Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA

Conservation International (CI) is seeking an experienced and results-driven Director of Social Media to lead the organization’s global social media strategy. This role requires a proven track record in designing and executing social media campaigns that grow brand awareness, engage new audiences, and deliver measurable results. Reporting to Managing Director, Brand Activations, the Director will develop and implement CI’s social media initiatives, working across the organization to create compelling, social-first content that showcases CI’s mission and impact. A key focus will be on reaching and engaging new audiences, including donors, ensuring CI’s voice resonates beyond traditional channels to build a broader base of support for conservation. This position will play a critical role in positioning CI as a leader in the global conversation on nature. Social media is integral to CI’s work, from raising awareness of its impact in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa to spotlighting solutions for climate, oceans, and biodiversity and mobilizing support for our work. This role offers the opportunity to leverage social media to tell powerful stories, connect with diverse and new audiences, and drive meaningful global impact for nature.

Responsibilities

Develop and Execute Strategy: Create and implement an innovative, organization-wide social media strategy in collaboration with global teams and field programs to promote Conservation International’s mission and impact globally. Drive year-over-year growth in key social media performance indicators, including follower growth, engagement rates, video views, and website traffic from social channels.
Engage and Expand Audiences: Craft and deliver compelling digital storytelling to engage new and existing audiences across platforms, inspiring them to take action for nature and increasing awareness of CI’s work. Grow qualified audiences across priority platforms and increase engagement rates through compelling storytelling, community management, and platform-native content. Partner with teams to support donor acquisition, donor engagement, advocacy, and integrated campaign objectives through social media channels.
Build Organizational Capacity: Partner with leaders, conservation professionals, and field programs to enhance digital storytelling capabilities and effective social media use across the organization.
Foster Cross-Team Collaboration: Work with the Marketing and Communications team to integrate social media into brand development, issue management, and earned media strategies for a cohesive organizational voice.
Monitor Trends and Analytics: Establish and manage a comprehensive social media measurement framework, including dashboards, reporting cadences, and performance benchmarks. Analyze platform, audience, and content performance data to optimize integrated social campaign strategies and drive continuous improvement. Provide monthly and quarterly reports that demonstrate contribution to organizational objectives, including awareness, engagement, website traffic, lead generation, and fundraising outcomes where applicable.
Manage Social Media Presence: Oversee day-to-day social media operations, ensuring consistent and high-quality content that aligns with CI’s mission and values. Ensure platform health through audience responsiveness, quality assurance, content governance, and reputation management.
Crisis Communication: Serve as the organization's social media lead during issues management and crisis communications situations. Provide expertise on social media responses during issue management and crises, ensuring alignment with organizational values and tone.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
The position will require some international travel.
The position requires the ability to work non-traditional and extended hours to support a global workforce in multiple time zones.
Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

Qualifications

Required

A Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, international relations, or relevant area.
8 or more years of relevant work experience with at least 5 years of experience in social media strategy and channel management.
Experience in a global organization with an appreciation for cultural sensitivities and differences.
Ability to engage with and counsel senior-level decision-makers across CI and offer insight into the effective use of social media.
Demonstrated superior storytelling and content creation skills, and experience in multiple forms of social media and new media.
Energetic problem solver and compelling communicator, with an ability to work independently as well as motivate and energize globally dispersed teams around CI’s work.
Strong writing skills and a passion for digital storytelling

Preferred

Experience in a mission-oriented organization. Passion for and experience in conservation or climate-related communication materials.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience in video production
Paid social media strategy and advertising

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Compensation, Benefits & Culture: Conservation International is committed to pay equity, transparency, and supporting employees across locations. Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000 annually. This range represents Conservation International's good-faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation is based on geographic location, job-related skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match after 60 days; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage; paid vacation and sick leave; voluntary benefits including pet insurance; and organization-issued technology to support remote and hybrid work. Benefits are subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements, and may be modified from time to time.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

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