Communications Director

The Communications Director will shape the narrative of Gulf Coast environmental justice as Healthy Gulf’s lead storyteller, and design and execute a dynamic communications strategy that amplifies frontline community voices, holds corporations accountable, and drives policy change through digital campaigns, media engagement, and coalition partnerships.

Duties/Responsibilities:

General

• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive, strategic organizational communications plan, as well as work with staff to craft communications plans specific to campaigns and programs. 

• • Ensure compelling, consistently branded communications from all areas of the organization 
  • Develop relationships and coordinate communication with community partners and collaborating organizations
  • Further the advocacy and fundraising ability of Healthy Gulf by maximizing the visibility of our efforts to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf of Mexico

• Participate in the Management Team with the Executive Director, Senior Policy Director, Campaign Director, and Chief Development Officer 

• Provide ongoing communications training for staff on social media, messaging, strategy, and writing

• Organize and create portfolios of media and social media generated by Healthy Gulf
• Work to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the organization in collaboration with the DEI Adviser to the Executive Director and other members of the staff

Writing and Online Advocacy

• Build Healthy Gulf’s number of online supporters, interactions through our website, e-blasts, and social media reach
• Maintain Healthy Gulf’s website
• Lead the development of communication materials like annual reports, flyers, and brochures 
• Co-manage Healthy Gulf’s donor and supporter database, EveryAction, in coordination with the Development and Administrative teams
• Ensure quality and consistency of all written communications and social media presence

Media Engagement 

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant reporters, editors, bloggers, and opinion writers throughout the region and the country
• Manage an up-to-date list of Healthy Gulf media contacts for use by all staff
• Organize and assist with press conferences, media events, editorial board meetings, and other media events
• Draft and/or edit news advisories, press releases, op-eds, and letters-to-the-editor ensuring consistency of message/communications
• Be a spokesperson for Healthy Gulf and strengthen the ability of staff and members to act as spokespeople
• Coordinate with staff on generating social media posts, setting up podcast interviews, and creating online content including, but not limited to, Healthy Gulf’s YouTube Channel

Ideal Candidates Possess:***  

• At least 4 years’ experience in communications, public relations, nonprofit or community advocacy, issue campaigns, organizing, or other related fields   
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Experience with constituent management software (especially EveryAction); web content management services (especially WordPress), and social media networks
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize 
• Ability to function as part of a team and work collaboratively  
• Ties to or experience working in the Gulf South preferred 

Nice to have, but not required:

• Videography and film editing experience
• Graphic design experience
• Event planning experience
• Ability to manage/develop crisis communications

***Research shows that women and people of color are more hesitant to apply for a job because they may not meet all of the qualifications listed. The candidate Healthy Gulf ultimately hires may not precisely meet all of these qualifications, but show the desire and capacity to grow into the role and fit within our small, close-knit team. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

Position Title: Communications Director
Reports to:  Executive Director
Status: Full-time exempt
Location: New Orleans, LA or remote in one of the Gulf States (with occasional travel)
Salary:  $ 70,000 – 75,000 (depending on experience) plus generous benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, short term disability insurance, SIMPLE IRA with 3% match, 12 days of paid sick leave annually, and 3 weeks paid vacation annually. 

To Apply, submit the following to jobs@healthygulf.org:

• A cover letter Within your cover letter, answer the following question in no more than 2 paragraphs: Climate change disproportionately affects communities of color. As we work to combat climate change and ensure a just transition to a more sustainable economy in the Gulf Coast, how do we make sure that frontline communities of color that are most impacted by climate change benefit from and are integral to shaping a just transition? 
• A resume
• Writing samples and/or campaign portfolio samples
• Three professional references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until August 1, 2025 or the position is filled. 

Organizational Background:

Healthy Gulf’s mission is to collaborate with and serve communities who love the Gulf of Mexico by providing research, communications, and coalition-building tools needed to reverse the long pattern of over-exploitation of the Gulf’s natural resources.

Healthy Gulf values and respects all types of diversity and strongly encourages applicants from traditionally marginalized groups to apply. We prohibit discrimination and harassment and provide equal employment opportunity without regard to, and not limited to, ethnicity, religion, race, national origin, abilities, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or genetic information. We are committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting those from traditionally marginalized groups.

Our Core Values

The Gulf of Mexico region is only as strong as its communities that live there. These communities and the ecosystems they rely on are threatened by issues such as industrial pollution, wetland loss and destruction, water pollution, environmental racism, and the climate crisis. To guide our work, we rely on the following values:

• Environmental Health: We believe supporting the environmental health of the Gulf region is vital.
• Inclusion/Inclusiveness: We believe in the importance of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in deep and transformative ways.
• Dignity and Respect: We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and to be respected as a whole person.
• Independence: We believe that we must be a strong, independent organization in order to address major environmental problems in the Gulf region.
• Transparency: We believe that we have a responsibility to be transparent to our members, donors, and partners.
• Self Determination: We believe that communities and individuals have the power to make decisions.
• Responsiveness: We believe in the importance of responding to urgent issues that threaten our environment and communities
• Safety and Health: We believe that the health and safety of our staff, board, colleagues and communities is important.
• Collaboration: We believe in the value of working with others and achieving together what may not be possible alone.