Communications Director

Communications DirectorWe are a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and sometimes speaks uncomfortable truth to power. It’s an approach that has worked for four decades to produce important victories that champion the environment and create a healthier and more just world. We are part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues. To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy and social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value the Earth and its inhabitants. A bold, effective communications strategy is integral to telling our story and moving our programs forward. We’re searching for a Communications Director who can build and lead a team that understands campaign communications and strategically leverages a variety of media to help us win issues and grow our reputation. In this role you will report to the Managing Director, be part of our senior management team, and hire and manage a staff of four. You will be responsible for creating the strategic and tactical direction of an integrated, national communications program to: Advance FOE’s campaign work and the FOE brand Shape public opinion and increase public awareness and support for environmental issues Achieve FOE’s public policy and advocacy goals Support our membership-building and fundraising activities Expectations for Your First Year In the first year, you will: · Staff and manage the Communications department · Develop and direct the communications strategies for each of our campaigns · Oversee FOE’s online and publications activities, including our organizational and campaign websites, blogging, alerts, advocacy messages, newsmagazine, etc. · Coordinate communications activities for membership, development and project teams · Build a national profile for the organization’s president · Create and manage an annual work plan and budget · Develop creative and efficient advertising concepts (print, television, radio, outdoor and online) · Measure the effectiveness of all of these activities. Our ideal candidate brings a wealth of experience in all or most of these areas:· Conceiving and executing successful communications strategies in the nonprofit advocacy world · Using targeted media relations and social media to achieve planned outcomes · Managing communications in political and/or advocacy campaigns · Finding, leading and getting the best work out of other staff and consultants · Setting priorities for the communications team and taking responsibility for results · Developing and managing a work plan and budget S/he has: · A BA degree or professional equivalent in such fields as Marketing, Journalism, Communications or Public Relations · Strong writing, editing and creative management skills · A commitment to collaboration · High energy Friends of the Earth offers an appropriate salary and a stimulating workplace with a substantial mission – you won’t be bored. We provide a generous employee benefits program that includes: medical, dental, and life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan; 10 days paid vacation during your first year plus all federal paid holidays; and other benefits. To apply for the Communications Director position: Fenton Communications is leading this search. Please do not contact Friends of the Earth directly. Send your resume with a cover letter and a writing sample to foe@fenton.com