Senior Writer, Executive Communications

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

Audubon seeks an exceptional executive writer to support communications for the CEO. The Senior Writer, Executive Communications will research, write, and edit speeches, remarks, articles, correspondence, social content, and briefing materials that convey Audubon’s work with clarity and conviction.

Reporting to the Vice President, Executive Communications, this person will turn science, conservation results, and organizational strategy into memorable narratives tailored to staff, supporters, partners, policymakers, and other audiences. They will work from source materials and input from colleagues to develop strong examples and capture the CEO’s voice across spoken, written, and digital platforms.

This is an individual contributor role for a writer with strong editorial instincts, sound judgment, and experience writing for an executive. The writer will independently identify and recommend timely story ideas, fresh angles, and opportunities to connect the CEO’s perspective with Audubon’s work. Working under the editorial direction of the Vice President, Executive Communications, they will develop and revise drafts and prepare briefings, talking points, and suggested questions that equip the CEO with relevant context and clear messages for meetings, interviews, and other engagements.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's office in Washington, DC.

Compensation:

$110,000 – $125,000 / year = Washington D.C.

Essential Functions

• Executive Writing and Storytelling
  • Under the direction of the Vice President, Executive Communications, draft and revise speeches, remarks, scripts, talking points, articles, executive correspondence, invitations, board communications, staff messages, and other high-visibility content.
  • Develop a close understanding of the CEO’s voice, perspective, and priorities, and adapt the writing to the audience, setting, and format.
  • Translate complex science, conservation work, policy developments, and organizational strategy into clear, accurate narratives, using concrete examples and a strong story structure to make Audubon’s impact and priorities meaningful to each audience.
  • Gather source materials and input from subject matter experts and colleagues; verify facts and develop concrete examples for executive communications.
  • Draft and review letters, invitations, thank-you notes, and other correspondence requiring the CEO’s voice or signature; develop reusable stories and language for recurring needs.
  • Write and edit copy for the CEO’s digital presence, including LinkedIn, in partnership with the Vice President and communications colleagues.

• Briefings and Engagement Preparation
  • Research, draft, and edit concise, insight-driven briefs for the CEO’s meetings, interviews, panels, speeches, and other strategic engagements.
  • Synthesize the purpose, audience, participants, relevant developments, and Audubon priorities into practical preparation materials and suggested questions or talking points.
  • Work with colleagues across conservation, policy, development, and communications to gather context and ensure every brief is accurate and useful.
  • Tailor preparation to the CEO’s needs and the demands of each engagement, from internal meetings to conversations with donors, partners, media, and policymakers.
  • Help develop the narrative and written content for executive presentations, collaborating with design and creative colleagues on supporting visuals.
• Executive Messaging and Thought Leadership
• Propose messaging and content approaches for major organizational moments and the CEO’s external visibility, working with the Vice President, Executive Communications to refine and align them with communication priorities.
• Shape written materials that connect the CEO’s perspective to Audubon’s strategy, impact, and role as a conservation organization powered by birds.
• Collaborate with media and communications colleagues on executive preparation and timely statements during sensitive or fast-moving situations.
• Independently identify and recommend timely stories, emerging ideas, and fresh angles for speeches, articles, posts, and other thought leadership content; develop proposed approaches for the Vice President’s review.
• Editorial Collaboration and Delivery
• Manage assigned writing projects and revisions in coordination with the Vice President, tracking and incorporating feedback, deadlines, and versions through final approval.
• Edit and strengthen material from colleagues for structure, clarity, voice, accuracy, and readiness for executive review.
• Build trusted relationships with the CEO’s office and partners across Audubon; exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Deliver polished work on short timelines and adjust quickly as priorities change.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• At least 7 years of experience as a dedicated writer in an executive support, communications, or speechwriting role. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in conservation, climate, environmental policy, or a related mission-driven sector, with the ability to write for and authentically reflect the voice of senior executives.
• A portfolio showing exceptional writing across formats, including work written in another person’s voice.

• Proven ability to capture an executive’s voice, develop a persuasive narrative, and revise constructively in response to feedback.
• Strong research and synthesis skills; ability to work from source material and subject matter input to turn complex material into precise, engaging prose.

• Experience writing speeches, remarks, briefings, articles, and digital content for senior leaders and distinct audiences.

• Ability to build a clear narrative for executive presentations and work effectively with visual and creative partners.
• Excellent editorial judgment, fact-checking habits, and attention to detail.
• Ability to build trust with senior leaders and collaborate effectively with subject matter experts across disciplines.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments independently and deliver under tight deadlines.

• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.