Director of Communications

About Monterey Bay Aquarium 

With a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean, the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the Aquarium) is the most admired aquarium in the United States, a leader in science education, and a voice for ocean conservation through comprehensive programs in marine science and public policy. Everything we do works in concert to protect the future of our blue planet.

Founded in 1984, the Aquarium is known for our focus on local and global research and conservation efforts, excellence in exhibits and educational programs, and animal husbandry techniques. Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins – the Aquarium’s world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in our visitors. With nearly 2 million visitors a year and over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean.

Scientists at the Aquarium are rebuilding sea otter populations, transforming fisheries and aquaculture around the world, and working to protect California’s ocean. Our policy experts are moving the needle on legislation to address climate change and end plastic pollution. The Aquarium’s Seafood Watch team is shifting the global marketplace to make seafood more sustainable.

Education is a top priority at the Aquarium. Since 1984, more than 2.5 million students have visited for free. Our life-changing teacher and youth development programs are helping young people find their voices as ocean conservation leaders and will ensure a healthy future for the ocean.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has taken a strong, public stance and made a significant investment in promoting diverse voices in ocean science and conservation. For too long, Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color, as well as LGBTQIA people, have been underrepresented in marine science and conservation fields.

Learn more about Monterey Bay Aquarium at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org.

The Opportunity 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is seeking an innovative and collaborative professional to serve as its Director of Communications. This person will build and direct the short- and long-term internal and external communications strategies that advance the Monterey Bay Aquarium objectives, support the organization culture and staff mobilization, further our mission, and elevate the Aquarium's reputation as a leader in ocean conservation to motivate and inspire action. Goals for the role will be to establish and maintain an ongoing, coherent, and uniformly positive perception of the Aquarium among all of our audiences, manage an internal and external communications team, and determine, develop, and communicate the key stories and messages that motivate people to know more, care more, and do more on behalf of our oceans. The role is also responsible for amplifying the Monterey Bay Aquarium as an authority in ocean conservation, promoting leadership as thought leaders in their respective disciplines. 

***This role is being recruited by a third party agency, Koya. To be considered for this role, you must apply via the Koya website. Applications submitted to the Monterey Bay Aquarium website will not be considered.***** 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy, especially in the domains of conservation, science, education, policy, and advocacy.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive internal communications strategy, in partnership with the Chief of People & Culture and other senior executives, that fosters alignment and engagement throughout the organization.
• Lead strategic media relations, guiding and supporting senior leadership and their teams on interviews and other earned media initiatives to ensure well-crafted messaging and achieve broad media coverage.
• Draft, update, and implement all crisis communications plans and activities, always ensuring prompt and effective crisis communications services in collaboration with Communications staff.
• Conduct regular performance assessments and provide constructive feedback. Mentor and coach team members, guiding their professional growth and supporting career development.
• Develop and oversee annual Communications plan, budgets, and resource allocation to align initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring efficient use of resources, measurable impact, and ongoing team development.
• Lead the team in executing daily work plans and managing workflow. Oversee project priorities and ensure alignment with communication goals. Facilitate team access to necessary resources and support.
• Innovate and monitor communications-related trends.
• Serve as the Aquarium's primary spokesperson to the media, as needed.

Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:

• Minimum of ten years experience in communications, public relations, and/or media relations.
• Minimum of six years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in the nonprofit, policy, advocacy, and/or environmental conservation sector preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written (editorial) communications skills.
• Demonstrated and deep knowledge of print, broadcast, and digital media, and how to maintain a constant and positive presence across those outlets.
• Flexible in responding to changes in business priorities; proven ability to work effectively and efficiently under multiple, competing deadlines.
• Experience with contracting and budget management.
• Ability to interface with all levels of management is essential.
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values.
• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies.
• Bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism, communications, or marketing strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $190,000 with a generous benefits package. The exact salary that will be offered to the Director of Communications will be determined based on a consideration of the successful candidate’s skills, experience, and aligned with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s compensation policies.

Contact 

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Erin Reedy and Shannon O’Neill. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.