Communications Director

The Trail Conservancy

Communications Director Job Announcement

Reports to: Chief of External Affairs

Direct report: Marketing Supervisor

Classification: Full-time, exempt

Hiring range: $90,000-$95,000, depending on relevant experience

Schedule: Generally 40 hours per week, with flexibility and occasional evening and weekend work for TTC events and significant communications needs

Work location: Hybrid office and home

Benefits: Health Insurance (100% coverage for employee’s medical, dental, vision , life insurance, 401(k) eligibility + up to 2% match with vesting period

Paid leave: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and TTC's annual office closure between December 25 and New Year's Day

About The Trail Conservancy

The Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all.

In partnership with the City of Austin and the community, TTC cares for one of Austin's most used and beloved public spaces. Our work includes ecological restoration, capital improvements, operations and maintenance, community programs, public events, and long-term stewardship of the Trail.

The Trail Conservancy is entering an important period of growth, guided by an ambitious  strategic plan. The Communications Director will help shape how Austin understands TTC's mission, impact, partnerships, and vision for the Trail.

Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, the Director will lead TTC's integrated communications and marketing strategy, supervise the Marketing Supervisor, and manage the systems and external partners needed to carry out the work. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution, including advising senior leaders, overseeing content and digital channels, strengthening media and community engagement and guiding communications during complex public issues.

• Develop and lead an annual communications and marketing plan aligned with TTC's strategic plan and External Affairs priorities.
• Identify key audiences and establish clear objectives, messages, and strategies for each.
• Serve as a strategic communications adviser to the Chief of External Affairs, CEO, leadership team, and other staff.
• Partner with the Chief of External Affairs on communications related to City partnerships, public affairs, government relations, and issues affecting the Trail.
• Establish editorial, approval, and planning processes that promote accuracy, consistency, responsiveness, and appropriate executive oversight.
• Set measurable communications goals, monitor performance, and recommend adjustments based on data, community feedback, and emerging needs.

• Steward TTC’s brand, voice, visual identity, and core messages across all channels.
• Lead an integrated content strategy that communicates TTC's mission, impact, projects, programs, partnerships, and community value.
• Provide strategic oversight of TTC's website, email, social media, digital advertising, publications, signage, direct mail, video, and other communications platforms.
• Guide the creation and editing of press materials, project communications, community updates, fundraising materials, organizational reports, and multimedia content.
• Ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive, respectful, and appropriate for their intended audiences.
• Maintain clear standards for written, visual, digital, and multimedia communications.
• Manage communications consultants, photographers, and other external partners.

• Develop productive relationships with reporters, editors, producers, community media, and other communications partners.
• Identify opportunities for earned media, interviews, public presentations, thought leadership, and community storytelling.
• Draft and coordinate press releases, media advisories, statements, responses to inquiries, interview preparation, and spokesperson materials.
• Prepare leaders to represent TTC and serve as a TTC spokesperson as needed.
• Monitor media coverage, misinformation, stakeholder concerns, and emerging…