Communications Manager -- Energy and Finance Program
For 25 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life. Over the last decade, RAN's Energy and Finance Program has succeeded in pushing leading banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi and Royal Bank of Canada to pass policies that curb investments in companies that contribute to deforestation and climate change.
In the spring of 2011, the Energy and Finance Program launched its most ambitious campaign yet calling on Bank of America, the lead financier of coal companies, to end its underwriting of the coal industry and redirect funding into renewable energy projects.
Rainforest Action Network is seeking a Communications Manager to shape the communications strategy for our Energy and Finance program. We're looking for someone who's got great judgment, who's quick on their feet and ready to seize the opportunities that the news cycle provides, and who's excited about a campaign focused on the intersection between banks, dirty energy investments and climate issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Communications Manager will be responsible for leading the communications strategy for the Energy and Finance Program with a particular focus on its coal finance campaign. They will primarily develop relationships with regional and national reporters and producers, pitch and place stories, as well as serve as a campaign spokesperson. In addition, this position is tasked with overseeing the editorial production process for communication materials, including print and web collateral, reports, opinion pieces, press releases, and related reporter outreach. In particular the job duties include:
• Work with campaign staff to develop and implement strategic, media-worthy campaign events. Crafting long-term strategic vehicles for promoting RAN and program messages and stories, including but not limited to writing letters to the editor, reports, op-eds, radio actualities, press releases, fact sheets, and talking points;
• Handle rapid response communication, developing messages, and writing op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points and other media materials;
• Train and coach staff and volunteers in media skills;
• Contribute to staff-wide strategy meetings, and stay current on developments in energy, finance and climate issues by reading latest literature, attending meetings, and maintaining contact with relevant sources;
• Create press lists and keep media contact database current;
• Cultivate relationships with vendors and other strategic allies who can help in furthering promotion of the program;
• Spearhead and manage production of creative print and online collateral, including high-impact ads and clever web videos;
• Conduct target- and market-specific media research as necessary to support campaign objectives;
• Write and copy-edit material for RAN publications, website and activist emails;
• Participate in RAN's organizational planning and training sessions;
• Participate in weekly RAN staff meetings;
• And, share office responsibilities to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.
Qualifications
• 3 years prior experience as a media liaison or journalist involving media/press relations. Public relations experience absolutely necessary--a journalism background alone does not meet the qualifications for this job.
• 2+ years of experience with online promotion.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills that are adaptable to various offline and online media.
• Proven ability to build relationships with reporters (existing relationships with environment, climate, business and/or finance reporters and bloggers highly desired).
• Fast -- you enjoy working on a deadline and can turn things around quickly.
• Strong judgment on what kinds of tactics and campaigns will attract press attention.
• Good framing and messaging skills, you understand how to talk about a campaign or a media moment in the most advantageous terms.
• Proven ability to work with advertisers and designers to develop creative offline and online content.
• Solid copy-editing skills and familiarity with AP Style.
• Familiarity with media database technology, ideally Vocus.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities effectively in a heavy workload and coordinate complex projects.
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility and creativity.
• A strong anti-oppression analysis and ability to work with Indigenous and affected communities.
• Passion for RAN's mission and comfort with non-violent direct action.
• Knowledge of issues such as energy and climate, finance, and social change movements is preferred.
Salary: Salary is competitive and benefits include health & dental insurance, 4 weeks vacation, and a 401K-type program.
RAN values diversity, educates staff on issues including privilege and oppression, and integrates these values into all of our work. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this process and work with us to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and world. RAN provides all people with equal employment and volunteer opportunities.
Please send resume and letter of interest to: resumes@ran.org, or HR, Rainforest Action Network, 221 Pine St., Suite 500, SF, CA 94104, or fax 415.398.2732. No phone calls, please.
- Location: San Francisco
- This is at a non-profit organization.
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