Associate Director of Public Affairs & Communications Policy & Legislation

Position: Associate Director of Public Affairs & Communications for Policy & Legislation
Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has an amazing Communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization. The Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Policy & Legislation leads strategic communications for Earthjustice's policy and legislation work on Capitol Hill, state legislatures, and other political spheres. This position develops key narratives and messaging in support of policy issues, identifies and targets key decision makers and stakeholders, and leads cross-team efforts on advocacy, storytelling, media and public outreach, and government relations.

The Associate Director will also advise and coordinate strategic communications for Earthjustice Action (Earthjustice's 501(c)(4) advocacy partner). This is a supervisory position that manages the work of other staff and contractors. The Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Policy & Legislation is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule. Preference will be given to candidates willing to work hybrid from our Washington, DC office (2x weekly), remote candidates within the United States may be considered.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
* Strategy & Leadership (30%) *

Lead strategic communications planning, alignment, and execution for the Policy & Legislation team in partnership with key program and communications staff, lobbyists, managing attorneys, directors, and vice presidents. Work collaboratively across teams to build and/or execute integrated strategies that support institutional and departmental priorities. Externally represent the organization as a communications leader in the movement.
* Use a data-informed approach, including market research/polling/focus groups, to set measurable advocacy goals, key messaging, target audiences, and innovative communications strategies. Adopt a flexible approach to meeting rapid response moments and pivot strategies where needed.
* Partner with the Director of Earthjustice Action, Earthjustice's 501(c)(4) advocacy partner, to design and implement strategic communications to advance Earthjustice Action's programmatic priorities. Coordinate with staff and vendors to craft and launch congressionally focused advertising campaigns to raise awareness and promote action on priority issues.
* Media and Coalition-Building (20%) *

• Coordinate with other program hubs to generate press coverage of priority issues in target media. Engage partners and stakeholders to popularize policy goals with the public; influence decision-makers using owned, earned, and paid channels to achieve advocacy outcomes.
  * Manage internal staff, partners, and clients in developing coalition strategies for issue advocacy, public outreach, media and government relations. Identify potential partnerships with other local and national organizations and community groups to amplify key issues.
  * Content Creation & Branding (20%) *
• Build thought leadership profile of Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action among key brand target audiences on key issues and develop internal message guidance. Partner with Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action staff on major marketing and fundraising initiatives.
  * Drive storytelling and advocacy projects involving clients and affected communities. Partner with content production and promotion teams to develop compelling, creative content strategies that advance our advocacy, marketing and fundraising goals.
  * Draft content for Earthjustice's digital and print mediums. Review, edit, and approve content developed by…