Communications Director – California League of Conservation Voters – Oakland, CA

Title: Communications Director

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Employment Type: Full-time/Exempt

Salary: DOE, plus full benefits package

Position Location: Oakland or Los Angeles

The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) works to accelerate climate action by transforming our political system. CLCV believes radical change is necessary to prepare communities for the future, which starts with building democracy, electing environmental champions, pushing bold policy change. CLCV makes government, policy, and voting accessible through organizing, education, and advocacy. We’re in the business of changing what is possible — learn more at www.ecovote.org, and follow and like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CLCV Education Fund, CLCV’s 501(c)3 sister organization, works through programs focused on voter engagement and mobilization, issue advocacy, legislative accountability, and research and opinion polling to provide the public, policymakers, and environmental advocates with the resources they need to make California’s air, water and natural resources cleaner and greener through the democratic process. For more information, please visit www.clcvedfund.org.

The work of CLCV and CLCV Ed Fund to protect and advocate for the environment is rooted in our commitment to racial, social, and environmental justice. Engaging black, indigenous, and people of color, among other key constituencies for the environment is an organizational priority. Within the organization, we aim to create a workplace culture and policies and practices that demonstrate how we value equity and inclusion.

Description

The Communications Director is CLCV and CLCV EF’s chief storyteller and will coordinate our overall communications strategy to raise the profile of CLCV, CLCV EF, and our work and help organize the voice of Californians as a power to protect our environment and our future.

With 12 years left to make meaningful progress on the climate crisis, California has an outsized leadership role to play. CLCV and CLCV EF are focused on building the power and creating the policy roadmap to lead this progress. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Communications Director will work collaboratively with senior leaders to develop and implement communication goals and strategies that increase the organizations’ thought leadership, shape the public narrative, and broaden the impact of our mission. They will oversee organizational messaging and member engagement, with a particular focus on innovation in online organizing, advocacy, and fundraising. This member of our Senior Leadership Team will be responsible for devising, implementing, and managing internal and external communications that help build and support a geographically and racially representative and inclusive environmental movement. As a seasoned professional, they will serve as a media liaison and on the record spokesperson. The Communications Director will develop strategies to advance organizational objectives and campaigns using and innovating a range of digital and technology strategies including engagement with and growing our existing advocacy lists, earned media (digital, print, radio, TV), advertising, social media, texting, and more. They will ensure that all communications produced by CLCV and CLCV EF are accurate, professional, engaging, and appropriate for specific audiences. The Communications Director must possess excellent written and verbal skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a keen sense of California’s political landscape and top-tier environmental and social justice issues.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to develop organizational and communications strategies that will increase and grow programmatic reach and deepen impact.
• Develop and implement annual communications goals in collaboration with other department leads, including establishing budget needs, fundraising and advocacy goals, list growth objectives, and other department priorities.
• Supervise communications staff and manage consultants and vendors as necessary.
• Maintain the integrity of the brand and identity of CLCV and CLCV EF, as well as develop and refine their core messages to ensure organizational consistency.
• Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support CLCV and CLCV EF’s work, and create and implement plans to build on ongoing issues, as well as breaking news in order to achieve advocacy and fundraising goals.
• Provide strategic leadership in developing and executing active communications strategies within a framework of publicizing CLCV and CLCV EF’s legislative accountability work and ensuring that California’s ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse communities are more aware of CLCV and CLCV EF’s missions and campaigns.
• Coordinate public opinion research efforts, apply results to communications, and create research release strategies for earned media.
• Manage the organizations’ websites, action alerts, digital fundraising appeals, event programs and remarks, press releases, op-ed pieces, and our flagship publication, the annual California Environmental Scorecard.
• Develop, innovate and execute social media plans and campaigns and stay informed of latest digital engagement trends.
• Research and prepare media and background materials to support CLCV and CLCV EF campaigns.
• Support production, branding, and media engagement for events.
• Build support with political and environmental allies, creating rapid response infrastructure and partnerships on messaging and campaigns.
• Cultivate relationships with key reporters, media and news outlets, and actively pitch stories, spokespeople, and events during new cycles and campaigns.
• Train and manage CEO, staff and Board members as media spokespersons, and actively work to build their leadership and national profile.
• Oversee organizational response to public and media inquiries about CLCV and CLCV EF.

Qualifications

• Significant communications experience (at least 5-8 years) that includes a blend of political advocacy, digital engagement and fundraising, media relations, and branding.
• A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications environment.
• Experience managing high performing, racially diverse teams.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and coaching and supporting senior staff and board members to speak on behalf of the organization.
• Skilled in using social media, technology, and innovative digital storytelling tools.
• Experience using CMS and CRM systems (e.g. ActionKit, ActBlue, Blackbaud, etc.).
• Ability to develop and analyze digital metrics based on benchmarks and best practices for nonprofit organizations.
• Understanding of high-priority state and federal environmental issues and challenges, working knowledge of California state government and politics, familiarity with Capitol political process and players, and experience with California electoral campaigns preferred.
• Track record of successful engagement with communities of color and knowledge of the intersection of equity and environment and environmental justice issues, especially within California.
• Fluency or proficiency in multiple languages spoken throughout California preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in both written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time pressure with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaboration, time management, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills, and a track record of working effectively across race, gender, sexual orientation, and other social identities.
• Experience as a leader in organizations that have prioritized the integration of justice and equity through policies, practices, culture, and programs.
• Experience working with and presenting to highly engaged Boards of Directors.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends occasionally when necessary.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in this highly respected organization. We are seeking an individual of outstanding quality with a respected track record. CLCV offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage; a 401(k) retirement program with employer match; discounted pre-tax Commuter Checks for public transit; flexible spending account (FSA) for health care expenses; and optional life insurance. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY:

Send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements and tell us how you found this posting. Please write “Communications Director” in the subject line. The position is open until filled. No phone calls please. PLEASE NOTE: A cover letter is required for this selection process. Resumes submitted without cover letter will not be considered.

The California League of Conservation Voters and CLCV Education Fund are committed to equity, inclusion, and environmental justice. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we seek to create and sustain a team that reflects the diversity of the state we serve. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, especially those with experience working with communities most impacted by California’s environmental challenges.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 – $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Employees are working remotely

Education:

• Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

• communications: 8 years (Preferred)
• digital engagement and fundraising: 5 years (Preferred)
• Media relations: 5 years (Preferred)
• branding: 5 years (Preferred)
• political advocacy: 5 years (Preferred)
• equity and inclusion: 1 year (Preferred)

Company’s website:

• ecovote.org

Benefit Conditions:

• Waiting period may apply

Work Remotely:

• Temporarily due to COVID-19

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Remote interview process
• Virtual meetings