Senior Communications Specialist, Build to Zero

Location:

Hybrid in Washington DC preferred, open to remote-U.S. (Eastern time zone)

Position Length

: 2 year fixed-term position

OVERALL FUNCTION

The Senior Communications Specialist, Build to Zero will refine and execute strategic communications that advance the Build to Zero and Community Engagement teams’ goals. This position will have a particular focus on creating and managing communications for events that the teams participate in, as well as on developing storytelling content in collaboration with local officials and community partners to spotlight clean energy and climate action successes.

The Senior Communications Specialist will draft and publish blogs, press releases, op-eds, social media copy, talking points, media pitches and more. Additionally, the Senior Specialist will help create targeted paid and organic social media campaigns, and support thought leadership opportunities for the Community Engagement and Build to Zero teams.

The Senior Specialist will report to the Senior Communications Manager, Build to Zero, and coordinate across EDF’s Marketing and Communications Teams, Community Engagement and Build to Zero staff, community partners and external vendors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and execute strategic communications plans around key events for the Community Engagement and Build to Zero teams.
• Collaborate with local officials and community partners on earned and owned media that highlight clean energy/climate action success stories locally, regionally or nationally.
• Draft and publish public-facing content, including talking points, opinion pieces, blogs, press releases, web pages, social media posts, media pitches, etc. for a range of audiences.
• Support thought leadership opportunities for Community Engagement and Build to Zero leaders, including drafting social media posts, op-eds, media pitching, event research, etc.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF’s values.
• Develop and execute targeted paid and organic social media campaigns, often in collaboration with EDF marketing team and/or external vendors
• Research climate and energy-related policies and topics as needed for communications efforts.
• Monitor news coverage of issues important to the teams.
• Help lead responses to breaking news and rapid policy developments, including through press releases, social media, blogs and more.
• Track the team’s earned media coverage and manage quarterly reporting of its media coverage.
• Manage a portfolio of diverse community groups and partner organizations by cultivating, informing, and engaging local and national partners through a variety of channels.
• Work with the EDF marketing and digital teams, and outside consultants when applicable, to facilitate the design and production of creative assets, such as web pages, share graphics, reports, fact sheets, videos, etc.
• Support the team in sharing best practices for engaging with communities to internal staff, including support for workshops, internal announcements, etc.
• Assist with maintaining and organizing electronic files, including media lists, press clips, collateral, etc.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism, public relations, communication, marketing, or relevant field required.
• 4+ years of relevant experience developing, managing, and executing media, communications, or advocacy strategies required. A Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for 2 years of relevant experience.
• Excellent writing, proofing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with social media tools and platforms.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Familiarity with digital advertising tools preferred (i.e. Facebook ads, LinkedIn ads, etc.).
• Graphic and design experience.
• Proficiency in Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Practical, real-world experience in environmental communications.
• Interest and working knowledge of current issues relating to climate change and energy.
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to adapt to frequent change and prioritize multiple tasks effectively under deadline pressure.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.