Director of Communications

General Summary:

We're seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Communications to spearhead our expanding marketing and communications efforts at Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT). As a key strategic leader, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and achieving our aspirational communication goals.

We're looking for someone who embodies a genuine passion for our mission at MCHT - conserving lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. Your enthusiasm for our cause should be infectious, extending not only to our mission but also to the core values that define us as an organization.

We're searching for someone with a deep well of communications expertise to lead a talented and high-performing team of communications specialists and content creators to communicate clearly, consistently, and powerfully. You’ll be tasked with establishing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns seamlessly with MCHT's strategic plan.

Exceptional relationship-building skills are a must, as you'll collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop impactful communication messages and positions. We're looking for a skilled arbitrator and facilitator who can elevate our organization's overall communications capacity.

If you're ready to make a lasting impact, join us in our mission as we work towards a vibrant and healthy future for Maine.

Essential Job Functions:

Communications strategy and implementation oversight (30%):

• Build and oversee a dynamic and robust communications program to advance the organization’s strategic goals, increasing visibility and support for MCHT and for the benefits of conservation in Maine
• Contribute to the strategic vision and direction for the organization, helping to define and clearly articulate the organization’s vision, mission, values, programs, and impact, and overseeing the development and execution of MCHT’s brand strategy
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive three-to-five-year strategic communications plan that advances the organization’s priorities and goals, leveraging data and input from colleagues across the organization and including detailed strategies for donor and grantee engagement, public engagement, advocacy, digital media, and more, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy and the President & CEO
• Direct and oversee stakeholder research, ensuring the implementation of feedback loops (internal and external) to continuously improve the effectiveness of communications, inform strategic decision-making around communications priorities, and optimize resource allocation for maximum impact. Stay informed about industry trends and evaluate the success of the program.
• Build a network of ambassadors, recommending and overseeing effective internal communications strategies to keep staff, Board, volunteers, and other key stakeholders informed, engaged, and inspired, and provide training and coaching to strengthen the capacity of select staff to effectively represent MCHT in public venues, with the media, etc.
• Develop comprehensive crisis communication strategies and protocols to ensure the organization is well-prepared to address a wide range of potential crises. Provide guidance and support to the Leadership Team and spokespersons on crisis communication best practices, including media interviews and public speaking.
• Actively participate in group strategy discussions, providing communications & marketing insight and guidance, sharing information with colleagues and partners, and advancing the overall goals of the organization.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Team Leadership and Management (35%):

• Structure and cultivate a strong communications team. Provide thoughtful support on professional growth. Hire when needed.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations and execution of Communications activities for the organization. Direct the development and production of all communications materials, including print, electronic, and video media; donor and funder communications; speeches, articles, and publications; white papers and reports; online content; and promotional messaging.
• Set and evaluate annual performance metrics for the communications unit with the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy, including awareness and engagement metrics, enhancement in media coverage, donor acquisition and retention metrics, growth in visible partnerships, and expansion of the organization's reach to underserved or marginalized communities. Track perception of the organization's impact effectiveness through stakeholder surveys or feedback mechanisms.
• Shape the departmental budget in collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy and departmental peers. Develop and manage the communications budget to effectively achieve the mission and goals of the organization. Contribute to the development of the organizational budget.

External Representation (35%):

• Represent MCHT at local, regional, state, and national levels, serving as a spokesperson for the organization with the media, presenting at conferences, authoring op-eds and blog posts, and more.
• Develop and sustain strategic relationships with partners, donors, Board, Council, and Committee members, elected and appointed officials, and other key stakeholders, as appropriate and directed by the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy.
• Develop and implement campaigns in collaboration with corporate partners and internal stakeholders. Create, implement, and execute cause marketing campaigns and materials to promote strategic collaborations between MCHT and other non-profits and businesses.

Supervisory Responsibility:

The Director of Communications will oversee a team that currently includes four roles: Lead Writer & Brand Manager (currently serving as the Interim Associate Director of Communications overseeing the communications and marketing positions), Event Manager, Marketing Manager, and Communications Manager. However, the exact team structure and reporting lines may evolve, and final decisions will be determined in collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications & Philanthropy.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include assisting with training employees, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance and resolving issues.

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree required with at least 8 years of full-time hands-on work in communications, media, marketing, or related field(s). A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a leadership position with responsibility for managing and building comprehensive strategic communications programs and teams. Experience working in conservation is a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Driving Communications Strategy and Results: Proven ability to design and oversee comprehensive communication strategies that align with organizational priorities and drive measurable outcomes, including guiding the development of compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Crafting Compelling Communications: Exceptional writing and storytelling skills to create persuasive communications that resonate with donors and partners and compel people to action.
• Driving Performance Through Data and Metrics: Expertise in leveraging data to set, track, and achieve performance metrics, assessing the success of communications efforts.
• Leading and Building High-Performing Teams: Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring teams while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Exercising Sound Judgment and Discretion: Exceptional decision-making abilities, with the capacity to handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly and effectively.
• Balancing Independence with Collaboration: Strong ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and take initiative while knowing when to consult with leadership for key decisions.
• Maximizing Digital and Technological Impact: Advanced knowledge of digital platforms, social media, analytics tools, and emerging technologies to enhance communication strategies.
• Managing Crisis Communications Effectively: Experience in creating and executing crisis communication plans and serving as a trusted advisor during challenging situations.
• Building and Sustaining Strategic Relationships: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to engage with internal teams, external partners, donors, and stakeholders.
• Fostering Innovation and Commitment to Values: Deep alignment with the organization’s mission and values, including equity, transparency, and conservation, with a creative approach to problem-solving and storytelling.
• Thriving in a Dynamic Environment: Flexibility to excel in a deadline-driven, fast-paced setting, with the ability to travel and adapt to varying needs and priorities.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, MDI and Whiting, Maine. The location of this position is flexible. Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Significant offsite travel is required including regular travel to other offices.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a generous benefits package including insurance, vacation and sick time, 14 paid holidays and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $96,000 to $120,000 and will depend upon experience. 

To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and passion for our mission to search@mcht.org by February 23, 2025.  Please use “Communications Director” in the subject line.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.