The National Aquarium · Maryland · posted today
Job Title: Director of External Communications Posting Date: November 2026 Job Department: Marketing Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site/Hybrid Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202 JOB SUMMARY: The National Aquarium is seeking a Director of External Communications to provide strategic leadership for the National Aquarium’s external communications, public relations and public affairs efforts, shaping and protecting the organization’s reputation while elevating its visibility, influence and impact among key audiences. The Director will have accountability for the Aquarium’s reputation and visibility including media and strategic stakeholder engagement to advance the Aquarium’s revenue, public affairs and community engagement goals. This individual will have strategic oversight of all external messaging and be responsible for directing public relations and strategic stakeholder strategies for the organization. The Director of External Communications serves as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO, VP of Communications, VP of External Affairs, and senior leadership, providing counsel on external positioning, reputation management, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications strategies that advance the Aquarium's organizational priorities. KEY REQUIREMENTS: • Lead public relations strategy, overseeing the development, implementation and management of sustained, targeted campaigns for the Aquarium with the goal of maintaining and improving NA’s brand reputation and sentiment as well as gate and philanthropic revenue goals. Provides guidance and support for the PR Manager in these efforts. • Serve as a close strategic partner to the VP, External Affairs on public affairs and community affairs strategy. Co-develop an integrated annual plan that aligns communications with legislative, funding, and community priorities, and maintain a regular joint planning cadence to share media and issues intelligence and align on upcoming policy moments, public events, and announcements. Translate policy and advocacy goals into narratives, message maps, talking points, testimony, op-eds, and briefing materials, and use earned media and thought leadership to advance them. • Develop and execute integrated public relations and stakeholder communications in partnership with External Affairs, supporting the Aquarium’s relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and community leaders to increase awareness, influence public dialogue, and advance organizational goals. • Execute the National Aquarium’s thought leadership strategy, promoting the Aquarium’s experts and unique areas of leadership. • Lead external messaging around large-scale organizational efforts, including major projects and high-profile fundraising efforts. • Own the annual report narrative and coordination. • Build and maintain relationships with media partners, serving as primary point of contact. • Work collaboratively with the Director of Internal Comms to outline complementary comprehensive plans for internal and external messages to all stakeholders. • Identify appropriate spokespersons for media opportunities, provide message maps and conduct media training. • Lead issues management, rapid response management and crisis communications for NA, coordinating closely on internal/external messages and cadence. Serve as the primary external communications contact for media partners in crisis situations. • Serve on community partner project teams representing the Aquarium and building relationships with key partner organizations. • Serve on various internal and external committees as assigned. • Manage the PR agency of record and partner with additional agencies and crisis communications firms as needed. • Support company mission. • Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. • Other duties as assigned or required. QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing, or related area. • 8-10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, public affairs, communications strategy or related field required. • Proven experience developing and leading comprehensive external communications and public relations strategies that advance organizational priorities and strengthen brand reputation. • Demonstrated experience building and maintaining relationships with local and national media, elected officials, government agencies, community leaders and other key external stakeholders. • Experience developing and executing public affairs and strategic stakeholder engagement initiatives, including representing an organization in community and public-sector settings. • Demonstrated ability to develop compelling organizational narratives, key messages and strategic communications plans for complex initiatives, high-profile projects and fundraising campaigns. • Experience managing organizational reputation, identifying emerging issues and developing proactive communications strategies to address reputational opportunities and risks. • Demonstrated experience leading crisis communications, issues management and rapid-response strategies, including coordinating messaging across internal and external audiences. • Ability to be onsite and available for crisis scenarios as needed, at times outside of standard workday hours. • Exceptional writing, editing, presentation and public speaking skills. • Decisive and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate emerging issues and identify strategic communications opportunities. • Ability to identify and prepare appropriate organizational spokespersons, develop messaging frameworks and conduct media and crisis communications training. • Professional demeanor to represent NA favorably in a public forum. • Demonstrated ability to uphold and promote NA’s values and to link NA’s communications efforts to the values and the mission. TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION Salary range ($71,000-$92,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet. How to Apply Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
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