Communications Director, Political Affairs

Location

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

Duration

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

Application Instructions

Please include a cover letter in your application.

Overall Function 

The Communications Director, Political Affairs is responsible for the 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 necessary timeframe, 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, lead assessment and 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. 

The director reports to the Associate Vice President, Communications, Political Affairs, and works closely with the Vice President, Political and Government Affairs. 

Responsibilities 

• In collaboration with the Political Affairs team, develops and 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, story narratives and other materials for audiences in countries where we operate. 

• Develops and executes overarching strategy of a digital program to promote messaging and content, ultimately improving the performance and reach of political and policy content online.  

• Manages a two-person team. 

• Collaborates with brand-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 and brand.