Associate Director, Communication

American Rivers; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 73,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness benefits

Financial security contributions

Generous time off policies

Sabbatical leave every seven years

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A national conservation organization is seeking an Associate Director of Communications to develop and execute strategies for media outreach and content creation. This role involves storytelling, managing media relationships, and analyzing engagement metrics. The ideal candidate has expertise in communications, a passion for conservation, and experience in project management. The organization offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 to $73,200 and a comprehensive benefits package to support employees' well-being and professional growth.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in conservation, marketing, communication or journalism.
• Experience with digital content production tools.
• Ability to manage complex project timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop media and communications strategies for conservation.
• Lead storytelling and content development efforts.
• Manage relationships with media and track engagement metrics.

Skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Project management

Digital content production

Media relations

Creative storytelling

Job description

Job Title

Associate Director of Communications

Position Classification

Associate Director II

Salary Band

A

Reports To

National Communications and Media Director

Location

D.C. or Remote in the Southeast or Mid-Atlantic

About American Rivers

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Communications develops and executes communications strategies in close collaboration with our national and regional teams. This includes creative storytelling, media outreach, content development, and working with partners and coalitions to advance our river conservation and communications goals.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media and communications strategies to build support for healthy rivers and clean water among key audiences in the assigned regions.
• Lead storytelling efforts by developing and distributing content that supports our priority projects and public engagement efforts. This includes blogs, social media posts, newsletter content, action alerts, factsheets, photos, video, and other materials.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with members of the media, coordinate spokespeople, draft press statements and talking points, respond to outreach and help implement rapid-response communications.
• Work closely with the broader communications and marketing team to ensure consistency of brand, voice, messaging, and coordination.
• Track and analyze metrics to evaluate communications and public engagement effectiveness and inform adjustments.
• Manage content calendars, deadlines, budgets for communications projects; support contract/consultant management as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 3 years of relevant experience in conservation, marketing, communication or journalism.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex project timelines and coordinate multiple campaign efforts.
• Experience with digital content production tools.
• Interest and willingness to experiment with new tactics in the evolving communications landscape.
• Experience or interest in working with journalists at the local and national level.
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally and nationally, including occasional off-hours or field work as needed.
• Comfort prioritizing work in high‑pace environments and willingness to meet regular, often variable deadlines.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $65,000-73,200 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long‑term and short‑term disability, and life insurance.
• Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
• Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well‑being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

Community and Opportunity

• At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
• Our culture prioritizes work‑life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
• We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
• At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

Equal Opportunity

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or [e-mail]. Applicants must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.