Conservation International (CI) is a globally recognized organization dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of humanity. Through the integration of science, policy advocacy, field initiatives, and innovative financing, CI works to safeguard ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity, climate stability, and human wellbeing. With offices in 30 countries and initiatives extending to more than 100 nations, CI collaborates with a diverse range of partners—including governments, private sector organizations, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities—to ensure that people and nature thrive together.
Conservation International Ventures (CIV) operates as a critical arm of the organization, mobilizing financial and technical resources to drive high-impact conservation programs across the world. One of its key initiatives is the Seed Fund, a strategic fund that provides targeted and timely support for biodiversity conservation and carbon protection in priority regions. This fund is designed to stimulate early-stage investments in conservation projects that contribute to national and global environmental goals, particularly those associated with forest protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.
To strengthen the communications capacity of this initiative, Conservation International Ventures is seeking a Communications Manager who will play a central role in shaping, coordinating, and delivering communications strategies for the Seed Fund. This position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications professional to contribute to an organization that is at the forefront of global conservation and climate action.
About the Seed Fund
The Seed Fund serves as a strategic funding mechanism managed and administered by Conservation International. Its purpose is to provide rapid, well-targeted support to protect critical reserves of biodiversity and irreplaceable carbon while facilitating the early implementation of “Country Packages” in participating nations. These Country Packages unite a broad coalition of stakeholders—including governments, private sector entities, philanthropies, and multilateral organizations—to advance forest and climate goals at the national level.
To date, seven countries have launched Country Packages: Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Papua New Guinea, and the Republic of Congo, with additional countries expected to join in the near future. The initial Seed Fund partners include the Government of France, the Rob Walton Foundation, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and Conservation International itself. Collectively, these partners have pledged EUR 115 million toward a target of at least EUR 200 million.
The Seed Fund’s mission encompasses several key areas of investment and support, including:
- Enhancing capacity and strengthening implementation on the ground through partnerships with NGOs, Indigenous peoples, and local communities.
- Designing and executing conservation programs for regions rich in biodiversity and carbon stocks, such as forests, mangroves, peatlands, and marine ecosystems.
- Advancing scientific cooperation, research, and monitoring systems that provide data critical for Country Package design and implementation.
- Promoting sustainable financing models, financial innovation, and domestic resource mobilization to ensure long-term conservation success.
- Supporting feasibility studies and groundwork for the expansion and sustainability of larger-scale national conservation initiatives.
The Communications Manager will be an integral part of the Seed Fund Delivery Team and will work collaboratively with internal departments, external partners, and media representatives to ensure that the fund’s mission and achievements are communicated effectively and consistently.
Position Summary
The Communications Manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing all communications-related activities of the Seed Fund. The position involves managing internal and external communications strategies, coordinating public relations efforts, and ensuring that all communications are accurate, engaging, and aligned with the Fund’s mission and branding.
This position can be based in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa (either Cape Town or Johannesburg), or Colombia, depending on the candidate’s location and suitability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Communication Management
- Oversee and coordinate the Seed Fund’s overall communications strategy to ensure consistent, coherent, and impactful messaging across all platforms.
- Develop, review, and edit communication materials such as press releases, reports, newsletters, and donor messages to ensure that they align with organizational standards and effectively communicate key objectives.
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on communications issues, opportunities, and risk management related to public engagement and media relations.
2. Internal and External Messaging
- Administer the dissemination of information both within Conservation International and to external audiences, ensuring the timely and accurate flow of communications.
- Draft and edit internal memos, newsletters, and briefings that keep staff, partners, and stakeholders informed of project developments and achievements.
- Review external messaging materials for clarity, tone, accuracy, and compliance with branding guidelines.
3. Media Relations and Public Engagement
- Draft and distribute press releases, fact sheets, and other media materials to highlight key milestones, achievements, and initiatives supported by the Seed Fund.
- Coordinate with media outlets to secure coverage and visibility for the Fund’s work, including arranging interviews and responding to media inquiries.
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and communication partners to promote an informed understanding of CI’s work and impact.
- Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner or redirect them to appropriate departments as necessary.
4. Digital Content and Online Presence
- Manage and curate content for the organization’s websites and digital platforms related to the Seed Fund, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and message.
- Work closely with website management teams to maintain updated, accessible, and user-friendly digital content.
- Ensure that published content supports the organization’s overall communication strategy, enhances brand awareness, and is optimized for visibility and searchability.
- Oversee quality assurance for the release of new online content and updates to ensure accuracy and adherence to organizational standards.
5. Performance Monitoring and Data Collection
- Collect and analyze data on communication activities, campaigns, and outreach efforts to evaluate performance and inform strategy improvements.
- Track engagement metrics across various platforms to measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives and guide data-driven decision-making.
- Prepare periodic reports on communication outcomes and lessons learned for internal review and external reporting.
6. Knowledge Management and Information Sharing
- Support the production and dissemination of knowledge management materials, including case studies, toolkits, and learning resources.
- Facilitate the sharing of lessons, experiences, and best practices among internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Promote transparent communication and knowledge exchange across the organization to strengthen collaborative learning and innovation.
Working Conditions
The Communications Manager role is dynamic and may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate the organization’s global scope. Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, may be necessary during peak project periods or to meet international deadlines.
Some international travel—estimated at up to 30 percent of total working time—may be required for meetings, project visits, conferences, and coordination with global partners.
Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, will be discussed during the interview process based on organizational and operational needs.
Qualifications
Required:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, accompanied by 4 to 6 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated understanding of communication principles, strategies, and best practices within complex, mission-driven organizations.
- Strong management, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent oral and written communication abilities, including experience in drafting and editing professional communication materials.
- Proven persuasive communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Capacity to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
- Fluency in English and proficiency in an additional language relevant to the region, preferably French or Spanish.
- Ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships within diverse, multicultural teams.
Preferred:
- Experience in Microsoft SharePoint design, as well as database creation and management.
- Experience producing and disseminating knowledge management and training materials.
- Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes, including indicator development, survey design, data analysis, and reporting.
- Familiarity with crisis communication strategies and reputation management.
Application Process
Candidates interested in the Communications Manager position are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience, skills, and motivation for applying. Applications must be submitted before December 7, 2025, at 11:49 PM EST.
All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
For this position, Conservation International accepts applications via email. Applicants should send their materials to the designated CI recruitment email address as indicated in the official posting.
Conservation International is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring a fair, transparent, and inclusive hiring process. The organization values diversity and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds who share its vision of protecting nature for the benefit of all humanity.
