Director of Communications

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Vice President - Philippines

POSITION LOCATION: Quezon City, Philippines

General Summary

The Communications Director will be responsible for leading the development and execution of Oceana’s communications strategies for its various campaigns in the Philippines. The Communications Director will help advance Oceana’s mission by overseeing the management and performance of the Communications Department in support of Oceana’s campaigns. S/he will build relationships with the media and identify opportunities to promote Oceana’s brand as the leading, authoritative voice for our oceans, and build visibility and public support for our work in the Philippines. The Director will also help shape Oceana’s public position on key issues and ensure that Oceana’s website, digital platforms and social media channels are optimized in support of our campaign and organizational goals in the Philippines. The role provides strategic leadership in planning, implementing, and managing overall communication, branding, and advocacy strategies. The Director will work closely with the Vice President and members of the Management Committee in setting, implementing and evaluating overall organizational policies and priorities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Ensure that the objectives and operating requirements of the communications department are met in line with the goals and mission of the organization.
• Lead the development of the objectives, plans and priorities of the communications department in support of Oceana’s goals
• Provide strong, responsive, and effective leadership for the Communications team.
• Lead rapid response, crisis communications, and reputation management for the organization.
• Work with the Vice President and the Management Committee in ensuring that our communication strategies and plans align with our organizational strategies and donor requirements.

Branding, Messaging and Content Oversight

• Maintain and strengthen the organization’s brand identity and public image.
• Ensure that the department’s work is integrated with the work of the Campaigns/Legal/Science departments in support of agreed campaign and organizational priorities,
• Oversee the development of communication materials including media/press kits for Oceana campaigns and activities.
• Secure and manage the use of external resources that are critical to the communications function (e.g. advertising agency, printers, etc.), when necessary

Media and Public Relations

• Lead and implement the development of comprehensive communications plans and media strategies that cater to, deliver information and key messages to various audiences.
• Develop, grow and maintain a strong productive relationship with both print and broadcast media as well as all other media and communications channels.
• Keep abreast of all trends in the communications industry.
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of press releases, statements, and opinion pieces.
• Ensure adequate monitoring of Oceana’s media coverage, including analysis of key narratives and developments relevant to the organization’s advocacy areas.

Digital and Social Media Strategy

• Ensure that all press, social media releases are properly coordinated with the Vice President and Campaign/Legal/Science teams for accuracy, needed legal checks and message alignment.
• Oversee the organization’s website, social media presence, and digital campaigns, making sure they are constantly updated and optimized in support of organizational and campaign goals.
• Ensure effective use of online platforms to increase visibility, audience engagement, and public mobilization when needed.
• Analyze communication metrics to measure impact and inform future strategies

Team Management and Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the communications team and external consultants.
• Build staff capacity in communications, branding, and storytelling.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure integrated and cohesive internal and external communication efforts.
• Manage the work and evaluate the performance of each member of the Communications department.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or delegated by the Vice President.

Job Requirements

Education and work experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications, marketing or public relations. Masters or Ph.D. degrees are preferable. With at least 10 years of communications experience, and at least 6 years’ experience in leading, motivating, mentoring diverse communication project teams/direct reports; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills and knowledge:

• Must have excellent computer skills.
• Must have the ability to handle many tasks simultaneously, with speed, quality, accuracy, and grace.
• Must show initiative and exhibit an exceptional level of insightful planning skills and understanding of technical concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and fluency in the national language, Filipino. Fluency in other languages will be considered desirable.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality in working with sensitive data, and possess excellent judgment in handling communications, expenses, and budgets,
• Strong interpersonal skills must be able to work independently but also a team player.
• Must be able to successfully and tactfully handle inquiries.
• Must take initiative in suggesting ways to augment work and responsibilities to accomplish Oceana’s goals.
• Ability to represent Oceana in a professional and courteous manner with scientists, policymakers, stakeholders, and the media.
• Ability to accommodate a varied workload in a fast-paced campaign environment. Flexible and collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Occasional irregular hours and travel will be required.

Please apply by November 28, 2025.

Founded in 2001, Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. We achieve measurable change by conducting specific, science-based campaigns with fixed deadlines and articulated goals. Our campaigns extend to countries that, combined, control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch, including Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines the United Kingdom, the United States, and the 27 countries in the European Union, with plans to open a new campaign team in Ghana in 2026.

Oceana values a diverse workforce and welcomes people different from each other in many ways, including characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and national origin. Oceana considers all qualified candidates and seeks to recruit from a diverse candidate pool.

Oceana’s Philippines offices operate on a hybrid schedule, and staff are required to work from their assigned office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. With agreement between the employee and their supervisor, the employee may work from home Monday and Friday.