Senior Communications Manager, Remote (Nonprofit / Climate Science)

About the Role

A nonprofit organization focused on accelerating community-driven, nature-based solutions to climate change is hiring a Senior Communications Manager to own the day-to-day voice of the organization across every public-facing channel. The role spans social media, newsletters, website content, print materials, and internal communications, taking each piece from concept through final publication. This is a senior, high-autonomy position. The person in this seat leads communications strategy and execution, writes copy, designs layouts, and produces finished pieces across digital and print. They work closely with program staff to surface stories about organizational impact and partner with the development team on donor and fundraising campaigns. The role also includes leading layout and production for printed reports, signage, educational materials, and event collateral.

Responsibilities

• Writing and designing newsletters from copy through final layout and distribution
• Planning, creating, and publishing social media content and accompanying graphics across all channels
• Owning day-to-day communications: social posts, blog content, website updates, and program outreach materials
• Developing and maintaining a content calendar and publishing cadence, reporting progress to leadership regularly
• Independently planning, executing, and analyzing social media and newsletter performance, iterating based on results
• Attending events to lead content development and gather media (photos, video, interviews)
• Leading layout, design, and production for printed materials and publications from concept through print-ready files
• Coordinating with program, development, and partner teams to gather content and photography; contributing original copy to keep projects moving
• Managing the print production process end-to-end: file preparation, vendor coordination, proofing, and troubleshooting
• Designing promotional materials and physical collateral (posters, flyers, brochures)
• Overseeing maintenance of public-facing websites and internal digital platforms
• Acting as a thought partner to leadership and program staff, bringing communications expertise into organizational decisions proactively
• Managing, mentoring, and coordinating team members, contractors, interns, or volunteers supporting communications work
• Partnering with the development team on high-visibility donor and fundraising campaigns
• Supporting occasional media inquiries and press opportunities
• Contributing to program and event planning and providing on-site event support

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. (or equivalent experience) in communications, design, journalism, environmental science, or a related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, editorial production, or content creation, with at least 2 years managing end-to-end communications (self-developed, not handed off by others)
• Demonstrated experience designing and producing print materials from layout through print-ready production, including hands-on work with print vendors
• Portfolio or writing/design samples showing strong work across at least three formats (newsletter, social media, print material, website)
• Direct, hands-on experience independently running organic social media, with the ability to speak to specific metrics or outcomes driven (growth, engagement, reach, conversions)
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple internal collaborators, including leading or coordinating others' work
• Familiarity with science communication strategies and a basic understanding of climate change and its impacts
• Strong working proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop; proficiency in Canva, Wix, Google Slides, and PowerPoint or equivalent tools
• A commitment to the organization's mission
• Preferred: Nonprofit communications experience supporting program engagement and organizational development
• Preferred: Video editing experience (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Preferred: Spanish language fluency
• Preferred: Experience with Notion or similar project management software
• Preferred: Experience working with international and Native communities
• Preferred: Prior experience mentoring or managing junior staff, interns, or contractors
• Preferred: Connections with San Diego or Southern California media and journalism networks

Schedule

This is a 40-hour-per-week, on-site position based in La Jolla, California, with standard business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday). Some after-hours or weekend event support required. Additional travel may be required depending on funding and project needs. Requires a valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record.