Strategic External Communications Director

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid leave

Paid family leave (4 weeks)

Health care (single & family)

Conservation day leave

401(k) with match

Job summary

The National Aquarium in Baltimore seeks a Director of External Communications to guide external messaging, public relations and public affairs, elevating the organization's reputation and visibility with key audiences. The role reports to senior leadership and integrates communications across campaigns and fundraising efforts.

The position requires strategic leadership, strong media relationships and the ability to guide crisis communications and rapid-response efforts on-site or hybrid in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• 8–10+ years in public relations or public affairs.
• Experience with media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience guiding external messaging and reputation management.

Responsibilities

• Lead PR strategy and campaigns to enhance brand reputation and revenue.
• Partner with VP External Affairs on public affairs and community strategy.
• Develop integrated public relations and stakeholder communications.
• Execute thought leadership and crisis communications.
• Oversee annual report narrative.
• Manage media relationships and serve as spokesperson.
• Collaborate with Internal Communications on coordinated messaging.
• Identify spokespersons and conduct media training.
• Lead crisis and rapid-response messaging.
• Represent Aquarium on community partnerships.
• Participate in committees and manage PR agency.
• Support organization mission and adhere to policies.

Skills

PR strategy

Media relations

Crisis comm

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Writing & editing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

The National Aquarium in Baltimore seeks a Director of External Communications to guide external messaging, public relations and public affairs, elevating the organization's reputation and visibility with key audiences. The role reports to senior leadership and integrates communications across campaigns and fundraising efforts.

The position requires strategic leadership, strong media relationships and the ability to guide crisis communications and rapid-response efforts on-site or hybrid in