Communications Specialist, Energy Transition (Central Region)

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Communications Specialist, Energy Transition (Central Region): Central Region based opportunity

Energy Transition Overview

The goal of EDF’s Energy Transition Team is to bend the curve on global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production and use by 2030, cleanly and equitably. We will achieve this through a defined set of strategies targeted at 1) reducing emissions from fossil fuel production, delivery, and use, and 2) reducing demand for fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, buildings, and industry. To achieve this goal, we seek reforms in law, regulation, and/or business practice through a mix of strategic corporate partnerships, direct engagement with policymakers, and mobilizing investor and public sentiment in favor of change. In formulating and achieving our strategies, we will work in close collaboration with EDF regions, draw on cutting-edge science and rigorous economic and financial analysis, and act on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to develop durable solutions.

Overall Function

The Communications Specialist, Energy Transition is responsible for driving public relations and communications strategies to advance one of EDF’s signature advocacy campaigns aimed at reducing methane pollution from U.S. oil and gas operations. We are seeking a gifted storyteller, writer and media strategist to help raise the methane profile in Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and various tribal nations, and build support for EDF solutions in the region.

A successful applicant will have a proven track record of developing and pitching moving media stories, creating memorable content that increases engagement on social media channels, and finding creative ways to message on moderately complex issues across a range of political landscapes.

The Communications Specialist reports to the Communications Manager guiding EDF’s national U.S. methane campaign and will join a tight-knit, fast-growing multicultural team of top-notch communicators, working closely with colleagues across the U.S. Region, Energy Transition, EDF+Business, and EDF Brand communications teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Create content for multi-channel media promotion, manage media relations, and help craft communications strategies that advance the Energy Transition team’s policy priorities across various states, tribal nations, and at the federal level.
• Write and edit press materials (news releases, media statements, talking points, op-eds, blog posts and other public-facing content).
• Assist in developing campaign messaging that shapes a positive public narrative on methane reductions and helps to blunt opposition to sensible regulations.
• Build and foster relationships with key reporters and editors; maintain updated media lists; monitor media landscape to keep team informed of relevant developments; assist with rapid response to breaking news events.
• Coordinate with external partners and consultants on messaging and media tactics.
• Collaborate with media, digital marketing, and creative teams to proactively research, pitch and execute on story ideas that support campaign objectives and build EDF’s methane thought leadership.
• Prepare EDF spokespeople for media engagements.
• Research and leverage external events and opportunities to cultivate the influence and reach of experts’ profiles.
• Manage campaign trackers, timelines for major projects, and the editorial calendar of content and events in collaboration with Energy Transition communications colleagues.
• Maintain evolving body of key factoids relevant to campaign messaging.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Additional relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications or related field, plus 3 years’ relevant experience or a master’s degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Adept at distilling key details from large amounts of moderately complex information into simple language understandable to non-experts.
• Fast learner with a desire to learn and grow.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize a varied workload, while adapting to periodic changes to take advantage of new opportunities.
• Strong storytelling skills with the ability to communicate moderately complex concepts in a way that resonates with key audiences.
• Excels in work both as an independent contributor and as a collaborator who is part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Proactive self-starter with a strong ability to anticipate logistical needs, quickly resolve issues or conflicts, and to think ahead to meet the needs of staff for successful results.
• Interest in climate and policy issues, the energy transition, and media communications preferred.
• Understanding of and familiarity with regional politics, culture, and media environment preferred.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

For further consideration, please provide a 1–3-page writing sample on a topic of your choice.