Communications Manager, Center for Sustainable Business

Job Summary:

As the Communications Manager for the Center for Sustainable Business,  you will develop, craft and disseminate messages and materials that are understandable and actionable for the business community and the stakeholders that influence it. In this position, you will build upon and protect WRI’s brand as an independent and trusted NGO. You will be responsible for a communications strategy to disseminate The Center for Sustainable Business’s research, tools and thought leadership, and act as a critical part of the team supporting WRI’s Corporate Consultative Group communications. This role reports to the Senior Manager of Corporate Relations and Communications with regular collaboration with the Global Director of the Center for Sustainable Business as well as a wide network of communications professionals across WRI. The role requires both comfort working independently and a collaborative nature.

Note: This position is remote due to Covid-19 and follows WRI’s phases for office reopening. The role requires considerable collaboration in Eastern Standard Time. U.S.-based candidates are preferred, and candidates from locations where WRI has a global office may also be considered.

Job Responsibilities:

Work with both WRI Center for Sustainable Business and Corporate Relations on the following:

• In partnership with WRI researchers, develop, enhance and execute on strategic communication plans related to research, tools and analysis
• Manage, advise on and implement ongoing activities related to media, social media, web presence, research, blogs, speaking engagements, events, email marketing and newsletters, and more
• Write, compile and edit compelling communications that serve to translate technical material and WRI capabilities for various audiences
• Use marketing tools and insights to identify and expand our audiences and measure progress
• Identify new and recommend prioritization of outreach opportunities to highlight WRI research, analysis, and experts to target audiences such as funders, decision makers and needle movers
• Track, evaluate and report on metrics of success, and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results over time
• Track and advise on communications spend and budget
• Liaise and coordinate on behalf of the business center across WRI’s network of communications, business engagement, and research staff
• Contribute to strategy to support and influence the private sector sustainability leadership

Job Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience) in 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, communications or business setting
• Demonstrated knowledge, interest, or commitment to corporate sector sustainability and environmental issues
• Passion for communications that help turn big ideas into action
• 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; background in influence strategies, and audience targeting preferred
• Experience with email marketing and newsletters
• Experience with publications development
• Social media in a professional setting
• Working with reporters or members of the media and speaker/interviewee prep preferred
• Strong ability to think creatively and collaborate with other programs, international offices, and partners about all elements of communications work
• Knowledge of PowerPoint, Adobe 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: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/oSFtjfw3

Deadline for applications: 30 May 2022

Program Overview:

This is a matrixed position that will work with Center for Sustainable Business staff, the Corporate Relations team, and several other private sector-relevant WRI programs; work in close collaboration with WRI’s global Communications team; and cultivate relationships with external audiences such as media, corporate communications counterparts in companies, and corporate sustainability conference professionals. You will promote, connect and amplify WRI’s business work for efficiency, knowledge sharing, alignment and impact across WRI’s network.

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 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 nearing $200 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of over 1,600 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia 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.