement an exciting program strategy, identify compelling stories, manage major launch initiatives, and plan and execute ongoing communications and engagement work. If you are a skilled and experienced communications professional that likes delivering a dynamic communications strategy, then this is the role for you. We seek someone with an air traffic controller mentality who can project manage up and down, and mobilize communications functions across a program, from digital to media, creative to editorial, and stakeholder engagement to events. In this role, you will need to think creatively and critically and who can inspire colleagues and stakeholders to be as invested as you are in our collective success. You will be part of a highly motivated, fast-paced team using communications to address global environment, sustainability, economic and human well-being issues. You will work very closely with the Ocean Panel’s Communications Assistant to deliver the strategy and connect with subject matter experts, communications colleagues around the world, and other partners to get the job done. Availability is critical, with major launch initiatives ongoing now.

This is a limited-term post until 30 September 2022. So, you can expect to dive right in!

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in London, UK once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and implement fully integrated communications strategies for the external positioning of the Ocean Program (including the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Friends of Ocean Action and Ocean Watch)
• Lead message development and storytelling to promote the sustainable ocean economy narrative
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with communication experts to encourage global communication efforts around common messages
• Identify creative opportunities to boost visibility of ocean issues including through multimedia graphics, videos, etc.
• Manage external public relations and consultants
• Manage outreach, media relations, and speaking engagements at high-profile events
• Oversee content for the Ocean website and plan for populating it
• Coordinate with research staff across WRI’s programs, centers and international offices to support ocean projects as well as identify opportunities for more impactful collaboration across teams
• Work with WRI Communications team to pitch stories and respond to media inquiries related to ocean topics
• Write and edit material including blog posts, op-eds, e-blasts, speeches, press releases, communications toolkits and other compelling communications that serves to translate technical material for various audiences
• Oversee social media accounts and online graphics
• Regularly track and evaluate metrics of success and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results, including preparing wrap reports
• Lead preparation of and manage timelines and workback plans for key events and outreach opportunities to ensure we and our broader communications partners are fully aligned
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Ocean team
• Guide and mentor junior communications staff

Job Qualifications

• Masters’ degree, or 2 additional years of experience, in communications, public relations, or related field
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of full time relevant professional experience in public relations, journalism, or communications, with a focus on climate, energy, or broader environmental issues
• Extensive experience writing, media and social media experience 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team 
• Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other staff and partners
• Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products
• Experience managing and mentoring staff
• Ability to work with high-level, global experts, including representatives from government and business

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. Deadline for applications 8th June 2021

Potential Annual Salary: London   £ 50,000 –  £ 61,000 . Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. 

Program Overview

The World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Ocean Program is focused on accelerating progress toward a sustainable ocean economy and achievement of SDG 14 – the Ocean Goal. The Initiative supports efforts to address the numerous challenges the ocean faces and encourage conservation of the marine environment alongside the sustainable use of the marine resources that are so crucial to many countries’ economic development and human well-being. Despite the central importance of a healthy ocean to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, solutions offered by the ocean, and the ocean economy, to support sustainable and equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as food insecurity and climate mitigation and adaption have been largely overlooked. Through the Ocean Program, WRI has set out to change this narrative, to build a greater understanding among governments, business leaders, financiers and practitioners of the opportunities, solutions, values and contribution of the ocean to the global economy, human health and wellbeing, and to accelerate knowledge-based decision making and solutions that drive inclusive ocean based economic opportunities while sustaining ocean ecosystems and coastal populations. WRI serves as the Secretariat to two globally influential ocean initiatives, the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) and the Friends of Ocean Action (with the World Economic Forum), which allows us to place cutting edge research and analysis in the hands of decision makers to shape agendas and policies at the highest levels of business and government. With ocean partners, WRI works to raise the profile of the ocean on the international stage and catalyze and accelerate responsive action and innovative solutions for a sustainable ocean economy. We produce ground-breaking research exploring pressing challenges and solutions at the nexus of the ocean and the economy. And through the Ocean Watch open data platform, set to launch in 2021, we support the flow of science to policymakers working to develop sustainable ocean economies.

WRI Overview 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect. 

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges, and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.  

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.   

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.