FYI 

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American Bird Conservancy Position Description 
Director of Communications 

The Director of Communications is a full-time position with American 
Bird 
Conservancy (ABC) at their offices in Washington, D.C., overseeing media 
relations, publications, web and electronic communications, internal 
communications, and IT. The Director of Communications is responsible 
for 
managing up to four other staff members, setting priorities and 
direction 
for ABC communications, and achieving long-term communications goals. 

This position requires significant abilities and experience in 
communications, preferably within the NGO community, a broad 
understanding 
of ABC's mission and philosophies, and a clear vision for ABC's future 
place 
in the public consciousness and compelling ideas on how to achieve it. 
Knowledge of current bird conservation issues in the Americas is 
strongly 
preferred. 

Major Duties 

1. Coordinate and increase ABC outreach to US and international media 
outlets. This includes developing strategies to achieve the greatest 
earned 
media potential, generating and distributing press releases, and 
cultivating 
media contacts. 

2. Create new methods and further develop existing strategies for 
expanding 
ABC communications to its members, other constituents, and the general 
public to maximize the organization's public profile and recognition of 
its 
conservation achievements. 

3. Oversee the timely production of ABC's major publications, including 
scheduling, content, design, and distribution. 

4. Oversee the management and development of ABC websites, and 
coordinate 
integrated electronic communications to ABC constituents in tandem with 
ongoing conservation campaigns and fundraising activities. 

5. Explore and enhance opportunities for collaborative communications 
outreach with other organizations. 

6. Oversee and enhance internal communication mechanisms within ABC. 

7. Supervise the organization's computer systems and networking to 
ensure 
that staff are able to function consistently in the most efficient way 
possible. 

8. Assist the Director of Membership in developing innovative ways of 
expanding ABC's membership roster, and work with the Director of the 
Bird 
Conservation Alliance to assist in expanding BCA membership and 
effectiveness. 


Basic Requirements 

. An undergraduate degree in the biological sciences, English, or 
journalism, plus a Masters degree in communications/media relations or 
four 
years relevant communications experience. 

. Proven experience and ability in communicating with the press. 

. Proven experience and ability in coordinating media campaigns, 
including 
writing press releases. 

. An understanding of electronic communications systems and how they can 
be 
used most effectively to reach a broad, targeted audience. 

. Must be an effective communicator, both written and oral, able to 
synthesize copious, complex, and diverse material into information that 
ABC 
constituents will find understandable, engaging, and compelling. 

. Ability to identify and act on useful outreach opportunities. 

. Experience managing publications to regular deadlines. 

. Energetic, non-confrontational demeanor, proven managerial experience, 
and 
well organized, with the ability to coordinate many tasks and 
responsibilities. 

Please send cover letter and resume to: 

Merrie Morrison 
Vice President of Operations 
American Bird Conservancy 
P.O. Box 249 
The Plains, VA 20198