Senior Communications Officer

In a newly visioned position for the organization, and reporting to the Deputy Director, the Senior Communications Officer will lead California Ocean Science Trust’s day-to-day communications function and help shape how OST is understood by funders, state leaders, scientific partners, experts, and other priority audiences. The Senior Communications Officer will serve as a communications thought partner to the Deputy Director and Executive Director, bringing sound judgment, constructive pushback, and recommendations about audience, timing, framing, visibility, and risk. They will independently handle most day-to-day communications decisions while recognizing when questions of institutional positioning, political sensitivity, audience priorities, or organizational strategy should be elevated to leadership. We measure communications success not simply by the volume of content produced or the size of our audience, but by whether the right audiences understand OST’s value. Success in this role will mean helping donors and funders see a compelling case for investment; helping state leaders and academic partners understand OST’s role and capabilities; ensuring science partners and their contributions are amplified, represented accurately, and carry appropriate weight; strengthening consistency and across staff communications; and recognizing opportunities to build OST’s visibility, reputation, trust, and impact. About California Ocean Science TrustCalifornia Ocean Science Trust strengthens California’s capacity to bring science to bear on decisions affecting the coast and ocean. Created through state legislation, OST works at the intersection of science and government to invest in the knowledge and people needed to address complex ocean and coastal challenges, and help California access trusted expertise. We connect decision-makers with scientific expertise, convene researchers and practitioners, support scientific review and synthesis, invest public and private resources in priority science, and strengthen pathways for the next generation of ocean science leaders. Trust is fundamental to OST’s science-policy bridging role and landscape position. Our effectiveness depends on scientific credibility, strong relationships, sound judgment, and an ability to operate constructively across sectors, institutions and perspectives. We are politically aware without being partisan, attentive to the roles and contributions of our science partners, and thoughtful about how we represent both our own work and the work of others. California Ocean Science Trust is committed to cultivating a workplace and body of work that welcome a broad range of people, perspectives, experiences, and ways of knowing. We believe science and public decision-making are stronger when they reflect that breadth. We are committed to equitable hiring, to fostering a workplace where staff from all backgrounds and identities feel a sense of belonging and can thrive, and to continued listening, learning, and improvement in how we work with one another and with our partners. ResponsibilitiesCommunications Strategy, Positioning, and ReputationSteward OST’s external voice, messaging, and reputation across audiences and channels, adapting framing while maintaining a consistent institutional identity.Bring political, relational, and reputational judgment to communications decisions, including questions of timing, visibility, tone, partner recognition, and sensitivity.Independently manage most day-to-day communications decisions while recognizing when questions of institutional positioning, audience priorities, or significant sensitivities should be elevated to leadership.more details in hiring link Donor and Funder Communications Partner closely with the Director of Philanthropy to translate OST’s fundraising and donor-engagement vision into communications strategy and execution.Develop donor- and funder-facing materials including cases for support, digital and direct-mail appeals and campaigns, impact stories, stewardship communications, annual reporting, and other fundraising collateral.more details in hiring link Narrative Translation, Storytelling, and Program Communications Translate complex scientific, policy, and organizational work into clear, accurate, and compelling communications tailored to different audiences and purposes.Write, edit, and shape content across formats including web, email, social media, reports, presentations, public statements, donor materials, and other external communications.more details in hiring link Digital Communications, Social Media, and External EngagementOwn OST’s website, email communications, and social media channels, including strategy, content development, publishing, and coordination with interns, contractors, or other contributors.Maintain an organization-wide editorial and communications calendar aligned with program milestones, fundraising priorities, and major external moments.Use web, email, and social media analytics to understand communications impact, strengthen strategic reach, and refine future communications choices.more details in hiring link Organizational Communications LeadershipEstablish systems, standards, templates, workflows, and review processes that support consistent and efficient communications across OST.Serve as a primary communications advisor and editor for staff, helping colleagues think strategically about audience, purpose, timing, and message before products are developed.more details in hiring link Landscape Awareness and Communications JudgmentMaintain awareness of the policy, media, philanthropic, and ocean science landscape relevant to OST’s work and audiences.Work with leadership and staff to understand evolving state priorities, partner relationships, funding trends, communications trends, and other context that may affect communications choices.more details in hiring link QualificationsWe seek a communications professional who combines excellent writing and production skills with sound judgment, political awareness, curiosity, and the ability to lead a communications function in a lean organization. Knowledge and Experience5+ years of progressively responsible communications and public relations experience, including demonstrated senior-level responsibility, ideally in science, public policy, government, philanthropy, higher education, or a nonprofit setting.Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategy across multiple audiences and channels. Experience in employing a constituent journeys framework to build digital and in-person engagement and support welcomed. Experience developing donor, funder, or institutional advancement communications and making a compelling case for organizational impact and investment.Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific, technical, policy, or organizational content for non-expert audiences without sacrificing accuracy or nuance.Experience advising colleagues or organizational leadership on communications strategy, framing, audience, timing, or tone.Experience directing or coordinating communications work produced by colleagues, interns, contractors, or others.Familiarity with California government, public policy, or public-sector environments is preferred; comparable experience working in politically or institutionally sensitive environments may substitute.Experience with media relations, public affairs, executive communications, or policy-facing communications is very welcome.Experience in ocean, climate, natural resources, science, research, or higher education environments is very helpful but not required.Skills and AttributesExceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across institutional messaging, donor communications, technical translation, web content, social media, presentations, and other public-facing materials.Strong strategic judgment and the confidence to provide clear direction, constructive pushback, and recommendations when communications choices may affect organizational reputation, partner relationships, or political sensitivities.Ability to understand different audiences and adapt framing and language while maintaining a consistent organizational voice.Politically aware without being partisan, with good instincts about when context, relationships, or timing may change how a message will be received.More skills & attributes are included in the full position description in our hiring portal. Location and TravelTravel within California will be required, including occasional travel to Sacramento for team meetings, events, and other organizational needs. Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $80,000 - 95,000 per year, commensurate with experience. OST offers a competitive benefits package including health coverage, 403b with a 4.5% employer match after one year, generous paid time off and holidays (including a paid year-end office closure), and a monthly technology stipend. Combined with family-friendly, flexible schedules, the total package is designed to support employees in balancing meaningful work with their lives outside of work. For a more detailed job description & to applyVisit our hiring portal to submit your application materials including a resume and cover letter describing your specific interest and fit for the position. Please read the full job description very carefully before submitting materials. The position will be open until filled, with preferred start date by December 1, 2026. For first consideration please apply by November 15, 2026. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and be current residents of California or willing to relocate to California if hired. OST is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an equitable hiring process where every candidate is evaluated fairly, objectively, and without bias. Your privacy is important to us; all application materials and all interview discussions will be kept completely confidential.