[Hiring] Senior Communications Officer @Ocean Science Trust

Role Description

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.

We seek a thoughtful and politically savvy communications professional who can move comfortably from vision to execution:

• Helping define and steward OST’s external voice.
• Translating complex science and policy work into compelling communications.
• Leading donor and funder communications in close partnership with the Director of Philanthropy.
• Managing OST’s brand in external engagements and online channels including website, email, and social media.

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.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for a colleague excited to build this essential function that connects to every part of a maturing organization.

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.

Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy, Positioning, and Reputation
  • Steward OST’s external voice, messaging, and reputation across audiences and channels.
  • Bring political, relational, and reputational judgment to communications decisions.
  • Independently manage most day-to-day communications decisions.
  • Help communicate both the value of individual programs and the broader case for sustained investment in OST.
• Donor and Funder Communications
  • Partner closely with the Director of Philanthropy to translate OST’s fundraising and donor-engagement vision into communications strategy.
  • Develop donor- and funder-facing materials including cases for support, digital and direct-mail appeals, and impact stories.
  • Lead communications and storytelling for philanthropic initiatives.
• Narrative Translation, Storytelling, and Program Communications
  • Translate complex scientific, policy, and organizational work into clear, accurate, and compelling communications.
  • Write, edit, and shape content across various formats.
  • Provide editorial direction and constructive feedback on staff-produced materials.
• Digital Communications, Social Media, and External Engagement
  • Own OST’s website, email communications, and social media channels.
  • Maintain an organization-wide editorial and communications calendar.
  • Support OST’s presence in media and public presentations.
• Organizational Communications Leadership
  • Establish systems, standards, templates, workflows, and review processes.
  • Serve as a primary communications advisor and editor for staff.
  • Manage and provide direction to communications interns and contractors.
• Landscape Awareness and Communications Judgment
  • Maintain awareness of the policy, media, philanthropic, and ocean science landscape.
  • Work with leadership and staff to understand evolving state priorities.
  • Surface emerging communications opportunities and risks to appropriate leadership.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressively responsible communications and public relations experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategy.
• Experience developing donor, funder, or institutional advancement communications.
• Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, policy, or organizational content.
• Experience advising colleagues or organizational leadership on communications strategy.
• Familiarity with California government, public policy, or public-sector environments is preferred.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong strategic judgment and confidence to provide clear direction.
• Ability to understand different audiences and adapt framing and language.
• Strong project-management skills and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Comfortable moving between strategy and execution.

Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000 - 95,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package.
• Health coverage and retirement savings with a 4.5% employer match after one year.
• Generous paid time off and holidays, including a paid year-end office closure.
• Monthly remote work stipend.

Company Description

California 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.
• We connect decision-makers with scientific expertise and support scientific review and synthesis.
• Trust is fundamental to OST’s science-policy bridging role.
• We are committed to equitable hiring and fostering a workplace where all staff feel a sense of belonging.