Marketing & External Communications Manager

Ecology Project International Overview:

EPI was established with the core belief that the engagement and investment in local communities are vital for the triumph of conservation efforts. Our mission is to inspire students with nature and empower them with science, fostering tomorrow’s leaders. We envision a diverse movement building communities that cherish and restore the ecosystems that sustain them.

Our programs connect students with scientists and other local experts, fostering conservation by cultivating a scientifically literate public with hands-on nature experiences. This approach equips communities to make well-informed choices about their natural resources, crucial for both their economic prosperity and environmental well-being. Consequently, this leads to a community-centric conservation model that is in tune with the needs and priorities of those who most influence the ecosystem.

Job Summary

The Marketing & External Communications defines and leads EPI’s brand strategy, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across all channels. This role oversees public relations (PR), media engagement, and stakeholder communications to elevate EPI’s visibility in the conservation and education sectors. The position plays a strategic role in shaping EPI’s external presence, advocating for the organization’s mission, and engaging key audiences such as donors, government agencies, and corporate partners.

In addition to managing marketing campaigns, this role oversees reputation management, crisis communications, and strategic partnerships. The Marketing & External Communications also supervises the Marketing & Communications team and ensures that all content reflects EPI’s thought leadership, storytelling objectives, and advocacy messaging.

Responsibilities
Leadership

• Define and implement EPI’s external communication strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and advocacy initiatives.
• Lead thought leadership efforts by positioning EPI as a trusted voice in conservation and education. Develop and execute multi-channel marketing plans to achieve revenue goals.
• Supervise the Marketing & Communications team (currently a Digital Marketing Coordinator and Communications Coordinator)
• Manage a database of 20,000 Marketing Qualified Leads.
• Oversee advertising and marketing content to build brand awareness and drive sales and partnerships.
• Manage the Marketing & Communications annual budget, allocating resources across multiple projects and departments to optimize budget use.
• Conduct marketing research to generate consumer insights and improve strategy.
• Ensure marketing plans support a balanced workload and job satisfaction for the team.
• Manage reputation and crisis communications, developing proactive strategies to mitigate risks and uphold EPI’s credibility.
• Ensure marketing plans support a balanced workload and job satisfaction for the team.

External Communication & Public Relations

• Develop and execute a public relations (PR) strategy to increase media coverage in top-tier conservation, education, and nonprofit publications.
• Build relationships with journalists, influencers, and external media outlets to amplify EPI’s impact.
• Act as a spokesperson when needed and prepare executive leadership for media interviews and public engagements.
• Manage crisis communications, ensuring timely and effective messaging in response to reputational risks or external challenges.

Content & Digital Strategy

• Oversee content strategy and editorial direction, ensuring that all messaging aligns with EPI’s advocacy goals and mission.
• Develop high-impact storytelling initiatives that highlight EPI’s program outcomes, participant experiences, and conservation successes.
• Ensure marketing materials reinforce EPI’s role as a leader in youth conservation education.
• Manage content creation, updates, and lead generation strategies for EPI’s web pages.

Implementation & Evaluation

• Lead multi-channel marketing campaigns with a focus on brand positioning and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage and optimize PPC campaigns on Google Ads, Facebook, and other platforms.
• Oversee media monitoring, sentiment analysis, and reputation tracking to assess EPI’s public perception.
• Track and analyze key marketing and financial metrics.
• Prepare high-level marketing impact reports for executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Plan and coordinate EPI’s participation in global conferences, conservation summits, and industry events.

Qualifications

Required:

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.

·       5 years in Marketing, Sales, and/or Communications

·       Proven experience leading public relations, media engagement, and advocacy campaigns.

·       Experience building complex marketing programs and reporting on the results

·       Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide teams and influence executive decision-making.

·       Experience in multi-channel, digital marketing, including PPC, email, and content

·       Proficiency with marketing automation and CRM systems

·       Excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize projects as necessary

·       Confident, out-going, well-spoken, creative, and persistent

·       Good humor, positive attitude, collaborative spirit, and ability to lead

·       Commitment to the mission and goals of EPI

Preferred:

·       Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or Public Policy.

·       Strong media contacts and PR experience in conservation, education, or nonprofit sectors.

·       Experience working in Salesforce, Wix, and Asana

·       Fluent in English and Spanish

·       Experience working in education, travel, or nonprofit industries

·       Competence as a writer with an ear for compelling advertising copy

·       Experience living and working in Latin America, especially Mexico, Costa Rica, and/or Ecuador

Benefits and Compensation:

•      Employer-contributed health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options

•      Employer-matching retirement plan

•      Short-term disability insurance

•      Access to health savings account

•      Paid time off and holidays

•      Flexible schedule, including remote work teleworking options after one year

•      Professional development assistance

•      Access to outdoor professional pro-deals

•      Travel to EPI’s field sites in Costa Rica; Mexico; Belize; and Montana, USA

•      Annual base salary starting at $57,076 USD

Schedule & Location

The Marketing & External Communications Manager position is full time (40 hours/week) with office hours typically from 9am to 5pm. This position must have the ability to report to one of EPI’s offices in either San Jose, Costa Rica; La Paz, Mexico, or Missoula, Montana during the first year of employment with EPI. The Marketing & External Communications Manager position reports to EPI’s Executive Director.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At Ecology Project International, you are valued, and you belong. We are committed to maintaining the best environment for our employees where people can show up as their authentic selves and grow with the organization. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive workplace.

In that spirit, we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $57,076