IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Job Title: Senior Communications Strategist—Beyond Natural Gas
Department: Communications
Reports To: Deputy Communications Director
Context: Plans and implements comprehensive communications strategies for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Oil campaign. Represents the Sierra Club to the media.
Scope: The Senior Communications Strategist—Beyond Oil works closely with the Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director, National Press Secretary and Climate Recovery Partnership directors to plan and implement comprehensive communications strategy (traditional media outreach and emerging media). 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. Conducts media trainings for field, chapter staff and volunteer activists
Job Activities:
1. Identifies communications opportunities and implements communications plans and strategies to promote Beyond Oil priorities in print, broadcast and electronic media with volunteers and regional staff in national 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, Deputy Communications Director and National Press Secretary on carrying out timely and coordinated Club response to breaking environmental news events.
4. Coordinates contact between the media and appropriate Club staff or volunteer leaders.
5. Provides instruction, guidance and assists in establishing priorities for coal to clean energy media staff.
6. 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.
7. Has developed and works to cultivate national media contacts and nurtures those contacts.
8. Assures preparation of timely and effective communications materials, working with writer/editor and policy staff.
9. 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 selected campaigns and legislative issues.
10. Performs miscellaneous duties as required.
Seasonal Activities:
Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work 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 media. Able to work effectively as a team player.
-- Working knowledge of environmental issues, environmental policy and the federal legislative, legal and administrative processes.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and John Muir Local.
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 4 exempt position.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
*If you are applying for more than one position with us, please attach your job-specific cover letters in the 'Attachments' section.
