The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation’s most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.4 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of nearly 500 lawyers, scientists and other professionals to fight for the planet and its people in the halls of Congress, communities across the country, and nations around the globe. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America’s bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations; our water enforcement cases played a major role shaping current water policy throughout the country. Today, our staff – a force for nature – work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana and Beijing.

The communications director is integral to developing and implementing the core mission of the NRDC Action Fund. He/she will report to the director of the Action Fund and when appropriate, will coordinate projects with the other communications staff members and program experts in NRDC and coalition partners. The communications director will develop internal and external communications strategies and execute or oversee press relations, the creation of strategic communication narratives, the design of donor communications materials, online communications platforms (including the Action Fund website (WordPress), WhoVotesDirty website (Drupal), Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Huffington Post Backstage), and special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications:

At least seven years of experience in communications and politics, and preferably additional experience with public policy, with an emphasis on science and/or environmental issues. Excellent strategic vision, written and oral communication skills. Strong organizational skills, project management capacities, and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks/priorities are essential. A strong work ethic, skill to perform under pressure/on tight deadlines, and having individual initiative is vital. Must demonstrate the ability to quickly conceive, organize, compose public messages, and to translate complex material into everyday but compelling language. Familiarity with multiple online social media platforms. Advanced computer skills in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and Outlook. Ability to update Action Fund websites in Drupal and WordPress content management systems.

Responsibilities:

The communications director is responsible for executing or managing;

1. Develop Internal Communications for Action Fund Priorities/Campaigns

Clean Power Plan
Work with Federal Communications
Materials for NRDC senior management/development/program staff

2. Develop External Communications & Branding Materials/Represent NRDC Action Fund

LeadingGreen alliance with League of Conservation Voters including presentation materials such as brochures, PowerPoints, videos, etc.
Represent Action Fund with diverse group of allies
– Progressive Community
– White House
– Blue-Green Alliance Conference

3. Serve as NRDC Action Fund Press Secretary

Proactively look for media opportunities/pitches stories
React to media calls/questions
Build relationships with inside the beltway reporters
Write press releases, media advisories, organize press briefings, talking points
Lead press briefings including press conferences and telepressers for AF and environmental community as needed

4. Develop Strategic Communications

Design and implement Action Fund narrative
Conceive narrative for internal and external audiences explaining the goals of the Action Fund strategic plan
Write and design donor communications
Design and update Action Fund Brochure
Design and write Action Fund donor benefits
Design and write Action Fund donor levels
Design, write and update Action Fund electoral roadmap brochure

5. Key writer

Write blogs
Write Op-eds
Write LTES
Primary Editor for internal/external communications

6. Serve as NRDC Action Fund Online Communications Manager

Update Action Fund website-blogs/content updates
Update and manage Facebook posts, followers, emerging trends
Update and manage Twitter posts, followers, emerging trends
Update/upload YouTube account with new videos
Manage AF Director’s Huffington Post Backstage blog account
Manage WordPress for website updates/blogs/press releases

7. Special Projects Manager

Manage Running Clean report and video series
Manage development/release/update WhoVotesDirty website
Manage additional contract employees including content providers, blog writers, graphic designers and/or interns

8. Document/Presentation Designer

Utilize Microsoft Publisher for design/branding for internal and external documents
Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for designer presentations for internal and external audiences including the NRDC Action Fund Board of Directors

NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website at www.nrdc.org/jobs, create a profile and upload your resume and cover letter. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs. Please reference where you saw this posting. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are having technical difficulty while applying, please email us at hr@nrdc.org.

For further information about NRDC, please visit www.nrdc.org.