Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

Patino Associates and Chaloner have partnered with Nia Tero on their search for a Chief Communications and Engagement Officer.

Nia Tero is a global bridging organization that brings Indigenous Peoples and allies together to advance what we call Indigenous Peoples' guardianship. Our partnerships with Indigenous Peoples' are explicitly structured to honor self-determination, respect time-honed knowledge and ways of being and build trust while upholding the sacred value of reciprocity. To achieve this, we work in solidarity with Indigenous peoples to safeguard their ancestral thrivingterritories and ways of being, collaborating on essential global efforts towards a vibrant and habitable future Earth.

• Our vision is that Indigenous Peoples' guardianship is enabled everywhere possible on Earth as part of a just and vibrant future.
• Our mission is to directly support Indigenous Peoples' guardianship and elevate the role and influence of Indigenous Peoples as essential to ensuring planetary health and habitability.

• Serve as Nia Tero's brand and reputation manager, ensuring cross organizational alignment and direct service toward our mission.
• Lead strategies to build and protect Nia Tero's reputation.
• Drive brand development and positioning to elevate Nia Tero's brand globally, ensuring it resonates with diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, donors, partners, and the public.
• Acts as a primary spokesperson for the organization, oversees media relations and the crafting of press releases, responds to media inquiries, and ensures Nia Tero's public image is presented accurately.
• Guide and review the development of material, internal and external, that involves Nia Tero's logo and/or content that aligns with our mission.

• Guide the development and implementation of global marketing, communications strategies, and campaigns that align with organizational goals, and drives growth in awareness, engagement and funding.
• Lead the creation and implementation of impactful messaging, stories and campaigns that amplify Indigenous voices, promote the protection of their territories and influence global policy.
• Oversee the development of multifaceted communications initiatives, including digital, social media, content marketing, and public relations.
• Work closely with the Development Team to create marketing strategies that support fundraising efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media outlets, influencers, and advocacy networks to amplify Nia Tero's impact.

• Oversee the development and production of accurate, compelling editorial content that is delivered through internal, external and paid media channels.
• Oversee the development and production of powerful visual content including short films, documentaries and multimedia stories to elevate Indigenous voices and protect their lands.
• Lead the strategy and delivery of creative and editorial content distribution across digital platforms and other appropriate events, venues and media.
• Serve as a member of the Editorial Oversight Group within Nia Tero to set the direction of projects and campaigns to ensure mission alignment.

• Leads by example using a hands-on approach to management and an open-door policy.
• Directs, counsels and coaches team members, meeting regularly to discuss objectives, observations, progress, and results.
• Monitors work performance to ensure productivity, and the needs of the organization are met.

• At least 15 years of experience in public relations and communications, with demonstrated experience in developing and executing marketing, brand, and communications strategies.
• Lived experience working directly with Indigenous Peoples and communities and demonstrated understanding about issues and challenges facing Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Experience in external affairs roles, with demonstrated political acumen and experience.
• Experience developing and tailoring messages to reach key audiences.
• Experience leading content creation, including managing film or documentary production and digital content campaigns.
• Experience building and managing a mission-aligned global brand, taking on board the perspectives of key advisors.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and leading a high-performing team of communications professionals, with 7+ years managing teams.
• Experience designing and implementing marketing strategies that reach diverse cross-cultural audiences in multiple geographic regions with a sensitivity to cultural dynamics and languages.
• Demonstrated success working with nonprofit organizations, non-governmental or other mission driven entities, preferable within global, environmental, Indigenous rights sectors.
• Proven experience building marketing strategies that drive donor engagement, build partnerships and support fundraising initiatives. Experience collaborating with Development Teams to enhance donor communication strategies.
• Experience representing organizations at global forums, events and in media.

• Superior writing and experience in multiple forms of persuasive writing including success stories, news, talking points, media Q&A and presentations.
• Strong ability to articulate complex issues in clear, persuasive, and compelling ways across various platforms.
• Ability to engage with and counsel senior-level decision-makers and offer insight into organizational alignment, brand and reputation.
• Sound financial competence. Ensures budget and fiscal oversight align with organizational goals.
• Ability to assess global marketing trends and identify best practices for reaching and engaging diverse, cross-cultural audiences.
• Skilled in creating consistent and powerful brand narratives that foster trust.
• Skilled in mentoring and coaching, with experience in developing talent and managing both in-house teams and external contractors.

• Proficiency in multiple languages.
• Proven success at leading initiatives that not only raised awareness but also led to concrete outcomes such as policy change, increased funding or expanded reach.

• Visually or otherwise identify, observe, and assess distance, color, and depth; Required to regularly communicate with others and exchange accurate information.
• Able to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment; able to remain stationary at a computer for extended periods of time and move around his/her assigned workspace.