World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Manager, Media & External Affairs

Major Function

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Manager, Media & External Affairs. This role implements innovative media and external affairs tactics to advance WWF’s conservation mission and drive engagement with the public, influencers, media and policymakers. Working with the senior director, this position is responsible for supporting the team’s work related to the organizational goals for addressing climate change and protecting the world’s forests.

• Implements comprehensive external affairs and public relations tactics to promote WWF’s engagement with key audiences, including thought leaders, media, private sector leaders and policymakers to deliver on the organization’s conservation goals as they relate to our forest and climate change work.
• Leads climate and forest elements of external communications strategies for top-tier priorities and campaigns. Works with marketing and communications, and program staff, to develop and implement these integrated strategies across various WWF communications platforms.
• Identifies and builds relationships with key conservation, forest and climate media reporters and outlets including new media and podcasts. Keeps an eye out for the hot stories and breaking news in climate change and forest issues to identify opportunities for WWF voices to elevate the conversation through rapid response statements, press interviews, opinion editorials and more.
• Project manages the media and external affairs components of external report releases and initiatives related to WWF’s Forest and climate work. This includes the development of media messaging, press releases, possible social content, as well as building targeted pitch lists and direct engagement with reporters.
• Acts as MXA’s liaison and lead media coordination point with WWF-International and other global WWF offices across various conservation issues. This includes representing WWF-US at appropriate global events such as UNGA and COP where strategic communications is a priority. Possible travel to field programs, other WWF offices, government headquarters and locations both domestically and internationally.
• Partners with the forest and climate goal communicator in implementing comprehensive and proactive communications strategies and tactics as they relate to media and external affairs. This can include the development of messaging and written materials for internal and external channels. Measures and reports on the impact of those strategies.
• Offers mentorship to junior staff and/or interns through management, training, and facilitation of key projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required, as is knowledge of working with media and engaging in digital public relations tactics. Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in public relations or journalism is required
• A demonstrable track record of successful project management and leadership on communications campaigns is required.
• A background in communications related to environmental issues or other scientific fields is preferred.
• Superb oral and written communications skills are a must.
• Ability to develop and implement external affairs and public relations tactics on tight deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects; create and implement tactics on tight deadlines and be a cooperative team player.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, especially relationship management skills and the ability to work productively across diverse teams, cultures, and contexts.
• Experience using multiple digital and social media platforms.
• Strong organizational/analytical skills.
• Highly motivated, self-starter who knows how to take projects and run with them.
• Must be willing/able to travel internationally on occasion.
• Must possess appreciation and enthusiasm for conservation.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #23108
• Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.