Managing Director of Social Media

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 the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, the Managing 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, ensuring CI’s voice resonates beyond traditional channels to build a broader base of support for conservation.

This position will lead a high-performing team of 2-3 social media professionals and 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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 Brand and Communications team to integrate social media into brand development, issue management, and earned media strategies for a cohesive organizational voice.
• Lead and Mentor: Oversee a high-performing team of 2-3 social media professionals, fostering professional growth and maintaining a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Monitor Trends and Analytics: Stay informed on the latest social media trends, platform updates, and best practices, and use data analytics to optimize content performance and strategy.
• 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.
• Support Campaigns and Initiatives: Collaborate with program teams and external partners to support key campaigns and initiatives, ensuring alignment with CI’s strategic priorities.
• Crisis Communication: Provide expertise on social media responses during issue management and crises, ensuring alignment with organizational values and tone.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• 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.
• 7 or more years of relevant work experience with at least 5 years of experience in social media strategy and channel management.
• 2 or more years of experience managing teams.
• 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 motivate and energize globally dispersed teams around CI’s work.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in a mission-oriented organization. Passion for and experience in conservation or climate-related communication materials.
  
  

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

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.