Director Of Communications and External Affairs

Shenandoah National Park Trust  |  Charlottesville, VA

Full-Time, Exempt In office |  Reports to: Executive Director  |  Salary: $75,000–$90,000

Shenandoah National Park Trust (SNPT), the official philanthropic partner of Shenandoah National Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary and entering an exciting period of growth — including the launch of a major campaign and an expanded strategic vision. We're seeking a Director of Communications & External Affairs to serve as the primary architect of our communications and external affairs strategy, elevating SNPT's voice and deepening our community presence at a pivotal moment in our history.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Development, and program staff, you'll translate complex conservation, policy, and philanthropic work into compelling narratives for diverse audiences — from Capitol Hill to gateway communities to major donors.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

•   Serve as SNPT's primary communications ambassador — managing media relationships, earned media strategy, and crisis communications

•   Partner with the Executive Director on government affairs outreach, policy analysis, and stakeholder-ready advocacy materials

•   Lead community and stakeholder outreach with gateway communities, tourism, and civic partners

•   Develop and execute SNPT's annual communications strategy across print, digital, email, website, and social

•   Co-lead the 20th Anniversary communications strategy alongside the Director of Development

•   Serve as a thought partner to SNPT leadership team and write speeches, op-eds, testimony, and remarks for the Executive Director

•   Supervise the Communications Manager and manage outside vendors and consultants

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

•   7+ years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, or external relations, with demonstrated leadership responsibility

•   Proven track record in media relations, including earned media strategy

•   Experience with successful campaigns across digital, print, and social channels, with an emphasis on digital strategy and fluency in AI-assisted content tools

•   Exceptional writing and editing skills — from social copy to executive speeches to policy briefs

•   Strong track record of crafting compelling narratives with proven outcomes that resonate with donors, members, and the public

•   Experience tracking and interpreting metrics (email, social, web) to inform strategy and report to leadership and the board

•   Experience working with executive leadership, board members, elected officials, and high-level donors in sensitive, high-visibility settings

•   Comfort working in a small, agile nonprofit environment

•   Experience supervising staff and managing external vendors or agencies

NICE TO HAVE

•   Background in conservation, public lands, or federal agency communications

•   Experience in government/legislative affairs, ideally at the federal or state level

•   Familiarity with the National Park Service, National Park Foundation, or park nonprofit ecosystem

•   Existing media relationships covering conservation, outdoor recreation, or environmental policy

•   Experience supporting major gift campaigns or organizational milestones

COMPENSATION & CULTURE

If you don't check every box but bring transferable skills and a willingness to learn, we want to hear from you. We're looking for someone ready to step into a high-performing team, lead, and grow with us.

The salary range for this position is $75,000–$90,000 based on years of experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage, 4 weeks PTO, up to 4% retirement match, paid professional development, a flexible work environment, and a park pass. We are a small, dedicated team that believes deeply in the power of public lands and the communities that care for them. This position is based in our Charlottesville office, with travel to Washington, D.C., Richmond, and park-adjacent communities.

Shenandoah National Park Trust is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities and landscapes we serve.

HOW TO APPLY

TO see the full job description https://www.snptrust.org/careers/.

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and two writing samples to Jcocciolone@snptrust.org with the subject line: Comms Director.

Open until filled, with priority review starting August 24, 2026.