Communications Senior Associate - Connected Grid Initiative

Department: Connected Grid Initiative

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote

Reporting To: Director of Operations

Compensation: $80,000 - $95,000 / year

Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:The Connected Grid Initiative (CGI) is a multi-funder collaborative and field catalyst working to advance electric transmission solutions for the future. CGI exists to unlock U.S. grid capacity and enable the deployment of clean power at scale for a stronger, more reliable, and more affordable grid for all Americans.  CGI’s theory of change focuses on overcoming critical barriers to transmission development by supporting transmission advocates at the federal level and across all regions of the country to accelerate transmission planning, paying, permitting and development. In less than 3 years since CGI’s inception, CGI has built a substantial grantee network consisting of over 80 partners including both national and local organizations with varying specializations. CGI is supported by more than a dozen key philanthropies and individuals with a shared mission: to unlock U.S. electric transmission solutions and expand grid capacity for the benefit of all Americans. POSITION SUMMARY:The Communications Senior Associate will strengthen the communications capacity, cohesion, and external visibility of CGI’s grantee ecosystem, funder relations, and broader network strategy. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive communications framework that spans grantee ecosystem messaging, stakeholder outreach, funder collateral, and internal/external content platforms — including working group convenings, an online information sharing Hub, a network speakers bureau, messaging templates, and coordinated earned media efforts. In close partnership with CGI’s program team, grantees, and funders — and reporting to the Director of Operations — the Senior Associate ensures consistent messaging, coordinated storytelling, and timely dissemination of information across campaigns, regions, and stakeholders. They also lead measurement and tracking of the network’s communications footprint, manage brand assets and vendor relationships, and oversee materials (print, video, digital) to ensure brand coherence and communication effectiveness.  The Communications Senior Associate serves as a key integrator across internal stakeholders and external partners, enabling more strategic storytelling, greater network alignment, and enhanced visibility of CGI’s work advancing transmission buildout across the US. Note, CGI does not have or desire a strong public brand itself, and thus the Communications Senior Associate role will primarily work through and support CGI’s grantees. 

Key Responsibilities

• Grantee Ecosystem Communications
  • In partnership with grantee communicators, develop and implement a coordinated communications strategy for the CGI network across priority regions or campaigns 
  • Serve as the go-to communications resource for grantees — facilitating information sharing across the network and ensuring alignment around messaging, messenger, and timing
  • Oversee strategy and prioritization of information available to grantees on CGI’s information hub platform — identify gaps in data or resources, and work with CGI Program Officers and grantees to develop needed content or tools
  • Lead and coordinate a biweekly Communicators Working Group Zoom meeting with approximately 70 stakeholder attendees
  • Lead and coordinate a monthly Transmission Taskforce Zoom meeting, including identifying and preparing speakers, communications with attendees, and ensuring inclusivity and participation of all relevant grantees and funders
  • Monitor and track grantee external communications — flag and circulate relevant news and developments; develop and track metrics to measure the CGI network’s media footprint and overall communications impact
  • Develop and maintain shared communications resources and collateral 
  • Build and maintain a deep understanding of key industry journalists and outlets relevant to the ecosystem
• Communications Strategy & Storytelling
  • Identify opportunities for grantee storytelling campaigns and strategic communications initiatives
  • Ensure alignment across the ecosystem on key transmission messaging
  • Participate in non-transmission communications efforts, ensuring transmission related work is integrated and showcased as appropriate
  • Establish and manage a network speaker’s bureau and/or rapid response communications team
  • Develop and maintain funder-facing