Communications Director

~ The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), a 501(c)4 organization, is the non-partisan political arm of California's environmental community. ~

For more than 40 years, our mission has been to protect and enhance the environment and the health of all California communities by electing environmental champions, advancing critical priorities, and holding policymakers accountable. For more information, please visit www.ecovote.org. Our sister 501(c3) organization, CLCV Education Fund (CLCV EF), protects California's natural resources and improves the health of our communities. For more information, please visit our website.  

Got talent and a passion for protecting California's environment and community health? Read on...  

Position Overview

The Communications Director is CLCV and CLCV EF's chief storyteller. You will coordinate our overall communications strategy to raise the profile of CLCV, CLCV EF, and our work and help mobilize the voice of Californians as a power to improve our environment for our families, our communities, and our planet.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will work collaboratively with senior leaders to develop and implement communication strategies that broaden the impact of CLCV and CLCV EF's programs and oversee organizational messaging and member engagement, with a particular focus on digital advocacy and fundraising.

You'll be responsible for devising, implementing, and managing internal and external communications that help build and support a geographically, racially, and ethnically representative environmental movement working in partnership to protect and improve our environment.

As a seasoned professional, you will serve as CLCV and CLCV EF's primary media liaison and on the record spokesperson. You'll develop strategies to advance organization objectives and support campaigns using a range of techniques including engagement with and mobilizing our existing advocacy list, earned media (digital, print, radio, TV), advertising, social media, and paid acquisition (e.g.: petition sites and list rentals). The Communications Director will ensure that all communications produced by CLCV and CLCV EF are professional, engaging, and appropriate for priority audiences.

You possess excellent written and verbal skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a keen sense of California's political landscape and top-tier environmental and social justice issues. 

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to develop organizational and communications strategies that will broaden programmatic reach and deepen impact.
• Develop and implement annual communications goals, including establishing budget needs, fundraising and advocacy goals, list growth objectives, and other department priorities.
• Supervise staff and manages consultants and vendors as necessary.
• Maintain the integrity of the brand and identity of CLCV and CLCV EF, and develops and refines their core messages to ensure organizational consistency.
• Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support CLCV and CLCV EF's work, and create and implement plans to build on ongoing issues as well as breaking news in order to achieve advocacy and fundraising goals.
• Provide strategic leadership in developing and executing active communications strategies within a framework of publicizing our legislative accountability work and ensuring that California's ethnically, racially, and geographically diverse communities are more aware of CLCV and CLCV EF's missions and campaigns.
• Serve as primary writer and editor for the organization's website, action alerts, digital fundraising appeals, event programs and remarks, press releases, op-ed pieces, and our flagship publication, the annual California Environmental Scorecard.
• Execute social media plans and campaigns and stays informed of latest digital engagement trends.
• Research and prepare media and background materials to support CLCV and CLCV EF campaigns.
• Manage rapid response to opposition messaging.
• Train and manage fellow staff and Board members as media spokespersons.
• Oversee organizational response to public and media inquiries about CLCV and CLCV EF.

Qualifications 

• Significant communications experience (minimum 5 years) that includes a blend of political advocacy, digital engagement and fundraising, and media relations.
• A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications environment.
• Experience as a media spokesperson and coaching and supporting senior staff and board members to speak on behalf of the organization.
• Skilled in using social media and innovative digital storytelling tools.
• Experience using CMS and CRM systems (e.g. Convio, Blue State Digital).
• Ability to develop and analyze digital metrics based on benchmarks and best practices for nonprofit organizations.
• Understanding of high-priority state environmental issues and challenges, working knowledge of California state government and politics, familiarity with Capitol political process and players, and experience with California electoral campaigns preferred.
• Experience managing high performing, racially diverse teams.
• Track record of successful engagement with communities of color and knowledge of the intersection of equity and environment and environmental justice issues, especially within California. Fluency or proficiency in multiple languages spoken throughout California.
• Demonstrated excellence in both written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time pressure with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaboration, time management, organizational, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills, and a track record of working effectively across race, gender, sexual orientation, and other social identities.
• Experience as a leader in organizations that have prioritized the integration of justice and equity through policies, practices, culture, and programs.
• Experience working with and presenting to highly engaged Boards of Directors.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary (including attending 3 annual Board meetings). 

Compensation

This fulltime expempt position is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in this highly respected organization. We are seeking an individual of outstanding quality with a respected track record.

CLCV offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage; a 401(k) retirement program with employer match; discounted pre-tax Commuter Checks for public transit; flexible spending account (FSA) for health care expenses; and optional life insurance. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter, resume and salary requirements and tell us how you found this posting.
• Please write "Communications Director" in the subject line.
• The position is open until filled.
• No phone calls please.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

~ The California League of Conservation Voters and CLCV Education Fund are committed to equity, inclusion, and environmental justice. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we seek to create and sustain a team that reflects the diversity of the state we serve. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, especially those with experience working with communities most impacted by California's environmental challenges. ~