Director, Online Communications

WRI is seeking a Director of Online Communications to join its External Relations Department and lead its ambitious online communications efforts.  WRI is a fast-growing environmental organization with diverse programs that operate both globally and within specific countries and regions. WRI’s work includes climate change, deforestation, ecosystem protection, sustainable markets, environmental governance, and sustainable transportation.

The Online Communications team supports WRI’s programs by helping them develop, execute, and manage successful online strategies, based on each program’s goals and intended audience, as well as positioning the Institute and its branding strategy worldwide.  The Director of Online Communications provides vision and leadership for all WRI staff,   oversight for the online team, works with External Relations staff colleagues to develop integrated communications strategies, and is responsible for the direction and management of WRI’s online content platforms.  WRI has a growing portfolio of innovative online information products, which fall under the Director’s leadership.  This is a senior position requiring strong, proven communications skills, significant experience managing people, online projects and strategies, and proficiency in open-source web technologies.

• Provide leadership, vision and management oversight for the Online Communications department and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the planning and management of all of WRI’s online properties, infrastructure and content systems, including policies and procedures for keeping back-end systems up to date.
• Set policies and develop work plans for maintaining and improving WRI’s websites; in particular wri.org and WRI Insights (insights.wri.org).
• Supervise the development of new online content to ensure it meets WRI’s standards for excellence and quality.
• Provide leadership, and work in close collaboration with, WRI program staff on the development of effective online strategies, including needs assessment, planning, design, implementation, audience engagement, and life-cycle management.
• Manage relationships with web development firms and vendors, including development of RFPs, policies, and requirements for new deliverables, and supervise the design and development of new online properties.
• Explore options and make recommendations for ways to leverage new online technologies, e.g., social media, presentation, or mapping, to enhance WRI’s ability to communicate its work.
• Supervise and conduct training sessions on core online communications skills (e.g., online writing, social media, video, analytics) as part of WRI’s ongoing communications curriculum.
• Assist VP of External Relations with the planning, reporting, and operational aspects of the department.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Have a minimum of 5-10 years experience in online communications and management, with a portfolio that includes strategy development, content management and approval, and supervision of ongoing operations.
• Have successfully completed and launched several successful online initiatives, such as new or upgraded websites, websites, technology ports or major campaigns. Please send examples of online initiatives with which you were involved, and indicate your role in their development.
• Be experienced and comfortable managing web platforms using open source technologies, Drupal in particular (WRI is a Drupal shop; most WRI sites are powered by Drupal).
• Enjoy the challenge of working with professionals that may have limited technology experience to forge practical solutions to communications needs.
• Have a keen interest and curiosity in using online technologies and ideas to solve communications problems, while being averse to Shiny Object Syndrome.
• Possess infectious enthusiasm for great websites and online strategy, with the practical skills to address immediate needs and long-term priorities.
• Be a strong mentor to both direct reports and colleagues throughout WRI.
• Have strong written, verbal and visual communications skills, and be comfortable giving presentations to large groups. 
• You may be required to submit writing samples at a later date.