Senior Communications Director (1 Year Contract)

POSITION SUMMARY

Greenpeace USA (GPUSA) seeks an experienced and visionary Senior Director of Communications to spearhead its communications strategy and elevate the organization’s public presence and impact. As a pivotal leadership position, the Senior Director will oversee all digital communications, website management, social media, public relations, and media relations, ensuring that Greenpeace USA’s mission is amplified across multiple platforms to drive public engagement and support.

The Senior Director of Communications will be responsible for shaping and executing a cohesive and strategic communications plan that aligns with Greenpeace USA’s core values of environmental protection, climate action, and social justice. This individual will lead and mentor the communications team, fostering collaboration with program and fundraising teams to ensure a unified and impactful narrative. In partnership with other departments and Greenpeace’s international network, the Senior Director will play a critical role in supporting integrated communications efforts across campaigns, fundraising  and public engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Director of Communications role will bring an ambitious vision for Greenpeace USA’s impact and understand how strategic communications can drive meaningful, lasting change. This leader will possess a strong passion for innovative communication strategies and a demonstrated ability to manage major projects, as well as guide and develop a team of experienced professionals. At this critical moment, with a high-profile trial approaching, the Senior Director will play an essential role in shaping public narratives, managing reputational risk, and mobilizing public support, ensuring that Greenpeace’s mission and values are powerfully communicated during this pivotal time.

The Senior Director of Communications is an exempt, full-time role preferably based in Washington, DC, New York  or California and will report to the Executive Director.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and lead the implementation of comprehensive communications strategies, ensuring seamless integration across digital (website, social media), traditional PR, media relations channels, and fundraising to maximize reach and engagement.
• Work to cultivate a collaborative and symbiotic relationship between communications, program and fundraising by aligning messaging that both raises awareness and inspires donor support, amplifying Greenpeace USA’s mission and impact.
• Serve as a senior advisor to Greenpeace USA’s leadership, providing insights on how to amplify the organization’s visibility and influence in the public domain.
• Translate organizational goals into actionable communications strategies to build presence and drive national and global media coverage.
• Identify and mitigate reputational risks, leading crisis communications when necessary.
• Embed principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice in all communications to ensure Greenpeace USA’s values are reflected in public messaging.
• Leverage polling, market research, and audience insights to shape messaging that resonates across different demographics and platforms.
• Digital Communications and Social Media:
• Manage the digital communications strategy, ensuring the Greenpeace USA website, social media platforms, and online content effectively engage key audiences.
• Innovate in the use of digital technologies, social media trends, and data-driven insights to optimize audience engagement and campaign success.
• In collaboration with the Development and Program departments, ensure  consistent monitoring and reporting of digital and social media performance, adjusting strategies as needed to enhance results.
• Media Relations and Traditional PR:
• Lead the development and execution of media outreach strategies, securing coverage in top-tier media outlets including television, streaming and podcasts to expand Greenpeace USA’s outreach to new audiences.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, influencers, and media platforms.
• Oversee press releases, media events, interviews, and other PR activities to enhance visibility and engagement with Greenpeace campaigns.
• Serve as a spokesperson for Greenpeace USA when necessary.
• Key Opportunity/Challenge – SLAPP Suit:
• Leverage the ongoing Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) against Greenpeace USA as a significant opportunity to build public support and mobilize the broader environmental and activist communities.
• Craft and implement communications strategies that highlight Greenpeace’s role in standing up to corporate intimidation, emphasizing the importance of free speech and activism.
• Collaborate closely with legal, campaign, and fundraising teams to develop cohesive messaging that educates the public about the implications of the lawsuit suit, galvanizing supporters to defend not just Greenpeace but environmental advocacy as a whole.
• Coordinate with Greenpeace International, Greenpeace organizations in other countries and allied groups to facilitate collaboration and maintain aligned communications
• Manage rapid response communications in the context of legal challenges, ensuring that public perception is aligned with Greenpeace's mission and values.
• Support the development of an impactful communications strategy specific to the trial, with the possibility of spending time in North Dakota early next year to ensure an on-the-ground presence and responsiveness to emerging needs.
• Team Leadership:
• Manage and lead a high-performing communications team, including digital communications, media relations, creative content, and visuals.
• Foster a collaborative and dynamic work environment, supporting professional growth and development within the team.
• Ensure consistent communication across departments, aligning communications strategies with organizational objectives.
• Develop and manage the communications department’s budget and staffing in coordination with senior leadership.
• Crisis Communications:
• Lead crisis response efforts by developing coordinated communication strategies in partnership with Greenpeace’s global communications hub, and directing critical information back to our teams for implementation.
• Manage reputation during times of organizational or campaign-related crises, acting swiftly and proactively.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in communications, with demonstrated success in digital strategy, media relations, PR, and/or marketing.
• Proven leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a management role, including experience building and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of both traditional and digital media landscapes, including social media platforms and web communications.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience working in or alongside social justice, environmental, or advocacy organizations, with a commitment to non-violent direct action (NVDA) as a powerful means for social change.
• Proven experience in crisis communications and media relations, with a track record of securing national media coverage.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with communications firms and vendors to amplify organizational reach and impact.
• Experience using data-driven approaches and market research to inform communications strategies.
• Commitment to the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 10% of the time.
• Ability to periodically work outside of normal business hours to accommodate global colleagues. 

COMPENSATION

Greenpeace offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage with low contributions from staff. We have options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. Greenpeace employees enjoy generous 401K matching and time-off for vacation, sick, personal, and parental leave. After five years, staff are eligible for a paid sabbatical. To encourage public transportation use and biking, we offer subsidies for staff who choose to bike or ride mass transit to work. Greenpeace is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative workplace culture. For more information, check out our benefits plan. 

This role is graded at a level 6, and a salary within the range of $144,000 - $175,000 is anticipated to be provided to the successful candidate having met the minimum requirements for the position consistent with reflecting our commitment to maintaining competitive and fair compensation practices.