ecovote.org > get involved > jobs at CLCV > communications director

Communications Director

The California League of Conservation Voters is the political muscle of California’s environmental community. Now in its 36th year, CLCV is a leader in the environmental movement both in California and around the nation. CLCV is distinguished for its political influence: we support environmental candidates for state public office, track legislative activity, hold elected officials accountable to environmental protection, and implement environmental policy reform programs. Our annual California Environmental Scorecard is the authoritative source on the environmental performance of the Governor and state legislature. CLCV is a growing organization, with more than 30,000 members.

Description:

The Communications Director is responsible for devising, implementing, and managing internal and external communications in support of CLCV’s mission and goals. This seasoned professional will serve as CLCV’s primary media liaison and on-the-record spokesperson. S/he will develop strategies to advance organizational objectives and support CLCV campaigns using a range of earned media – including print, radio, television and online outlets – and marketing tools (member newsletters, action alerts, and other such publications). The Communications Director will ensure that all communications produced by CLCV are professional, engaging, well written and appropriate for the target audience. The Communications Director is a senior position that reports to the Director of Development. This individual should 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 issues.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement annual communications goals, including establishing budget needs and communications priorities.
Draft and implement communications plans as needed.
In conjunction with senior staff, develop and implement public outreach and media relations strategies to advance CLCV’s political agenda and enhance our visibility, image and influence.
Manage media relations, including outreach, creating advisories and releases, fielding calls, writing and placing letters to the editor and op-ed pieces, coordinating interviews, maintaining clips, preparing spokespeople and managing press events.
Provide strategic leadership in developing and executing active communications strategies within a framework of publicizing our legislative accountability work and making diverse audiences around the state more aware of CLCV.
Supervise staff and manage consultants and vendors as necessary.
Manage production of CLCV’s annual California Environmental Scorecard, including content development and design and working with vendors and political staff.
Serve as editor for internal membership materials including: letters, action alerts, talking points and campaign materials.
Manage production and content of printed newsletter (2 times per year).
In support of organizational and program goals, develop and execute strategies to generate traffic and engagement on www.ecovote.org and CLCV’s blog.
Manage and coordinate content and dissemination strategies for CLCV’s political campaigns and endorsements.
Serve as primary writer of CLCV’s earned media and publications.
Coordinate evaluations and assessments of communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of CLCV’s communications plans and programs.
Reach out to Spanish-language audiences in California.

Qualifications:

Several years of significant experience in communications positions.
Understanding of California state government and politics. Experience in government, political campaigns or advocacy is preferred.
Knowledge of environmental issues, both state and national.
Excellent writing skills with the ability to synthesize complex concepts and be persuasive and provocative.
Experience with Internet and online communications.
Superior organizational, analytical and strategic planning aptitude. Great judgment and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively with colleagues and Board of Directors.
Excellent interpersonal skills; collegial and collaborative; comfort working in a team environment.
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
Ability to speak Spanish preferred.

Salary:

Salary is based on experience and includes excellent benefits.

Application Information:

Please send cover letter, résumé with specific details on communications successes, and writing samples (ideally including an op-ed, a press release, and a memo demonstrating critical thinking) to Communications Director Search, CLCV, 350 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 1100, Oakland, CA 94612 or e-mail the above to . No phone calls, please.

CLCV is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits to promote diversity in our workforce.