External Communications Manager

The Amazon Conservation Team (ACT) is seeking a dynamic and experienced External Communications Manager to lead our communications efforts across our field offices and generate media coverage for our vital conservation work across the Amazon. This role will be instrumental in amplifying ACT's mission and achievements to a global audience. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on Amazon conservation efforts through strategic communications. The primary audience for this role’s work is the general public on national and global scale. The ideal candidate will be passionate about environmental protection, indigenous rights, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

ACT was founded in 1996 to partner with indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forest and strengthen traditional cultures. We have teams in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Guianas and a small headquarters office in Falls Church, VA. We’re lean and most of our staff is in the field—where they should be.

Our conservation philosophy is people-based and ACT works to steadily increase the number of local communities in the Amazon region who are able to monitor, sustainably manage and protect their traditional forestlands and significantly increase the area of Amazonian rainforest with improved protection. Our program has three focus areas: sustainable land management and protection; secure and sustainable livelihoods for people; and strengthening community governance and culture. These focus areas drive our vision for the Amazon region and provide a clear, unified and long-term direction for how our organization operates.

Ready to join the team? Here are the details.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Please email cover letter, resume, and three writing samples to careers@amazonteam.org; use "External Communications Manager" in the subject line.

POSITION SUMMARY

Our External Communications Manager, a key member of the Communications team, is primarily responsible for developing and executing ACT’s external communications strategy. This includes overseeing the creation and distribution of all public-facing materials, to enhance ACT’s visibility and reputation. The External Communications Manager will also manage media relations, working to cultivate strong partnerships with journalists and key stakeholders. Additionally, they will play a key role in shaping ACT’s messaging across various platforms and collaborating with field offices to ensure consistent, unified communication globally.

Key Responsibilities:

Press Relations and Media Outreach

• Develop and execute strategic media plans to increase ACT's visibility in national and international press
• Cultivate relationships with key journalists and media outlets covering environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and Amazon-related issues
• Write compelling press releases, op-eds, and pitch letters to secure media coverage
• Prepare ACT founders, leadership, and field staff for media interviews and speaking engagements
• Monitor media coverage and maintain a comprehensive database of ACT's media appearances

Cross-Office Communications Coordination

• Serve as the central point of contact for communications across all ACT field offices
• Develop and implement cohesive messaging strategies to ensure consistency across different regions and projects
• Facilitate regular communication between field offices to share success stories, challenges, and best practices
• Create internal communications protocols and templates to streamline information sharing

Social Media Management (in collaboration with our Donor Communications Manager)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external audience-focused social media strategy across platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Create engaging, shareable content that highlights ACT's work, impact, and the importance of Amazon conservation
• Collaborate with field teams to source compelling stories, photos, and videos for social media use
• Monitor social media analytics and adjust strategies to maximize engagement and reach
• Stay updated on social media trends and best practices in the nonprofit and conservation sectors

Content Creation and Brand Management (in collaboration with our Donor Communications Manager)

• Manage, in collaboration with others on Development & Fundraising team, the production of ACT's external communications materials, including annual reports, newsletters, and website content
• Ensure all communications adhere to ACT's brand guidelines and effectively convey our mission and values
• Collaborate with graphic designers and videographers to produce high-quality visual content
• Maintain and periodically update ACT branding guidelines and resources
• Collaboratively manage ACT-Wide Media Library

Fund-raising and Marketing

• Serve as the central point of contact for media and marketing partnerships
• Support efforts to grow ACT’s social media reach and email list
• Support special projects such as founder’s podcast series

Qualifications:

Experience and Skills

• 5+ years of experience in communications, preferably in the nonprofit or environmental sector
• Proven track record of securing media coverage in top-tier publications
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required; Master's degree preferred

Competencies

• Experience working with or knowledge of indigenous communities and Amazon conservation issues a plus
• Strong understanding of social media best practices and experience managing organizational accounts
• Fluency in English and required
• Proficiency in Spanish required; Portuguese highly desirable
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across cultures and time zones
• Strong project management skills and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Other Requirements

• Deep concern for the health of the Amazon biome and understanding of the critical role that indigenous communities play in conservation
• Travel domestically and internationally may be required
• Must be able to occasionally work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on rainforest conservation efforts

The Amazon Conservation Team is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who are passionate about our mission to preserve South American rainforests.