Public Affairs and Communications Strategist, Right To Zero
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Bozeman, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Tallahassee, and Washington, DC.
Salary depends on experience and location.
In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has an amazing Communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization. The Public Affairs and Communications Strategist for Right To Zero will develop and implement communications strategies to advocate for the shift to zero-emissions solutions in the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors. The bulk of this work will be at the city, regional, and state level in California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, Washington, Maryland, and D.C. and could extend to additional cities and states. This work includes developing and implementing communications plans under broader Right To Zero campaigns, building key narratives and messages on electrification issues, and coordinating with coalitions and leading campaign teams to implement strategies. The Strategist will safeguard the high quality of communications content and rigorous messaging consistency, lead in dynamic storytelling and fresh advocacy strategies, and become a trusted media contact on electrification issues.
The position manages reports to the Right To Zero Communications Officer. Preference will be given to candidates based in San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING CAMPAIGN STRATEGIES (50%):
- Works effectively and collaboratively with the Director of Right To Zero and Right To Zero Communications Officer, key lawyers and policy advocates, and coalitions to create and implement communications strategies for specific advocacy goals in states under Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. This includes — but is not limited to — tactics such as earned media, owned media, advertising, and events.
- Assists in developing strategy documents and timelines and tracking budgets. Works with contractors to determine effectiveness, ensure accountability, and inform future strategy. Keeps budgets and workflows for contractors up to date.
- Works across the communications team to develop content and advocacy strategies to engage, educate, and mobilize Earthjustice supporters.
- Produces accurate, quality, and timely work in an ever-shifting landscape of news, technology, politics, and law. Adopt a flexible approach to meeting rapid response moments and pivot strategies where needed.
MEDIA RELATIONS (20%):
- Works with traditional and new media to ensure coverage of Earthjustice’s work in target print, television, radio, and online media; maintains knowledge of and relationships with reporters covering key issues; and coordinates press events and other earned media opportunities.
- Creates and implements paid media strategies on key priorities.
- Works with our legal and policy staff to consistently improve and polish their media and social media skills, including spokesperson prep for priority media interviews. Trains attorneys and policy experts in the organization to build media and communications capacity for program staff.
- Works to elevate the voices of Earthjustice partners and clients in the press and contributes to coalition media efforts.
CONTENT CREATION, MESSAGING, AND QUALITY CONTROL (20%):
- Drafts and edits content for the Earthjustice blog, website, and print materials. Develops internal message guidance for colleagues. Reviews, edits, and approves content and materials developed by Communications team members to ensure it adheres to brand standards and furthers strategic communications goals for the organization.
- Maintains close fidelity to organizational branding requirements and serves as an advisor to colleagues in the organization to ensure messages are on-brand and further institutional goals.
- Works collaboratively across teams to build and/or execute integrated strategies that support institutional and departmental priorities. Continuously tests and refines strategies to ensure they deliver positive outcomes for Earthjustice.
- Pursues innovative, best-in-class approaches to communications work, and share those learnings with colleagues. Maintains an ongoing understanding of communications best practices and movement trends to ensure Earthjustice leads, not just follows.
ONGOING LEARNING (10%):
- Pursues ongoing professional development to build skills and knowledge aligned with Earthjustice’s mission and values and Communications Department culture.
- Contributes to a culture of learning by sharing knowledge and insights with team members and staff and embracing opportunities for reflection and growth.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years in nonprofit advocacy and communications. Strong background in strategic communications, including setting strategy, managing projects, writing and producing content, and coordinating team participation.
- 2+ year of experience planning and executing events engaging policymakers, lawmakers, reporters, or the public
- Familiarity with or experience working on electrification issues (zero-emissions solutions in the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors) highly encouraged
- Media savvy with great depth of experience in placing stories and opinion pieces, with a track record of influencing conversations unfolding in the media
- Excellent strategic sense and an ability to set goals and priorities, managing limited resources for maximum impact
- Proven ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible communications
- Ability to prioritize, manage multiple deadlines, and respond quickly to new opportunities and developments
- Ability to work collaboratively with other staff to meet shared cross-team goals and appreciate the contributions of others
- Ability to give and receive feedback in an honest, constructive, and respectful manner
- Contributes towards an equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages partnership, active listening, and integrating diverse perspectives
- Supports Earthjustice’s core values of partnership, inclusion, justice and excellence
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Skilled in operating various office equipment, such as personal computer, scanner, copy machine, fax machine, and telephone system. Ability to perform routine bending, stooping, twisting, and reaching. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer a congenial, flexible, hybrid work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Salary depends on experience and location.
Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY : $123,800 - $137,500
Salary range in Los Angeles, CA: $117,600 - $130,700
Remote range (will vary by location): $105,200 -$137,500
TO APPLY:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Resume
- Cover letter
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.
Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, inclusion and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.
For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
#LI-Remote
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.
Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, inclusion and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.
For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
#LI-Remote