Ghost Gear Communications Strategist

POSITION TITLE:

Ghost Gear Communications Strategist

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM:

Strategic Communications

REPORTS TO:

Vice President, Strategic Communications

STATUS:

Two-year Contract, Part-time (20 hours per week)

LOCATION:

AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ghost Gear Communications Strategist will develop and begin implementing a communications strategy to advance Ocean Conservancy’s work on ghost gear (lost, abandoned or discarded fishing gear) which is pound for pound the deadliest form of debris to marine life.  

The Strategist will seize opportunities over the next year to advance our conservation work on this critical issue, develop foundational materials and content for ghost gear communications and lay the groundwork to grow Ocean Conservancy’s public footprint on ghost gear over the next five to ten years. The Strategist will also develop a brand guide to ensure alignment between Ocean Conservancy and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI), a global alliance convened by Ocean Conservancy that brings together industry, NGOs and governments.  

The Strategist will report to the Vice President, Strategic Communications and work in close partnership with both the ghost gear program team and the strategic communications department at Ocean Conservancy. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop an understanding of the issue of ghost gear and Ocean Conservancy’s work in this area.
• Develop foundational materials and content for ghost gear, including: 
  • Core messaging on ghost gear 
  • Formatted two-pager 
  • Video optimized for social media 
  • Evergreen social media posts/graphics 
  • Carousel explainer on types of ghost gear 
  • Video explainers on how ghost gear ends up in our ocean (where it travels, how it impacts animals, etc.) 
  • Videos on specific locations 
  • Media list / core spokespeople / media pitch 
• Develop communications/branding strategy for ghost gear, which should include: 
  • Goals, key audiences, tactics  
  • Plan for how we’ll use GGGI social media channels 
  • Intersection with Protect Where We Play, our initiative to mobilize the sports and entertainment industry to protect our ocean 
  • Opportunities we’ll capitalize on in the next two years, including the Our Ocean conference and report launches 
  • Five- and ten-year ghost gear opportunities and communications framing  
• Develop brand guide for Ocean Conservancy/GGGI to ensure alignment in all comms 
• Three public communications moments executed (e.g. launch of new research)   

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of experience in digital or communications strategy, with a proven track record of developing and launching new communications campaigns and initiatives.

• Proven ability to produce compelling content across formats: social, long-form, video scripts, email and campaign copy.

• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt voice and tone across audiences and channels.

• Proven track record of securing media coverage.

• Nonprofit experience a plus.

• Ability to travel occasionally.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field preferred.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected pay range for this role is $90 to $100 hourly. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.