Administrative

Director of Communications

East Boothbay, ME
Work Type: Full Time
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Overview
We hope you’ll join us at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, where your communications leadership can help advance bold science for our blue planet. As director of communications, you would grow the awareness of, support for, and success of our ocean mission.

Your work would be critical to our nonprofit research institute, which uses innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future for all life on our planet. Most of the organisms we study are microscopic in size, but their influence and potential are unmatched.

As head of the high-performing communications team, your primary objectives would be to: 
  • Raise awareness of Bigelow Laboratory, its expertise, and the timely relevance of its research among key regional and national audiences
  • Attract new supporters and partners — especially among donors, trustees, and scientists — while strengthening existing relationships with key constituencies
  • Address institutional needs and support the success of scientist-led initiatives, while protecting and building Bigelow Laboratory’s brand

This is a senior, strategic, hands-on role that reports to Bigelow Laboratory’s president and CEO, and it is perfect for someone who wants to do the work as well as lead it.

The role will challenge you, inspire you, and empower you to make a difference. If you are excited by that prospect and have the proven ability to lead inspirational and effective communications for complex and technical organizations, we’d love to hear from you.


Our director of communications is a full-time, regular position that offers a full benefits package and competitive compensation. It is a hybrid role with regular meetings and responsibilities at Bigelow Laboratory’s beautiful, state-of-the-art campus in East Boothbay, Maine, and other local travel will regularly be required. The salary band for this position is $107,931-$161,908


Primary responsibilities include:

Science translation 

Work with researchers to understand and communicate highly complex scientific fields such as microbiology, geochemistry, and ecology

Develop communications about cutting-edge research for non-scientists that makes it accessible and compelling

Serve as the primary editor for all institutional communications, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency while maximizing effectiveness and strategic alignment

Communications and brand strategy 

Evolve and implement the nonprofit’s comprehensive communications plan, as well as short-term and crisis plans for specific needs

Champion Bigelow Laboratory’s brand, ensuring its consistent application and guiding its ongoing evolution

Generate and manage all institutional messaging strategies for audiences, such as the public, media, donors, government officials, and industry representatives

Cross-functional leadership 

Collaborate with scientists across the laboratory, listening to their needs and garnering their support for institutional objectives

Work with Bigelow Laboratory’s Board of Directors to integrate their guidance and report on progress toward established goals 

Serve as official representative of the organization at events and with the media 

People and process management 

Manage small communications team and enhance their success though clear short- and long-term priorities, project management, and strategic support 

Manage consultants for graphic design, public relations, photography, videography, and other communications specialties 

Create and manage the department’s budget to maximize its return on investment 

Metrics strategy and evaluation 

Define and monitor meaningful metrics with clear and measurable targets

Develop a metrics dashboard to evaluate progress and share results with leadership

Drive consistent improvement over time in key areas, including thought leadership, media placements, communications materials, donor response and feedback, and digital engagement

Media and public relations 

Build and maintain relationships with journalists in the Northeast and at key publications around the globe to generate regular, high-profile media coverage

Generate partnerships, events, and other projects to raise public awareness and understanding of the institute

Create and implement thought leadership opportunities to showcase the institute’s expertise and raise its profile with key audiences

Counsel scientists on how to most effectively interact with reporters through interview preparation and proactive training

Core communications 

Oversee content, design, and production of all institutional communications channels, including newsletters, magazines, videos, brochures, and social media

Direct the website evolution and strategy to achieve wide-ranging institutional and programmatic goals

Advise the CEO on communications strategies and draft content on their behalf

Mission Strategy and Services

Support the development team with strategic communications that help grow fundraising and partnerships

Oversee marketing communications projects in partnership with researchers that achieve results with target audiences, from students to commercial clients

Provide essential support to all institutional communications needs — from the stationery to the strategic plan


To be qualified for this opportunity, you must have:

12 years of relevant communications experience — at least five of which were in a strategic leadership role

Bachelor's degree in science communications, journalism, public relations, or other relevant field

Communications experience with science, engineering, technology, medicine, or other technical organizations

Communications leadership experience with nonprofit or other mission-driven organizations

Management experience of an in-house team, as well as external consultants

Passion for science and its ability to help us understand, sustainably use, and care for the ocean

      Knowledge of marine microbiology, molecular techniques, and/or other complex ocean research fields is highly desirable


Apply
If your experience aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined above, we strongly encourage you to apply online for this exciting opportunity. To do so, please upload your cover letter, resume, and references. The application deadline is Sunday, March 30, 2025. Interviews are expected to begin shortly afterward.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists and science supporters from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect. Bigelow Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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