Position: Communications and Campaigns Director
Organization: Amazon Frontlines
Country: Ecuador (strong preference); Americas acceptable
Work modality: Full-time
Supervisor: Executive Director
Position overview:
Amazon Frontlines is seeking a visionary and strategic Communications Director to lead and strengthen our communications strategy in support of Indigenous rights and environmental justice. This role is designed for an experienced leader who can elevate the visibility of our work at the local, national, and international levels while fostering a cohesive and empowered communications team. The Communications Director will work closely with the Program and Development teams to align communication strategies with organizational goals and ensure that Indigenous voices are at the forefront of our efforts.
The ideal candidate is based in Ecuador, with a secondary preference for someone based in another country within the Amazon basin. However, we offer flexibility for remote work ande strongly encourage anyone based in the Americas who is interested in the position to apply. If the selected candidate is based outside of Ecuador, there is an expectation—aligned with our organization’s long-term vision—that they would be open to relocating to Ecuador in the medium term. This position is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the Amazon and beyond.
Key responsibilities:
1. Strategic leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with Amazon Frontlines’ mission, goals and objectives.
- Position the Communications team as a strategic pillar within the organization, ensuring active participation in decision-making and planning processes.
- Foster an inclusive and creative work environment, integrating regular brainstorming sessions with Program teams and Indigenous partners.
- Establish clear annual, monthly, and weekly priorities across different mediums and audiences (local, national, international, internal, and external).
- Ensure all campaigns and communication strategy and output center Indigenous leadership and elevate their voices globally.
2. Campaign development and execution
- Design and execute grassroots-inspired advocacy campaigns that elevate Indigenous voices and mobilize global support for environmental justice.
- Balance local and international communication efforts, leveraging partnerships with media, influencers, and coalitions.
- Use offline and digital media to increase visibility and engagement, driving tangible outcomes, and develop innovative offline communication strategies to complement digital efforts.
- Establish and manage an editorial calendar with clear processes and roles for content creation, review, and publication.
- Foster and maintain relationships with coalition partners and Indigenous leadership, and build relationships with journalists, influencers, and high-profile allies to amplify AF’s reach.
3. Team management and internal collaboration
- Build and mentor a high-performing communications team, supporting professional growth, innovative thinking and collaboration.
- Foster a respectful and cohesive working relationship between Communications and other teams, and prioritize and streamline workflow, ensuring quality and timely output.
- Communicate clearly and follow through with other departments and external partners on strategic agreements and initiatives.
4. Content creation and media relations
- Oversee the production of reports, newsletters, digital content, research, fundraising and program materials, ensuring high editorial quality.
- Manage crisis communications and rapid response protocols, preparing the team and the leadership for disruptive events for the organization and the movement.
- Secure media coverage in national and international outlets to amplify Indigenous-led stories, initiatives and campaigns.
5. Monitoring and impact evaluation:
- Track and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns.
- Provide regular feedback loops and learning opportunities for the team.
- Develop and manage budgets and team development plans.
Qualifications and experience:
Essential requirements
- 10 years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy and campaigning.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing impactful communication strategies.
- Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and climate change issues.
- Familiarity with social and political dynamics in South America and the Amazon basin.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish with excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
- Proven leadership experience in building, managing and mentoring diverse teams.
- Experience with internal communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.
- Basic knowledge on fundraising and donor communications.
- Ability to travel to Indigenous communities at least twice a year.
- Authentic and open interpersonal communication, a good sense of humor, and joie de vivre.
Desirable qualifications
- Background in community-based communication or development communication.
- Experience in offline communication strategies and working with traditional media.
- Established networks with media outlets, influencers, and allied organizations.
- Familiarity with the latest trends on digital, social media and AI-powered communications.
- Capacity to foster creativity and innovation within the team.
What we are looking for:
- A strategic thinker and energetic doer who can align communications with organizational goals and build trust with the rest of the teams.
- A leader who can establish clear priorities and processes for effective and efficient content creation, publication and distribution.
- A creative visionary and risk-taker who can transform ambitious ideas into high-quality outputs and elevate the visibility of Indigenous-led campaigns.
- An empathetic and collaborative team player who can foster a creative, innovative, nurturing, respectful and empowering work culture.
- An advocate who can position the Communications team as a core and strategic function within Amazon Frontlines, its allies and the movement.
- A skilled manager and coach who can build team members’ capacities, support professional growth, and nurture and support them to deliver their best performance.
Physical and Travel Requirements
This position involves frequent travel and work in diverse environments, including occasional trips to remote locations in the rainforest. Team members must be able to travel with reasonable accommodations as needed and must have the flexibility to adapt to the physical challenges of various travel conditions, which may include variations in climate, terrain, and rainforest ecosystems, as well as limited access to medical treatment and care. Travel may involve transportation by foot, canoe, car, and/or small aircraft to reach remote areas. You must be able to carry up to 13 kilograms (approximately 28 pounds) of equipment during travel and fieldwork.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this position. Applications will be accepted until June 5th, 2025.
Amazon Frontlines is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, age, gender, sexual orientation, or class. In line with our commitment to diversity, we strongly encourage individuals from Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendant communities to apply. You are welcome here.
