Head of Strategic Communications

     The deadline for applications is Sunday 17th March 2023.

Location:  Remote, United States, United Kingdom, or Europe. Other locations to be considered within GMT +/- 1 and CST +/-1

Reporting to: Director of Communications

Manages:  Team of two individuals currently, but it is expanding              

Annual salary: £75,000 - £82,000 GBP, $120K - $135K USD,

 €80K - €90K Euro

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time

Candidate level: Management

Background

Global Fishing Watch is an international, nonprofit organization committed to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency. We create and publicly share knowledge about human activity at sea to enable fair and sustainable use of our ocean. Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, Global Fishing Watch became an independent nonprofit organization in June 2017.

Using cutting-edge technology, we create and publicly share map visualizations, data and analysis tools to enable scientific research and drive a transformation in how we manage our ocean. Our major focus is on commercial fishing because it is the most widespread human activity at sea, the most impactful on ocean health, and the most crucial for global livelihoods and food security. By 2030, we aim to monitor and visualize the impact of ocean-going vessels, both industrial and small-scale, that are responsible for the vast majority of the global seafood catch. We believe human activity at sea should be common knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean commons for the common good of all.

The communications function is a core strategic component of Global Fishing Watch’s work, integral to generating public visibility, building political will, and harnessing its growing international constituency to generate greater transparency in global fisheries. Global Fishing Watch’s communications is built upon impactful messaging, targeted media coverage and engagement at the regional and international levels. Sitting at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and policy, the organization seeks to promote transparency in support of better ocean governance.

Purpose of role

The head of strategic communications is responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing communications plans that advance Global Fishing Watch’s objectives and ensure effective delivery of its goals against the organization’s strategy.

Reporting to the director of communications, the successful candidate will manage a growing team of three staff to guide and execute communications strategies that support engagement with countries and at key fora, demonstrate our science and innovation, and reflect the integration of activities outlined in the organization’s strategic pillars.

The post-holder will work closely with the global delivery and international policy teams to develop and oversee communications plans that further transparency objectives, build international momentum and influence change. He/she will also maintain oversight of communications efforts that support Global Fishing Watch’s research, innovation, and tools to ensure strategic alignment and consistency across materials.

Working collaboratively with the director of communications, the successful candidate will help set priorities for the communications team, craft PR, conduct outreach, and identify future communications opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission.

Primary responsibilities

• Design and implement comprehensive communications strategies to support programmatic goals and priorities, including engagement with core countries and international policy work.
• Lead, guide and support a team of managers in the development and execution of their work, ensuring a comprehensive, integrated and consistent approach to strategies and work plans in support of 2030 organizational objectives.
• Cultivate strong relationships with program leads through proactive engagement; develop key messaging and identify/maximize opportunities to provide strategic communications support.
• Develop written materials in support of programmatic work—including web articles, issue/policy briefs and fact sheets, and op-eds—and lead the design process for creatives and multimedia pieces; coordinate with colleagues to develop and manage a timeline for effective release and distribution of materials.
• Support the development of written materials generated by program communications, providing reviews, input and approvals before sending for director sign-off.
• Work closely with the social media manager and media relations manager to profile the organization’s work, milestones and achievements; support the creation, development and implementation of effective strategies that contribute to a well-defined media presence for Global Fishing Watch.
• Maintain knowledge and oversight of various projects and timelines, identifying priorities and organizing capacity and resources to deliver effective and efficient communications.
• Manage working relationships with communications consultants to ensure the highest degree of quality across materials and outreach.
• Serve as an advisor to the director of communications, providing strategic counsel and support in coordinating delivery of program communications.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures and best practices to better govern coordination across teams and streamline communications processes.
• Critically evaluate and report on the success of communications strategies and make recommendations to enhance future performance.
• Develop and maintain an informed awareness of relevant projects to internal/external stakeholders; contribute to management of communications planning calendar.
• Deputize for the director of communications as required for team coordination and strategic planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of our ideal candidate profile, we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented groups.  

Experience/Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required with 7-10 years of professional experience directly responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications on a global level.
• Proficiency in English at a native speaker level, both written and spoken, is required for this position.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills; strong writer/editor familiar with Associated Press style.
• Effective strategic communicator who is highly organized, analytical and self-motivated; maintains the ability to present information in a diplomatic and compelling manner.
• Creative storyteller with the ability to summarize and synthesize large amounts of information and quickly focus on the essence of an issue or finding, addressing policy perspectives at play.
• Able to work swiftly, efficiently and independently with little supervision as part of a high-functioning team.
• Able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines while delivering high-quality materials across a variety of subject matter.
• Demonstrates operational excellence and a commitment to detail in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment.
• Takes full ownership of projects and communicates updates to stakeholders in a transparent and proactive manner.
• Maintains an understanding of the complexities surrounding collaboration and internal communications in a global matrix and remote organization.
• Experience in the field(s) of environment, ocean conservation, fisheries, or policy.

Preferred

• Languages: working/professional proficiency in Spanish, French and/or Portuguese.
• Proven experience in harnessing digital communications and multimedia to advance causes and disseminate information.
• Experience in content/copy editing and proofing.
• Experience working in journalism, broadcast or at international organizations.
• Experience in managing crisis communications.

Terms and conditions

Global Fishing Watch supports flexible working, so the pattern of hours may vary according to operational and personal needs. The position will be part of a global team spanning many different time zones and so the candidate must be able to accommodate regular early/late meetings to be able to work effectively. Weekend work may be required on occasion. The post holder may be required to undertake regional and international travel. No overtime is payable.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and will vary depending on the hired candidate’s country of residence, in accordance with local laws and regulations. The position may be a Global Fishing Watch employee or consultant, depending on the country of residence. Global Fishing Watch offers pension/retirement, health and other benefits commensurate with similar level Global Fishing Watch employees in the country of employment.

Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that our mission is best advanced when welcoming the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures and are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and our partners, vendors, suppliers, and contractors. We welcome the application of all qualified professionals and especially encourage those that have been historically marginalized or underrepresented because of their actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To apply for the post

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the following: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17072164616450039627iLI?source=ChroPh

Please contact Ruth Gardner at ruth@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have.

The deadline for application is Sunday 17th March 202

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