Communications Manager

 About the Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Overview

The Communications Manager is responsible for development and execution of communication materials that maximize external awareness and understanding of mission, programs, and accomplishments of an established organization specializing in land conservation and park development. The work of the Communications Manager is integral to the overall success of the Open Space Institute’s brand recognition, reputational awareness, development effectiveness, and identity.

The position is responsible for developing compelling and effective storytelling across new and established multimedia platforms that reflect strategic OSI messaging, generate engagement from key audiences and the public, and galvanize support for land protection and other vital initiatives.

The position works closely with the full External Affairs team and other program staff in developing materials for a wide variety of platforms including press releases; content for monthly e-newsletters and print collateral; videos and StoryMaps; social media; OSI’s website; and more.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Media and Public Relations

• Develop and execute strategic media relations programs, including cultivation and management of relationships with contacts at new and traditional media platforms.
• Research, write, and edit press releases and related materials (advisories, talking points, op/eds, background materials, etc.).
• Manage day-to-day media inquiries and press events.
• Develop opportunities for local, regional, and national press coverage.
• Manage relevant social media assets and supporting social media outreach.
• Maintain and expand media contact lists.
• Track placements, impressions, and keep up with media trends.

Content Creation and Management

• Produce high-quality content for monthly e-news and other periodic organizational e-blasts, social media campaigns and weekly posts, print pieces (annual print newsletter, annual report, and others as needed), and other organizational and programmatic collateral needs.
• Multimedia video production management.
• Website content and maintenance.
• Manage relationships with contract writers, videographers, and other vendors as needed.
• Create advertising content and managing placements.
• Support fundraising goals through occasional writing/editing of fundraising materials.

Strategic Communications and External Relations

• Clearly articulate and promote work from various program areas while ensuring consistent messaging.
• Track topics relevant to OSI’s conservation, park development, and strategic goals.
• Track organizational data sets as needed.

Shared Programmatic Commitments

• Embed equity in OSI’s overall communications strategy, messaging, and diversify the stories OSI tells and images we present on website and publications.
• Provide communication guidance to all staff as it relates to diversity and equity.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position.  There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned.

Culture & Equity Responsibilities

All OSI staff are expected to contribute to a workplace culture grounded in respect, fairness, and inclusion. This includes highlighting the importance of group identity and considering how personal bias or favoritism may affect interactions or result in inequitable treatment or communication-sharing throughout the organization.

Staff are also expected to cultivate networks and candidate pipelines that include group identities currently underrepresented at OSI, and to draw from those networks when positions are open.

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams and with external partners.
• Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for a variety of audiences.
• Strong grasp of adapting messages for different platforms (e.g., website, print, video, and social media).
• Demonstrated success in media relations, including cultivating press contacts and organizing media events.
• Strategic thinker who can connect day-to-day communications work to larger organizational goals.
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to move seamlessly between working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to create and edit video a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in communications.
• Experience in environment, conservation, and/or park fields preferred.

Location & Physical Requirements

• This position is based out of our Albany, New York.
• A minimum of three days per week in office expected weekly.
• Work indoors in an office with occasional outdoors work.
• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard.
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Occasional travel required.
• Have an appropriate home workspace for remote days.

Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply. 

 Working Arrangements, Pay and Benefits

This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week within regular business hours. All of our offices are open and fully operational five days per week, as we believe that working together in person can facilitate spontaneous interaction, clearer communication, efficient problem-solving, stronger team cohesion, and support for newer employees. However, OSI recognizes the importance of flexibility for our staff. This role involves working onsite at our Albany, NY office a minimum of three days per week.

Pay for this position is $82,000 - $91,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate's qualifications during the interview process.

OSI offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package, including a choice of medical plans (both traditional and high-deductible health plans with HSA), with premiums for employees and their dependents covered up to 100% on some plans; dental and vision coverage, with premiums for employees and their dependents 100% covered by OSI; flexible spending accounts; a 403(b) plan with both an up to 4% employer match and 4% discretionary employer contribution after 2 years of service; paid time off, including paid holidays, accrued PTO and sick days, 3 “Summer Fridays”, and 2 floating holidays; life insurance; disability coverage; an employee assistance program; and more.

How to Apply

Apply using the button below! Include a cover letter that includes where you learned of the job posting along with your resume and a relevant writing sample. Applications without a cover letter and writing sample are not likely to be considered. Please note: your cover letter and writing sample must be combined into one file and uploaded together in the “Cover Letter” section of the application.

Applications will be actively reviewed on a rolling basis from the time of posting in April 2026, with earlier submissions receiving priority consideration. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your application as soon as possible, as the role will be unposted once a strong candidate pool has been identified. You will receive an acknowledgment once your application has been submitted, and we will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview.   

Equal Opportunity Statement

OSI is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that our conservation mission is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, beliefs, and cultures. We are committed to cultivating and retaining a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters belonging.

OSI offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to resumes@osiny.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. 

Consistent with New York State law, OSI does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, height, weight, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. OSI will not sponsor applicants for work visas.