Senior Manager, Communications

National Audubon Society, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society in New York, NY, seeks a senior manager to shape Audubon’s voice on conservation issues and advance the Flight Plan priorities across the hemisphere. Reporting to the Senior Director of Internal Communications, this role collaborates with the Office of the Chief Conservation Officer to ensure communications are integrated, strategic, and enterprise-focused.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in communications, exceptional writing and editing for executives, and a proven

Qualifications

• 7+ years in communications, public relations, internal communications, or executive communications.
• Strong writing and research skills with experience writing/editing for executives and briefing materials.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans with measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communications strategies advancing Audubon’s messaging, Flight Plan priorities, and global positioning.
• Collaborate with Senior Director Internal Communications and leadership to enable advance planning and handle confidential matters.
• Write high-impact speeches, talking points, blog posts, press statements, briefing materials, op-eds, and other executive communications.
• Support enterprise communications initiatives with messaging, materials, and change management strategies.
• Translate complex conservation issues into clear, mission-focused narratives.
• Maintain consistency and clarity in internal and external communications and enterprise messaging.
• Identify and secure opportunities for leadership to participate in conferences, speaking engagements, media appearances.
• Monitor emerging trends in conservation, policy, and communications to keep messaging timely and impactful.
• Maintain a culture of safety and inclusion.
• Support other communications-related priorities as needed.

Skills

Executive communications

Strategic planning

Writings & editing

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Global mindset

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Equivalent education/experience considered

Job description

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

Audubon's conservation impact depends not only on the work the organization leads, but on how that work is understood, embraced, and acted upon by the audiences who can help advance it—from policymakers and partners to supporters, employees, and communities across the hemisphere. Reporting to the Senior Director of Internal Communications, this senior manager role helps shape Audubon's voice on the issues that define its mission and helps advance the Flight Plan priorities that guide the organization's hemispheric work. A core member of the Communications team, the position collaborates primarily with the Office of the Chief Conservation Officer (OCCO) to ensure communications activity is integrated, strategic, and enterprise-focused. The role brings strategic judgment, strong writing, and a collaborative approach to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and aims to drive consistency, impact, and forward momentum. The role will support communications priorities—including executive communications, organizational change, internal communications, and other strategic initiatives—as needed, consistent with the Communications Department's enterprise approach. This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee's choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's offices in Washington, DC, New York, NY, Chicago or Oakland, CA.

Compensation

Salary range based on geo-differentials: $106,995 - $120,370 / year = Washington, DC $118,890 - $133,751 / year = New York, NY; Oakland, CA.

Essential Functions

• Partnering with leadership for the development and execution of communications strategies that advance Audubon’s messaging, Flight Plan priorities, and global positioning.
• Work with the Senior Director, Internal Communications and leadership team to ensure close, ongoing collaboration, enable advance planning, and understand short-term and long-term communications needs; manage confidential and sensitive news.
• Writes high-impact speeches, talking points, blog posts, press statements, briefing materials, op-eds, and other executive communications to support leadership engagements, including board meetings, congressional meetings and testimony, speaking events, internal meetings, and other strategic priorities.
• Supports enterprise communications initiatives by developing strategic messaging, executive materials, communication plans, and change management strategies that strengthen employee understanding, engagement, and organizational alignment.
• Translates complex conservation issues into clear, compelling, and mission-focused narratives.
• Maintains consistency and clarity in both internal and external communications, reinforcing Audubon’s leadership in conservation.
• Collaborates with the Chief Conservation Officer, conservation colleagues across the Americas, and cross-functional leaders within Audubon to ensure communications are integrated, strategic, and enterprise-focused.
• Identifies and secures high-level opportunities for leadership to participate in conferences, speaking engagements, media appearances, and other strategic engagements, ensuring alignment with Audubon’s broader communications strategies.
• Ensures alignment between communications from the Office of the Chief Conservation Officer with broader organizational priorities, supporting proactive internal communications, executive communications, organizational change initiatives, the Chief Conservation Officer’s thought leadership strategy, and consistent enterprise messaging.
• Regularly monitors emerging trends in conservation, policy, and communications to ensure Audubon’s messaging and outreach strategies are timely, compelling, and impactful.
• Maintains and fosters a culture of safety and inclusion.
• Supports other communications-related priorities as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, internal communications, or executive communications (an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered; bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Strong writing and research skills, with extensive experience in writing and editing content for executives, managing media interactions, and preparing high-quality briefing materials for senior leaders.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic communications plans with measurable results.
• Excellent judgment, strategic outlook, global mindset, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality in high-stakes environments.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to execute efficiently and maintain a positive, solutions-oriented approach.
• Strong emphasis on excellence, quality, and detail with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of how to leverage digital platforms to enhance leadership visibility.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with senior leaders and colleagues to develop strategy, content, and alignment with organizational messaging.
• Commitment to Audubon’s core values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally both domestically and internationally (approximately 20 - 25%).

National Audubon Society Competencies

• Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.
• Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.
• Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.
• Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.