Director of Communications

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay seeks a qualified individual to plan, implement and coordinate all aspects of communication for the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP). The CBP is the federal/state partnership responsible for leading the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort.

The Director of Communications is responsible for and oversees the operation of the Communications Office (staff of two), which includes strategic planning, media relations, event planning, internal communications, outreach and website activities and other communications needs for the CBP partnership. The director will coordinate and centralize public communications, ensuring that stakeholders and the public receive consistent and coherent messages about the partnership's effort.

The successful candidate will possess a general understanding of Chesapeake Bay restoration issues, and an ability to communicate technical/scientific issues to a non-technical audience. Experience and/or demonstrated skills in marketing, media relations, public outreach, program management, personnel management, facilitation, oral presentation and writing are essential. Good computer skills are essential, and knowledge of social media tools and e-mail blast software would be of additional value. The individual must enjoy working with people and be willing to travel throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience in public relations, media, journalism or a related field.

Responsibilities of the Director of Communications include:

• Supervising CBP Communications Office staff.
• Generating and expanding media coverage for the Chesapeake Bay Program and Chesapeake Bay issues by distributing news releases and informational backgrounders, hosting media events and /or briefings when appropriate, and fostering good relationships with journalists and editors.
• Facilitating the creation and release of CBP’s annual Bay Barometer, a public-friendly report on Chesapeake Bay health and restoration activities.
• Organizing and executing communications and event logistics for the Chesapeake Executive Council annual meeting.
• Creating and distributing a weekly e-newsletter for CBP partners on Chesapeake Bay news and issues.
• Coordinating monthly meetings of the Communications Workgroup, a network of communications professionals from CBP partnership agencies and organizations.
• Planning, drafting, designing and editing CBP publications and electronic products as needed.
• Supporting communications needs of CBP director, deputy director, associate directors and other CBP staff, including writing columns, talking points and speeches; preparing for and facilitating media interviews; and other tasks as appropriate.
• Facilitating successful internal communications among CBP office staff and partners.
• Other CBP and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay duties as appropriate.

While the Director of Communications works primarily with the CBP partnership, the Director is employed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and reports to the Alliance’s Executive Director. The Alliance is an environmental partnership organization founded in 1971 to represent the stakeholders in the Chesapeake Bay restoration, including business, academic, government, and non-profit interests. The Alliance achieves its mission by fostering consensus on Chesapeake Bay issues, stressing sound science, building inclusive partnerships, and developing innovative solutions with its partners.

The Director of Communications position is located at the CBP office in Annapolis, Maryland.