Communications Manager, Center for Equitable Development

Job Summary:

In this role, you will contribute to operations, planning, and the execution of the communications work of the WRI Center for Equitable Development. As a member of the Center’s core team, you will work collaboratively with the research and operations staff across the Equity Center’s six practices. You will also implement proactive communications strategies to grow the brand reputation as well as develop, craft, and disseminate messages and materials that are understandable and actionable for stakeholders.

You will be responsible for a communications strategy (maintenance, expansion, buy-in, and execution) that uses a range of channels to disseminate WRI’s research, tools, and thought leadership.

This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based in Washington, DC once restrictions have been lifted.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, enhance and execute strategic communication plans to support and influence the global decision-makers
• Advise and implement ongoing activities and thought leadership related to media, social media, web presence, research, blogs, speaking engagements, events, email marketing and newsletters, and more
• Write, compile and edit internal and external materials, such as blog posts, press releases, op-eds, slide decks, newsletters, website content, and other compelling communications that serve the Center for Equitable Development’s mission
• Identify (with program staff and leadership) new high-priority outreach opportunities to highlight WRI research, analysis, and experts to target audiences such as funders, decision-makers, and needle movers
• Use marketing tools and insights to identify and expand our audiences and measure progress
• Track, evaluate and report on metrics of success, and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results over time
• Liaise and coordinate on behalf of the equity center across WRI’s network of communications, business engagement, and research staff

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience) in a related field such as journalism, communications, public relations, business, economics, sustainability or environmental studies
• Minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience working in public relations, journalism, or communications
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced complex office environment, both independently and as part of a global team
• Highly motivated, proactive work style, excellent organizational and project management skills. Keen attention to detail
• Ability to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of communications products required
• Experience with Email marketing and newsletters
• Social media in a professional setting to influence audiences
• Working with reporters or members of the media and speaker/interviewee prep preferred
• Strong oral communications and excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to think creatively and collaborate with other programs, international offices, and partners about all elements of communications work
• Knowledge of PowerPoint, Photoshop, InDesign, Pardot, Salesforce, Cision, Asana, and similar tools preferred
• Strong commitment to WRI’s mission and values
• US work authorization is required for this opportunity

Potential Salary:

$59,000 – $77,000. 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:

WRI’s Center for Equitable Development works with governments, the private sector, civil society and citizens to address issues that matter most to vulnerable communities. We focus on social and financial equity, poverty, adaptation to climate change, environmental rights, pollution and responsive government. We start with analyses of voice, power and vulnerability in environmental decision-making. Who suffers and who benefits when governments act? Who has a seat at the table, and who is left out? What do citizens need to shape policy? We identify critical steps global leaders must take to ensure inclusivity, transparency and accountability. We build citizens’ capacity to engage in the environmental decisions that impact their lives and ensure more just, sustainable outcomes. And we mobilize civil society networks that drive bottom-up change and secure better futures for communities around the world. The Equity Center contains six practices: Climate Resilience Practice, Energy Governance Practice, Environmental Democracy Practice, Faith & Sustainability Initiative, Gender Equity Practice, and Land and Resource Rights Initiative.

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.