National Communications Strategist

Location: Washington, DC

Supervises: Associate Press Secretary - Campuses Beyond Coal, Communications Assistant, and Diversity Media Strategist 

Context: Plans and implements comprehensive communications strategies for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, with emphasis on strategy and tactics for national DC-based media, and supervises media staff. Represents the Sierra Club to the media.

Scope: The National Communications Strategist for the Beyond Coal campaign works closely with the Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director, Executive Director and Beyond Coal Campaign directors to plan and implement comprehensive communications strategy (traditional media outreach, online and social media). Oversees communications staff working on elevating our media presence and strategy. Cultivates national media representatives and coordinates our work with other environmental or public interest groups as appropriate. Pitches Sierra Club stories, statements, events and reactions to the press. Ensures adequate media training for field, chapter staff and volunteer activists. Strategizes around national media launches that are not field-based activities. Contributes to framing and message development. 

Job Activities:

1. Guides communications strategy for elevating our national press coverage. Identifies communications opportunities and implements communications plans and strategies to promote Beyond Coal priorities in print, broadcast and electronic media with volunteers and regional staff in national and local media outlets.

2. Provides technical guidance to staff and volunteers in the discharge of their communications responsibilities. Coordinates communications strategies with other conservation organizations. 

3. Collaborates with Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director on carrying out timely and coordinated Club response to breaking environmental news events. Provides on-the-record statements to the media about the Beyond Coal Campaign, breaking news and other inquiries.

4. Supervises, directs, develops, and provides general and technical guidance to staff. Includes the following supervisory responsibilities:

• assigns work and establishes standards and work priorities;
• ensures staff training and development of employee skills;
• provides ongoing performance feedback, prepares and conducts formal performance planning and evaluation;
• recommends salary, hiring, and promotion decisions.

5. Coordinates contact between the media and appropriate Club staff or volunteer leaders.

6. Coordinates with lobbying and policy teams to develop and execute communications strategies around legislation or rules that might affect coal or clean energy.

7. Provides instruction, guidance and assists in establishing priorities for Beyond Coal media staff.

8. Work with the online communications staff and Sierra Club Productions video staff to plan and implement web, e-mail, social media and multi-media tactics. 

9. Develops and works to cultivate national media contacts and nurtures those contacts.

10. Assures preparation of timely and effective communications materials, working with writer/editor and policy staff.

11. Develops materials, including writing news releases, statements, letters to the editor, op-eds and other materials as required for field work and national media on the Beyond Coal campaign and related legislative issues. Helps develop ad campaigns and materials when appropriate.

12. Performs miscellaneous duties as required.

Knowledge & Skills:

-- 5 years experience in media relations, with some background in grassroots organizing and staff supervision.

-- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science or related field or combination of education and experience.

-- Excellent oral and written communication skills.

-- Knowledge and experience of how the media works, the needs of journalists, and how to get stories placed.

-- Ability to work well with volunteers.

-- Ability to work well under pressure, juggle competing demands and maintain good working relations with staff and media. Able to work effectively as a team player.

-- Working knowledge of environmental issues, grassroots organizing, environmental policy and the federal legislative, legal and administrative processes.

-- Frequent domestic travel required, up to 30% time.

The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 3 position.

Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

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