Communications Director

ABOUT AMAZON WATCH

Amazon Watch is a dynamic nonprofit organization working to protect and defend the Amazon rainforest and our climate in partnership and solidarity with Indigenous peoples and the climate justice movement.

The Amazon has reached an ecological tipping point due to increased deforestation and degradation. To turn this around, we must protect 80% of the Amazon, including 100% of Indigenous territories. Amazon Watch works directly and in solidarity with Indigenous, forest peoples, and international allies to hold governments, corporations, and financial institutions accountable for Amazon destruction and human rights violations while advancing solutions towards climate justice.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a visionary and strategic professional to serve as our Communications Director. This position is intended for a seasoned leader who can expand the reach and impact of our work across local, national, and global audiences, while nurturing a strong and collaborative communications team (responsible for media relations, publications, digital storytelling, advertising, marketing, and messaging for the organization and its campaigns). The Communications Director will partner closely with colleagues in Programs and Development to ensure our communications strategies advance organizational priorities and center Indigenous leadership and perspectives.

The ideal candidate is someone to whom clear and compelling writing comes naturally and who believes strongly in the importance of our mission to defend the rights of Indigenous peoples and protect the Amazon rainforest. Fluency in English and Spanish is required and Portuguese is highly preferred.

This position is part of the senior leadership team and a full-time position based in our Oakland, CA headquarters. However, Amazon Watch can not offer to cover relocation costs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances Amazon Watch's organizational and campaign goals.
• Position the Communications team as a strategic pillar within the organization, ensuring active participation in decision-making, budgeting, and planning processes.
• Establish clear annual goals across different communications channels and target audiences.
• Build and mentor a high-performing communications team, supporting professional growth, innovative thinking and collaboration.
• Strike the right balance between broad organizational communications goals and targeted campaign objectives.

Media Strategy :

Outreach and Representation :

Content Creation and Strategy :

Messaging and Publication Oversight :

Strategic Integration :

Content and Capacity Building :

Required Qualifications :

Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in journalism, public relations, online campaigning, or a related communications field. They should also have a record of success working with print, broadcast, and online media to effectively and proactively frame issues and drive coverage. Proficiency with online campaigning tools and an eagerness to learn and manage systems are essential. They should have 3-5 years of experience managing a team of communications staff at an advocacy organization ideally with an international focus.

Preferred qualifications :

Salary and benefits : $115,000 - $125,000 annually (Amazon Watch is on a mission to create an inclusive financial future, with transparency at its core. We consider a wide variety of elements when creating our compensation ranges and total compensation packages.)

The compensation range is specific to Oakland, CA. Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to : relevant experience, skill set, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Current benefits include : Full coverage family health care (including vision and dental), voluntary life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, generous vacation time, sick time, paid parental leave, paid holidays,12 weeks paid sabbatical after 5 years, employer-matched retirement plan, plus budget for professional development and home office supplies for ergonomic work.

How to apply : Please, no calls. Send resume, three references, and a cover letter about why you would like to join our team and why you are the best candidate for the job.

Amazon Watch is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic background, veteran status, or any other characteristic. We believe our team should reflect the diverse communities we serve and the global context in which we work. To that end, we strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.