Sr. Director of Communications

WHO WE ARE

At Parks California, our vision is for vibrant, healthy parks that welcome, engage, and inspire. As the official statutory, non-profit partner to California State Parks, working statewide, we’re uniquely positioned to innovate and work hand-in-hand with communities and experts to bring resources together — ensuring that everyone can experience healthy and thriving parks for generations to come.  As a team, each of us at Parks California strives to:

• Be a valued and trusted partner organization.
• Serve as catalysts for the future of parks.
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy.
• Model emotional and cultural intelligence in our work every day.
• Embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Parks California was created to be a new model of public, private, and non-profit partnership. We’re a proud partner of 1% for the Planet, a global network of thousands of businesses and environmental organizations working together to support people and the planet. We currently operate over 30 projects, which are funded by government, public-private partnership agreements as well as the generous support of private donations. 

Want to learn more? Check out our website.

OUR DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITMENT 

One of Parks California’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people develop talent and skills outside traditional job scopes, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.    

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Do you believe in the transformative power of experiencing parks and open spaces? Are you passionate about climate resiliency and expanding access to natural spaces for all communities?

In this role, you’ll report to the President & CEO and work closely with her, the team and Board to help implement our vision and shape our communications strategy. You’ll operate in an ecosystem of parks champions, renowned experts, and innovators who are implementing solutions to address issues ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to helping shape the future of parks — one that serves everyone in California. And you’ll contribute your expertise to help us tell our story and reach our goals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Parks California is looking for a strategic and collaborative communications leader to join our team to guide us into our next phase of growth. Our Sr. Director of Communications will be responsible for evolving and elevating the mission and profile of Parks California.

You will oversee communications for four main bodies of work:

1. Parks California general communications,
2. Parks California fundraising communications and digital unrestricted fundraising solicitations,
3. Parks California program communications and deliverables for California State Parks-funded and separately branded projects and
4. Support for grantee communications.

As our lead communicator, you will serve in a strategic leadership position. You’ll partner with colleagues across the organization internally and across Parks California’s partner and grantee ecosystem externally to tell our unique story. Your external communications calendar includes regular meetings, both in person and virtual, with California State Parks partners and communication vendors, other external program stakeholders, such as the California Arts Council and non-profit grantees across the state.

This role is highly collaborative and cross-functional, working with leadership and team members in and outside of the organization. The position requires a high-impact leader who knows what great looks like in a growing organization, operates with a start-up mindset, and can shift seamlessly from strategy to execution.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This role reports directly to the President & CEO. This role will manage a direct report and our agency of record while working cross-functionally to achieve goals and desired outcomes.

OFFICE LOCATION

We are a remote-first organization, however, the person in this role must reside in California. This allows us to work from anywhere in California virtually, including in some of the most beautiful natural spaces across the state.    

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate must be able to travel when needed within California, which we expect will amount to approximately 15-20% of the year.

The successful candidate will create and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan, enhance the tools and processes we use to communicate with and engage audiences, and craft compelling content that articulates our impact and progress.

You will achieve impact through the following:

• Develop a recognizable, distinct and trusted brand voice, and help us continue to elevate Parks California.
• Create and maintain excellent relationships with key external contacts across Parks California’s partner ecosystem and other top audiences, such as media and influencers, and support awareness-raising efforts such as special events, external engagements and fundraising. 
• Responsible for writing and managing internal editing and review process for core Parks California materials, such as the digital Annual Impact Report, coordinating end-of-year / Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign calendar, and messaging for emails, website and communications.
• Oversee media relations program, identifying spokespersons for media interviews, and providing media training, talking points, and coaching ahead of speaking and media opportunities.
• Help raise the organization’s profile by developing and overseeing the execution of speaking engagements, media opportunities, and thought leadership platform.  
• Create communications opportunities and campaigns that directly support our fundraising objectives, drive interest in community engagements and events, and identify ways to reach new and diverse audiences. 
• Establish a system to consistently track and measure communication activities, evaluating ROI to guide future priorities.
• Ensure the Parks California’s website and social media channels reflect the latest messaging and programmatic priorities.
• Oversee communications vendors and resources, such as contractors and freelancers, and provide them with guidance and accountability for deliverables. 
• Develop strategies and create processes and tools to optimize all communication channels (such as the website, social media channels, etc.) and collateral (such as press kits, briefing sheets, talking points, photo / B-roll archive library, etc.); and create standards to ensure assets are stored in a uniform and comprehensive system on SharePoint. Work with staff and contractors to update assets, as needed. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is a full-time annual salaried position of $140,000 – $160,000 annually.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including: 
• 401K plan with employer match up to 5% and no waiting period,  
• $150 per month reimbursement for home Internet and mobile phone service,  
• 20 days paid vacation, increasing to 23 days after 2 years,  
• 10 paid sick days,  
• 15 paid holidays,   
• flexible, family-friendly schedule 
• medical, dental, vision, FSA/HSA, group and voluntary life insurance, EAP 
• training and development resources

QUALIFICATIONS

What You’ll Bring

• Deep commitment to our values, mission and core values; and dedication to continuous listening and learning to increase cultural competency on a personal and organizational level.
• Minimum 11 years of relevant work experience, such as in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or related field, including at least 3 years of experience managing teams and budgets, and a background working for non-profit organizations, or mission-led, for-profit companies.   
• A start-up mindset, with a bias for action, driving projects in a strategic and expeditious way and be flexible to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm and patience.  
• Experience in developing and executing strategic communication plans and implementing marketing programs, with demonstrated understanding of digital advertising and marketing tools, social media channels, and current web and graphic design best practices.
• Proven track record in conceptualizing, planning, and executing both virtual and in-person events that effectively promote Parks California’s mission and initiatives. This includes the ability to create immersive experiences to engage new key stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing earned media strategies, including the cultivation of strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and media outlets. The ideal candidate will have a history of securing positive media coverage.
• Advanced skills in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to leverage various tools and methodologies to measure and communicate the impact of our communication strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of California’s diverse communities, including an understanding of cultural nuances, regional differences, and demographic trends. Comprehensive understanding of environmental and conservation issues specific to California’s parks and natural spaces. This includes familiarity with current challenges, policies, and initiatives related to park management, conservation efforts, and sustainable tourism practices within the state.
• Significant experience cultivating and managing relationships with senior-level executives, Board of Directors, and external contacts and experience managing staff and consultants who possess diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Proficiency in using technology, including but not limited to, online software platforms and business applications such as MailChimp, MS 365, SharePoint, and Monday.com.   

You May Have Additional Desired Experience  

• Multilingual skills appreciated. 
• Experience coordinating across multiple, public-sector agencies.

APPLY

Please submit a current resume and cover letter HERE.

Parks California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that our overall effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, culture, and staffing. We are committed to leadership in and serving as a catalyst for promoting equity and inclusion in parks communities.

DEADLINE

Deadline to apply is November 24, 2024, with an anticipated start date of early January.