Director of Communications, Climate Program

Job Summary

The NDC Partnership is seeking a leader of our communications work. The ideal candidate would have experience mobilizing diverse stakeholders behind a common vision to execute the communications strategy of the Partnership’s Support Unit. This position will involve both proactive planning and implementation of ambitious, comprehensive communications strategies as well as reactive, rapid daily interaction on issues related to the Partnership. It will ensure the implementation of the communications strategy advances the reputation and brand of the Partnership , its influence, reach, and impact. This will be a management level position joining a team of seven others in the Support Unit.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI’s office in Washington, DC once restrictions have lifted.

Job Responsibilities

Communications

• Create and implement strategies for increasing the NDC Partnership’s influence on the issue of climate change at international, national and state/local levels
• Establish, maintain, and leverage key media relationships to secure outreach opportunities for NDC Partnership’s messages, coordinating closely with Program Directors within and outside to raise the profile of the NDC Partnership
• Manage media outreach to traditional and new media, including pitching, research, handling incoming requests, and monitoring daily news coverage, particularly for high-level events
• Lead media outreach and communications around international climate meetings and other high-profile climate-related opportunities, assuring WRI’s ideas, messages and commentary are inserted into current news cycles and public discourse in a strategic, opportunistic and diplomatic manner
• Author, develop and oversee communications materials that amplify examples of countries taking early and ambitious action to implement their national climate plans under the Paris Agreement, especially through the collaborative efforts of the NDC Partnership
• Lead a comprehensive strategy for events to increase visibility of the NDC Partnership and strengthen relationships among its member countries and institutions, associate members and other key partners
• In coordination with Events Associate and the different workstreams support the management of events and outreach activities for the NDC Partnership to be carried out directly by the Support Unit for the broader membership, including through the annual member forum and participation at sessions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP)
• Support the Deputy Global Director in fostering collaborative relationships with member countries and institutions to encourage global communications efforts around common messages Facilitate the development, implementation and management of NDC Partnership global communications efforts, including through print, digital and multimedia outreach
• Write and edit material, including digital and print marketing materials, blog posts, op-eds, e-blasts and other compelling communications to translate technical material for various audiences. Oversee translation of materials into key languages

Team and Resource Management

• Manage a dedicated communications staff of at least three team members as well as external vendors
• Provide anchor management through daily oversight of communications tasks, delegation of work, and ensuring the well-being of staff
• Provide training and capacity building for the climate program staff on communications-relevant skills such as writing, presenting, media engagement and by encouraging team members to blog and use social media to make their voices heard throughout the field

Job Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations or environmental studies
• Minimum 15 years full time relevant professional experience working in public relations, journalism, or communications with salient link to climate, energy or broader environmental issues.
• Articulate, versatile, highly-skilled writer with professional writing experience (professional writing samples required); strong oral communications skills required
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team
• Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, international offices and partners
• Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work
• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products
• Strong commitment to WRI’s mission and values
• Proven ability to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of communications products, influence strategies, and audience targeting
• A proven track record of searching for and implementing innovative approaches focused on achieving results or amplifying impact
• Expertise in the fields of climate change or environmental communications, especially communicating climate-specific research findings to policymakers and business audiences preferred
• International experience or language skills, especially in French or Spanish, preferred
• Proven ability to lead the planning, coordination and execution of communications products, influence strategies and audience targeting
• Experience with communications planning, publications development, marketing, social media and other specialized communications skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to produce materials focused on diverse external audiences
• Experience working with reporters or members of the media (and established media contacts)
• Experience managing full-time staff and vendors
• International experience or prior work in a global organization preferred
• Existing relationships with influential business, energy or environmental reporters at leading media outlets preferred

Potential Salary

$108,000 – $146,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

Program Overview

Following the landmark Paris Agreement, countries are implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action. The NDC Partnership is a coalition of countries and international institutions working together to ensure countries receive the technical assistance and financial support they need to achieve ambitious climate and sustainable development targets as fast and effectively as possible. The Partnership aims to increase alignment, coordination, and access to resources to link needs to solutions. 1. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building – We support governments in defining the processes, policies, and plans required to deliver mitigation and adaptation goals, alongside other development objectives. 2. Knowledge and Information Sharing – We enable countries to learn from and support each other, turning local know-how into global action through knowledge tools, case studies, peer-to-peer exchanges, and other knowledge products. 3. Access to Finance – We facilitate countries in aligning their NDC goals with financial resources. We use a country-driven approach that helps governments set priorities and connect them to available resources across our membership.

WRI Overview

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges, and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
 
We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa ,  Brazil , China ,  Europe ,  India ,  Indonesia ,  Mexico  and the United States  as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.