Communications Strategist II - Press

About Climate Jobs National Resource Center

The Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC) is a labor-led organization at the forefront of the fight to combat the climate crisis and reverse racial and economic inequality. CJNRC is the hub of a growing network of union-led, state-based climate jobs coalitions, providing unions with the information, support, and expertise to lead on climate action. The coalitions we support are organizing to build a clean energy economy at the scale and pace that climate science demands, create and expand access to good union jobs in under-resourced communities, and advance equity.

CJNRC and our network are at the leading edge of both workers’ rights and climate action, two defining issues of our time. Climate jobs coalitions have helped pass the nation’s most ambitious climate policies, won the strongest labor and equity standards for clean energy workers in the country, and built winning campaigns for worker-centered and equity-focused climate investments and good union jobs that will transform the future of the US economy.

Job Description
CJNRC is seeking a Communications Strategist II to join our Communications Department. The Communications Strategist II will be primarily responsible for developing and executing earned media strategy to advance a pro-worker narrative on climate and promote union-led climate jobs campaigns, perspectives, and priorities. The Communications Strategist II will work closely with CJNRC’s campaigns, legal, and policy departments and support a nationwide network of unions and state-based climate jobs coalitions, identifying opportunities to secure positive coverage and amplifying the voices of workers leading the charge to build a clean energy economy powered by union jobs.

The Communications Strategist II will play a critical role in CJNRC’s Communications Department, continually surveying the media landscape for upcoming opportunities and challenges—and working with colleagues within and outside the department to develop strategies for responding to them, often on tight deadlines. 

This position reports to the Director of Communications.

Description of Duties, including but not limited to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive press plans to promote climate jobs campaigns, initiatives, and priorities;
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries;
• Support a network of union-led coalitions, working collaboratively with unions and leaders to develop earned media and communications plans for state and local campaigns;
• Write and distribute press memos and backgrounders, releases, advisories, and other communications materials, translating dense policy concepts into digestible messaging that resonates with press and the general public; 
• Pitch stories to reporters, producers, and editors to secure favorable coverage (TV, radio, online and print);
• Cultivate, maintain and expand relationships with key journalists, editors, bookers, opinion leaders, and others who regularly cover climate, clean energy, and labor issues in national, regional and local outlets;
• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and public appearances, including drafting talking points and providing formal media training and informal prep sessions prior to each interview or event;
• Monitor relevant trends and developments in media and culture, and identify opportunities and suggest strategies for positioning unions and climate jobs coalitions in the field;
• Monitor relevant media coverage and provide daily reports to CJNRC leadership;
• Perform other duties and special projects as needed;
• Occasional travel for events and campaigns.

Experience and Qualifications

• A strong commitment to progressive social change, racial justice, a familiarity with the issues that are central to CJNRC’s work and vision;
• Minimum four years of experience in media relations or journalism; preferably for a labor union or allied advocacy organization;
• Successful track record of developing and executing communications strategies and campaigns in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; 
• Strong experience in media and press strategy including print, broadcast and digital;
• Experience in advocacy and organizing is preferred;
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to operate professionally under pressure with a team mentality;  
• Exceptional writing, editing, messaging, and verbal communication skills with sharp attention to detail;
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively;

• Proficiency with databases and PR software such as Meltwater and Cision;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage large volumes of projects, tasks, and files; 
• Self-starter, can work independently and remotely, set and reach individual goals, and handle a variety of personalities in collaborative environments;
• Willingness to work outside of standard work hours when breaking news occurs;
• Existing press relationships is a plus;
• Experience with social media and digital communications, including live-streaming and video content creation a plus, but not a requirement.
• Experience with Wordpress or other content management systems a plus;
• Fluency or proficiency in Spanish a plus.
  
  

Working conditions:
This is a full-time, remote position. Long and irregular hours will be required on occasion. The position will require some travel. CJNRC will follow public health guidance related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Compensation:
The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $98,200. CJNRC offers an excellent benefits package that includes employer-paid medical and dental plans for full-time staff and their qualified dependents, life insurance, a dependent care assistance program, and time off.

To Apply:
Send your application with a cover letter, resume, and links to at least three press clips (stories or opinion pieces) that you helped pitch to hiring@cjnrc.org, with the subject line “Communications Strategist II - Press”.

This position is open until filled. Job descriptions do not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of every activity or responsibility that is required.

CJNRC is committed to equal opportunity, and encourages applicants of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, national origins, ethnicities, religions, and veteran status. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to our core organizational values and objectives to apply.