United States of America: Communications Officer, Climate

About WRI

World Resources Institute is a global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. Our 500 experts and staff work with partners in more than 50 countries; we have offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. WRI is consistently ranked as the top global Think Tank working on environmental issues.

In 2014, WRI was ranked one of the Top Workplaces by the Washington Post.

About WRI’s Climate Program

WRI is widely recognized as a global leader on climate change issues. WRI engages businesses, policymakers and civil society at the local, national and international levels to advance transformative solutions that mitigate climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts. Our international climate team used analysis and engagement with policymakers to play a major role in shaping key elements of the Paris Agreement. Going forward WRI will continue to use its tools, economic modeling and policy frameworks to help national governments implement ambitious climate plans and offering direct technical guidance to select countries. In the United States, our climate work focuses on implementing cost-effective, breakthrough solutions to reduce the country’s emissions in the short- and long-term at the local, state and national levels. Our CAIT Climate Data Explorer is one of the most trusted sources of climate data available and is frequently used by stakeholders, journalists and international institutions. And Greenhouse Gas Protocol helps hundreds of companies, organizations and governments measure, manage, and report their greenhouse gas emissions.

Overview

World Resources Institute seeks a Communications Officer who will play an integral role in the Climate Communications team to develop and execute smart communication strategies that support and extend our influence, media coverage and online presence. In particular this position will focus on communicating about a partnership including countries, organizational partners and WRI to help nations implement their climate action plans (known as NDCs). Tasks will include developing and implementing communications strategies, coordinating the work of communication professionals around the world, managing media relationships, overseeing publication production processes and managing products and events in close coordination with WRI’s various communications teams and climate experts.

The successful candidate for this Communications Officer position will be a self-starter with a strong track record of communicating complex and multifarious projects with international teams working across timezones and under tight time lines. The candidate must have excellent copy writing skills, be very organized and diligent and be passionate about tackling climate change. The application deadline for this position will be June 24, 2016.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans to support high-priority impact launch events, media placements and speaking engagements on behalf of the partnership, working collaboratively with staff and leadership across the Institute to identify outreach opportunities and highlight appropriate research, analysis, tools and experts to stakeholders and the media;


• Author, develop and oversee communication materials that amplify examples of countries are taking early and ambitious action to implement their national climate plans under the Paris Agreement.


• Lead coordination of communication professionals efforts around the world create bigger and better communication opportunities for countries, institutions and others working to implement national climate plans (NDCs).


• Oversee development of general communications materials related to an emerging partnership related to national climate actions, including branding, website, messaging, talking points, PowerPoint slides, infographics and print materials.


• Work with WRI’s Department of Communications to enhance WRI’s visibility through online communications, media outreach, internal/external events, and other venues as appropriate.


• Work with communications and research experts to oversee efficient execution of existing communications processes regarding publications and communications activities.


• Coordinate with research staff across WRI’s programs, centers and international offices to support global projects as well as identify opportunities for more impactful collaboration across teams.


• Develop and execute creative ways to translate Climate-oriented analysis and policy recommendations into compelling storylines, including through multimedia online content, such as videos, photos, and infographics.


• Work directly with WRI Communications Department to pitch stories and respond to media inquiries related to climate change, energy policy, and related topics; Work proactively to channel WRI activities and knowledge products to key media outlets to achieve real-world outcomes.


• Write and edit material including blog posts, op-eds, e-blasts and other compelling communications that serves to translate technical material for various audiences.


• Regularly track and evaluate metrics of success, and adapt strategies to grow and improve outreach results over time

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or other related field (ex: communications, public relations, economics, or environmental studies);


• Minimum 4 years full time relevant professional experience working in public relations, journalism, or communications with salient link to climate, energy or broader environmental issues.


• Proven ability to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of communications products, influence strategies, and audience targeting.


• Experience with communications planning, publications development, marketing, social media, and other specialized communications skills.


• Strong communication skills and ability to produce materials focused on diverse external audiences.


• Experience working with reporters or members of the media (and established media contacts) preferred;


• International experience or prior work in a global organization preferred;


• Existing relationships with influential business, energy or environmental reporters at leading media outlets preferred;

Skills & Qualifications

• Articulate, versatile, highly-skilled writer with professional writing experience (professional writing samples required); strong oral communications skills required


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team


• Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to encourage collaboration with other programs, international offices, and partners


• Highly motivated, proactive work style and excellent organizational skills


• Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work


• Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple deadlines and deliver high quality work products


• Strong commitment to WRI’s mission and values;


• Proven ability to lead the planning, coordination, and execution of communications products, influence strategies, and audience targeting.


• A proven track record of searching for and implementing innovative approaches focused on achieving results or amplifying impact;


• Advanced degree in journalism or related fields (environmental science, marketing, etc.) preferred;


• Expertise in the fields of climate change or environmental communications, especially communicating climate-specific research findings to policymakers and business audiences preferred;


• International experience or language skills, especially in French or Spanish, preferred.

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Finalists will need to submit 2 writing samples.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package.

Duration: Full time position

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: June 24, 2016

How to apply:

Qualified applicants should apply online at careers.wri.org. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

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