Communications Director, Political Affairs

Location

This is a hybrid position (2-3 days/week) based out of our Washington, D.C. office.

This is a one-year fixed term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

The Communications Director, Political Affairsis responsible forthe design and execution of strategic communications campaigns that support and further the goals of EDF’s priority issues, particularly at the federal level.

The Communications Director will develop communications strategies and tactics for impact and manage them to completion in the necessarytimeframe, including media outreach, digital strategies, online and in-person events, and message development. This role also will work in collaboration with other environmental and conservation groups to advance shared goals,facilitate strategic development amongst coalition partners, leadassessmentand evaluation of the communications work of coalition partners, and oversee management of external public relations and marketing consultants.

This position requires exceptional writing skills; strong collaboration skills, organization, and diplomacy; a keen interest in political and environmental issues; and an ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously on a wide range of issues. An ideal candidate would have experience executing public affairs campaigns.

Thedirectorreports to the Associate Vice President,Communications,Political Affairs,andworks closely with theVice President,Political and Government Affairs.

• In collaboration with the Political Affairs team, develop sand coordinates national, regional, or localized communication plans, strategies,and goals with key messages on EDF’s highest-priority issue areas.

• Manages the tempo of specific advocacy efforts to keep and build momentum for maximum impact.

• Creates message platforms and tailors them into talking points, speeches, op-eds, news releases, blogs, media pitches, storynarrativesand other materials for audiences in countries where weoperate.

• Develop sand executesoverarchingstrategyofadigital program to promote messaging and content,ultimately improving the performance and reach of political andpolicy content online.

• Managesa two-person team.

• Collaborateswithbrand-level digital team on political messaging and content.

• Develops and manages paid media, including digital,television and other platforms.

• Develops partnerships with media to amplify our messages andbrand.

• Maintains,cultivates and owns relationships with agenda-setting media and reporters covering our topics.

• Monitors media andidentifiesopportunities to insert EDF messages into the news on a systematic basis, including pitching news stories, editorials,op-edsand blogs;identify opportunities to arrange desk-side and other briefings for media.

• Manages PR/communications agency support, assessing agencyexpertiseand managing agency teams for excellence.

• Prepares program staff with training,adviceand support forcommunicationsopportunities.

• Partners with the membership team to activate EDF’s online community to gain support for top priority issues.

• Partners with Community Engagement and Justice & Equity teams to ensure diversity in advocacy and storytelling.

• Works closely with the AVP,Communications,Political Affairsin cultivating a positive, diverse, and welcoming culture within a geographically dispersed team and ensuring effective staff and project coordination and leading by example.

• Participate in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture (OEC) goals so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.

• Coordinates closely on communications strategy…