About IRF

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Thank you for your interest in careers at the International Rhino Foundation.

Communications Director

Location: Remote, Anywhere in the United States
Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2025

As a science-based wildlife conservation organization, IRF strives to be at the forefront of rhino conservation through strategic and efficient communications and marketing efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Director will communicate to IRF’s existing constituency and expand its reach. They will possess the skills to develop and implement a communications strategy that will inspire others to further engage in a deeply worthwhile mission. The Communications Director will work with the entire IRF team, including the Board of Directors Communications Committee, providing critical oversight of IRF’s communications program.

The ideal candidate is a results-oriented, entrepreneurial individual who is comfortable with both new and traditional media, and who will thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced and creative global enterprise. The candidate must be able to travel occasionally to field sites in Asia and Africa as well as within the United States.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The broad objectives for the Communications Director are to:

  • Expand the reach, influence, impact and public recognition of IRF as a trusted science-based conservation organization to educate the public on rhino conservation and cultivate supporters.
  • Foster positive perceptions of IRF among stakeholders of the rhino conservation community, IRF supporters and the general public.
  • Oversee IRF’s Communications initiatives and provide thought leadership within the organization on the communications, media and marketing strategies.
  • The candidate must located in the United States and be able to travel occasionally to field sites in Asia and Africa as well as within the United States.

Specific goals include:

  • Create, implement and oversee IRF’s traditional communications and media strategies. Oversee and maintain IRF’s brand identity. Partner closely with IRF’s Digital Marketing Manager on marketing and digital strategies.
  • Lead IRF’s Board of Director’s Communications Committee to develop high-level strategic plans, assess current strategies and identify growth opportunities for our communications program.
  • Grow IRF’s visibility and media presence by developing relationships with key journalists and media outlets; responding to and coordinating incoming PR and media requests; draft press releases and pitch articles/interviews to media outlets; brief Executive Director up for interviews by providing background information on issues and serve as secondary spokesperson for the organization.
  • Work with Executive Director and other IRF staff to develop general key messages as well as position statements and talking points on important issues. Work with the Communications Committee to develop a crisis communications strategy.
  • Work with Development team and Digital Marketing Manager to develop and manage annual online marketing and fundraising strategies, as well as specific campaign strategies and related communications and marketing, including email appeals, advertisements and promotions to help bring in new subscribers, members and donors.
  • Work closely with IRF’s Deputy Director and Development team to develop strategies and materials for IRF’s six-year, $30 million comprehensive campaign.
  • Work closely with IRF’s Digital Marketing Manager to provide backup for social media, website maintenance, digital content creation and other duties of that role.
  • Work with IRF’s Deputy Director to develop and implement a strategy for partners and affiliated groups (e.g., AAZK, IRKA), including regular communications activities.
  • Create content for outward communications, including annual Impact Report, brochures, case studies, fact sheets, posters, blogs etc. Responsibilities center on copywriting, with occasional graphic design for digital and print materials, and video editing as needed.
  • Catalog, manage and maintain IRF’s visual library using a Digital Asset Management software. Includes maintaining photo use, attribution and distribution policies. Handle licensing requests.
    Provide multimedia support for the organization such as photography, videography and video editing.
  • Occasionally draft speeches and visual presentations for the Executive Director.
  • Develop and maintain IRF’s Communications budget.
  • Develop data-driven reports on IRF Communications initiatives, highlighting key metrics and insights, and present findings to the Board of Directors to inform strategic decision-making.
  • Occasionally lead IRF donor trips and visit field sites (average one international trip per year; 2-3 domestic trips/year).

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications or Marketing or Equivalent Experience
Experience: 5 plus years work experience in a communications capacity. Knowledge of wildlife or conservation issues is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for All IRF Employees:

  • Personal interest in and commitment to conservation.
  • Ability and willingness to model the tenets of IRF’s Mission and Core Values: integrity, collaboration, adaptability, sound decision-making and commitment.
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently, problem solve and exercise sound decision making in fluid environments to meet job expectations and achieve goals in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Ability to represent IRF to external entities and the public in a professional manner while exercising tact, diplomacy and discretion.
  • Demonstrate a willingness and ability to productively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders from diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders clearly and accurately, in both verbal and written forms.
  • Ability to effectively navigate through change and maintain flexibility.
  • Ability to effectively address and manage conflict.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Knowledge of and/or ability to quickly learn other communications and CRM tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for Program Communications Director:

  • Excellent writing, editing and pitching skills with a demonstrated track record of compelling content that reaches strategic goals and engages audiences.
  • Experience leading the production of photography and videography projects.
  • Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans that integrate press, social media, email marketing, web development, events and other platforms.
  • Able and willing to work in a fast-paced, remote and global environment and multitask as needed.
  • Experience working with non-profit Customer Relationship Management software, media monitoring and social media. monitoring and listening tools (e.g., EveryAction, Muck Rack, Buffer)
  • Knowledge of and experience communicating about complicated or sensitive environmental or conservation issues.
  • Demonstrated experience managing brand identity and digital presence, (including social media, email outreach, etc).
  • Experience running website and email marketing analysis using a variety of tools including WordPress, Google Analytics as well as internal reporting tools.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The Program Communications Director does nearly all their work at a computer. IRF employees are encouraged to change position throughout the day to help mitigate the strain associated with remaining stationary for long periods of time. Some travel is required for this position.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should email a cover letter explaining how their skills and background fit this position and a curriculum vitae to admin@rhinos.org. Refer to Communications in the subject line. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, January 2, 2025. No phone inquiries, please. Applications submitted through job board portals will not be considered.