Energy Foundation’s (EF) mission is to serve the public interest by building a strong clean energy economy. EF supports education and analysis to promote non-partisan policy solutions that advance renewable energy and energy efficiency while opening doors to greater innovation and productivity—growing the economy with dramatically less pollution. We are a complex, multi-site, multicultural nonprofit organization with big plans for the future. Now into the tenure of a new CEO, EF has embarked on a major strategy refresh, a prioritized commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and rapid geographic expansion.

For more than 25 years, Energy Foundation has supported grantees to help educate policymakers and the general public about the health and economic benefits of a clean energy economy. Our grantees include business, health, environmental, labor, equity, faith, and consumer groups, as well as policy experts, think tanks, universities, and more.

Our comprehensive approach advances energy efficiency and renewable energy in the power, transportation, and buildings sectors. Working together, our Policy and Public Engagement programs focus on developing innovative policies and campaigns to help propel clean energy development in these sectors, while our Strategic Communications Program develops powerful narrative and communications strategies designed to build support for our work regionally and nationwide.

Our States and Regions Team is a cross-disciplinary team of policy, communications, and campaign experts dedicated to advancing strong state and regional climate and clean energy policies.

Energy Foundation’s founding office is in San Francisco, CA, with regional offices in Raleigh, NC; Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; and Las Vegas, NV.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Director, Strategic Communications will lead Energy Foundation’s national strategic communications. This position manages a portfolio of grants and coordinates with key funding partners to pursue communications strategies that advance clean energy and climate action in the U.S.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Communications expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines: media relations, opposition research/accountability, crisis/issues management, and government relations.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies in partnership with a broad range of diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to inspire and steward networks of communications experts and funding partners in a collaborative, inclusive manner.
• An innovative growth mindset and an ability to work independently.

POSITION TASKS

• Oversee the development and implementation of a national, multi-channel communications strategy for the climate/energy advocacy community.
• Partner with internal staff, experts, and funding partners to advise on policy/campaign communications strategies.
• Lead the coordination of U.S. funders investing in communications, including understanding the grantee and funding landscape, exploring opportunities for alignment, and supporting strategic innovation to fill key gaps.
• Fundraise for the field of communications grantees and experts.
• Support a network of communications practitioners focused on climate and clean energy in the U.S., including aligning strategy, building capacity, and coordinating actions.
• Manage a portion of a Program Associate’s time devoted to strategic communications.

POSITION SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/ATTRIBUTES

• Deep understanding of best practices in media relations, opposition research/accountability, crisis/issues management, digital media, and government relations.
• Understanding of complex political and/or issue campaigns.
• Service- and solutions-oriented, collaborative problem-solver who is at home in a diverse, dynamic, complex environment with a combination of local, regional, and national staff and partners.
• Curious and inquisitive, the ideal candidate will possess excellent relationship building and convening skills and have experience bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• The flexibility to consider other points of view and meet people where they are critical for success.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A commitment to contributing meaningfully to a workplace where equity and inclusion are core values.