Location: Remote (must reside within the United States), United States
The Pacific Institute is a global water think tank that combines science-based thought leadership with active outreach and engagement to influence local, national, and international efforts in water sustainability and resilience. Since 1987 it has worked with groups ranging from major corporations to frontline communities, engaging more than 270 partners including NGOs, utilities, policymakers and businesses.
The Senior Director, Marketing and Strategic Communications leads the strategy and execution of integrated marketing and communications campaigns that grow the Institute's audiences, strengthen its reputation as a definitive voice on global water solutions, and build the visibility and positioning that drive partnership and funding growth. Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as a full member of the Executive Management Team, the Senior Director leads a team spanning content, digital, media relations and partner communications, working across Development and Research and Programs.
Responsibilities: Marketing, brand and audience growth (45%) — create and lead the marketing strategy including audience definition, positioning and a campaign calendar; plan and execute time-bound, outcome-measured campaigns tied to research launches and funding priorities; steward the parent brand and sub-brands (CEO Water Mandate, Water Resilience Coalition); lead content and audience strategy across digital marketing infrastructure; build analytics and reporting capability; partner with the Chief Growth Officer on revenue-supporting marketing and with the Chief Research and Programs Officer to integrate communications into research initiatives; build an executive visibility and thought leadership program. Communications systems and functional leadership (25%) — design and maintain communications processes, workflows and quality standards; set priorities and manage intake across programs; lead organizational media strategy and spokesperson protocols; advise leadership at EMT meetings. Team leadership and development (15%) — foster collaboration and psychological safety, build a scalable team structure, direct team budget and workforce planning. Execution and quality assurance (15%) — ensure quality and timeliness of external communications, translate complex research into audience-appropriate messaging, and write, edit and produce materials directly in a player-coach capacity.
Requirements: at least 14 years of progressive experience in marketing, strategic communications, media relations or public affairs; at least 7 years leading and developing a communications team; at least 5 years in a marketing leadership role independently responsible for a large brand; demonstrated experience building or evolving communications systems and team structures; track record of translating complex, technical or research-based content into compelling narratives for policymakers, funders, media, corporate leaders and communities; experience owning departmental budgets, workforce planning and vendor portfolios; national or international media strategy experience including earned media, spokesperson preparation and crisis communications; experience advising executive leadership; working knowledge of applying AI tools ethically in communications. Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Policy or a related field; advanced degree preferred but not required, equivalent professional experience considered. Preferred: nonprofit or mission-driven sector experience; familiarity with water, climate, environmental sustainability or natural resource policy; fluency in other languages; experience with international organizations, multilateral institutions or global sustainability networks.
Terms: Full-time, 35 hours per week, exempt. Salary range $150,000–$170,000 based on relevant experience, skills and qualifications. Domestic and occasional international travel up to 15%. Immediate start. No immigration or relocation assistance available. Benefits include paid vacation, health and dental coverage, and an Institute-matched retirement plan. The Pacific Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Closing date: 2026-11-12
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online through the Pacific Institute application portal. Submit: (1) a cover letter of no more than two pages covering your interest in the Pacific Institute's work and specific fit for this position, a brief description of a time you developed a marketing or communications strategy for an organization that did not have one (or significantly rebuilt one that wasn't working) — what you inherited, what you built, and what changed as a result — and a DEI statement addressing how your addition to the staff would contribute to the Institute's DEI efforts; (2) your CV/Resume; and (3) a campaign case study of 2-3 pages describing one integrated marketing or communications campaign you led from strategy through execution, including the organizational objective, your role and team, channels and tactics, and measurable outcomes. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls or LinkedIn messages regarding this role. Applications are reviewed entirely by the team, without AI screening tools.
https://pacificinstitute.applytojob.com/apply/jVmnJNCSgb/Senior-Director-Marketing-And-Strategic-Communications