Zion Forever Project
Director of Communications & Outreach
Zion Forever Project, Hurricane, Utah, United States, 84737
WHO WE ARE
Zion National Park Forever Project (ZFP), a leader in non-profit public lands partnerships, believes that our employees are our greatest strength. As such, we are seeking a full‑time Director of Communications who is committed to our mission as the non‑profit partner of Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks, and Pipe Spring National Monuments and providing our staff members with an exceptional brand experience. From the moment of hire, we want our employees to engage in the mission of ZFP and understand the value of each person's contribution to this important work.
The Forever Project’s headquarters are in Zion National Park. The Director position is located in the philanthropy office in Hurricane, UT.
WHAT YOU’LL DO: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION—40%
Serve as primary communications adviser to the CEO, shaping and executing strategies that position Zion Forever as a national leader in conservation philanthropy.
Partner closely with the CEO to craft speeches, talking points, presentations, and other communications that elevate the organization’s leadership and extend its reach with donors, media, and partners.
In partnership with the Senior Executive Assistant, monitor and manage the CEO’s external communications calendar, ensuring each engagement aligns with organizational visibility and fundraising priorities.
Anticipate issues, trends, and opportunities affecting Zion Forever’s reputation, advising the CEO on messaging approaches and risk mitigation.
Lead integrated communications planning across departments to align development, marketing, and program messaging.
Direct the performance of internal and external creative and communications partners to maintain quality, brand consistency, and timeliness.
Develop and monitor the communications budget, measuring impact through data‑driven metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & REPRESENTATION –35%
Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, representing Zion Forever and the CEO in media interactions, community engagements, and public forums.
Build, manage, and deepen relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and public affairs professionals to proactively secure coverage.
Develop and lead media strategies that highlight organizational leadership, donor impact, and conservation outcomes.
Manage all press materials including releases, briefings, editorial placements, and crisis responses, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Prepare the CEO and other leaders for interviews, panels, and public appearances with detailed backgrounders and message frameworks.
Oversee the production of external communications including newsletters, impact reports, digital campaigns, and social content that reinforce key narratives.
Guide vendors, consultants, and internal staff in executing communications plans with consistency and professionalism.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT—25%
Partner with the CEO and Development team to strengthen relationships with donors, community leaders, and government partners, ensuring consistent and persuasive messaging.
Represent Zion Forever at community and industry events, serving as a visible ambassador for the mission and leadership.
Lead outreach strategies that expand the organization’s influence and visibility in the conservation, philanthropy, and public lands communities.
Collaborate with the Development team to integrate storytelling into donor engagement, campaigns, and events, amplifying the CEO’s fundraising capacity.
Coordinate cross‑functional communications efforts with staff and external agencies to support brand alignment, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives.
Evaluate communication outcomes and continuously refine strategies to deepen public awareness and donor commitment.
KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST‑HAVES)
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.
7‑10 years progressive experience in the communications field required; nonprofit and fundraising campaign experience highly desirable, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above minimum qualifications.
Experience managing a comprehensive communications program including digital and print communications and public/media relations to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
Well‑developed project management skills with the ability to set clear priorities and delegate effectively for shared accountability.
Committed to continual learning and teaching, to the ZFP mission, and to advancing a culture of inclusion in the organization and in Zion.
Success in achieving high‑performance goals and managing deadlines for multiple projects.
Exemplary written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to multiple audiences and communicate complex ideas in a clear, creative, and professional manner.
Exceptional ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Highly independent, self‑starter who displays initiative in taking on new projects as requested.
Creative thinker and open‑minded problem solver with a calm and flexible demeanor.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW We value diversity among our staff. Zion Forever is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Forever Project’s headquarters are in Zion National Park. The Director position is located in the philanthropy office in Hurricane, UT.
WHAT YOU’LL DO: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION—40%
Serve as primary communications adviser to the CEO, shaping and executing strategies that position Zion Forever as a national leader in conservation philanthropy.
Partner closely with the CEO to craft speeches, talking points, presentations, and other communications that elevate the organization’s leadership and extend its reach with donors, media, and partners.
In partnership with the Senior Executive Assistant, monitor and manage the CEO’s external communications calendar, ensuring each engagement aligns with organizational visibility and fundraising priorities.
Anticipate issues, trends, and opportunities affecting Zion Forever’s reputation, advising the CEO on messaging approaches and risk mitigation.
Lead integrated communications planning across departments to align development, marketing, and program messaging.
Direct the performance of internal and external creative and communications partners to maintain quality, brand consistency, and timeliness.
Develop and monitor the communications budget, measuring impact through data‑driven metrics and adjusting strategies as needed.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & REPRESENTATION –35%
Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson, representing Zion Forever and the CEO in media interactions, community engagements, and public forums.
Build, manage, and deepen relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and public affairs professionals to proactively secure coverage.
Develop and lead media strategies that highlight organizational leadership, donor impact, and conservation outcomes.
Manage all press materials including releases, briefings, editorial placements, and crisis responses, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Prepare the CEO and other leaders for interviews, panels, and public appearances with detailed backgrounders and message frameworks.
Oversee the production of external communications including newsletters, impact reports, digital campaigns, and social content that reinforce key narratives.
Guide vendors, consultants, and internal staff in executing communications plans with consistency and professionalism.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT—25%
Partner with the CEO and Development team to strengthen relationships with donors, community leaders, and government partners, ensuring consistent and persuasive messaging.
Represent Zion Forever at community and industry events, serving as a visible ambassador for the mission and leadership.
Lead outreach strategies that expand the organization’s influence and visibility in the conservation, philanthropy, and public lands communities.
Collaborate with the Development team to integrate storytelling into donor engagement, campaigns, and events, amplifying the CEO’s fundraising capacity.
Coordinate cross‑functional communications efforts with staff and external agencies to support brand alignment, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives.
Evaluate communication outcomes and continuously refine strategies to deepen public awareness and donor commitment.
KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST‑HAVES)
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required.
7‑10 years progressive experience in the communications field required; nonprofit and fundraising campaign experience highly desirable, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to the above minimum qualifications.
Experience managing a comprehensive communications program including digital and print communications and public/media relations to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
Well‑developed project management skills with the ability to set clear priorities and delegate effectively for shared accountability.
Committed to continual learning and teaching, to the ZFP mission, and to advancing a culture of inclusion in the organization and in Zion.
Success in achieving high‑performance goals and managing deadlines for multiple projects.
Exemplary written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt to multiple audiences and communicate complex ideas in a clear, creative, and professional manner.
Exceptional ability to engage and build relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Highly independent, self‑starter who displays initiative in taking on new projects as requested.
Creative thinker and open‑minded problem solver with a calm and flexible demeanor.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW We value diversity among our staff. Zion Forever is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to join our team.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries: Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr