Communications Manager/

About Project Drawdown

The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions

Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”— the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Since the 2017 publication of the New York Times bestseller Drawdown, the organization has emerged as a leading resource for information and insight about climate solutions. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown, as they look to advance effective climate action. We aim to support the growing constellation of efforts to move climate solutions forward and move the world toward drawdown—as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible

Position Summary

Project Drawdown is hiring a full-time (100%) Communications Manager—a communications professional who will join the organization’s growing marketing and communications team.

We are looking for an individual who can work as part of a team to plan, manage, coordinate, execute, and evaluate a wide array of communication activities aimed at enhancing awareness of, and engagement with, Project Drawdown, its products, and the climate solutions it develops.

Our work to date includes largely owned and shared media efforts in print (including a New York Times best-selling book), on social media (@ProjectDrawdown), on the web (drawdown.org), and in signature publications. The Communications Manager’s duties will span writing and editing, publication production, media relations, development communications, and communications strategy.

As a small organization with a big mission, we’re seeking someone who can manage simultaneous projects and meet multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of initiative, creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

The Communications Manager will report to the Director of Marketing and Communications at Project Drawdown and collaborate closely with other members of the organization, including the marketing and communications team, program staff, and others. This position will also work with freelancers and consultants as needed and with other organizations and content experts around the world to build collaborations, cultivate new opportunities, and enhance efficient use of resources toward common climate solutions goals.

Project Drawdown values the way each member of our team enriches our diversity by adding perspectives brought about by different backgrounds and experiences and believes that this is essential to making sure the world reaches drawdown safely, quickly, equitably, and justly. We are a 100% remote organization based in the U.S. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the U.S. may apply.

Essential Responsibilities

The Communications Manager will focus on the following responsibilities:

Writing and editing (45%)

• Provide writing and editing support to Project Drawdown’s people and programs including project planning (publications, multimedia, etc.), writing, editing, and production assistance
• Serve as the lead writer for Project Drawdown’s twice-monthly newsletter, including strategizing content and tracking/improving analytics
• Help update and maintain the Project Drawdown website and implement digital best practices
• Create and carry out promotional campaigns for publications, major announcements, multimedia projects, etc.
• Edit social media copy produced by the Digital Strategist
• Manage and collaborate with freelance writers, editors, designers, and other communications professionals, as needed

Media Relations (35%)

• Serve as the lead for media relations at Project Drawdown
• Oversee earned media for Project Drawdown as an organization, for Project Drawdown’s work products and for Drawdown concepts broadly
• Manage and advise core staff and other affiliates in producing and placing op-eds and other content in high-profile, diverse media outlets
• Build relationships with domestic and international climate journalists and proactively work to place Project Drawdown experts in news stories, on news programs, etc.
• Assist with media coaching for staff

Development communications (10%)

• In partnership with the Director of Development and Director of Marketing and Communications, help set the strategy for development-focused communications
• Write and edit development-focused communications from the annual fund and donor updates to grant proposals
• Ensure development communications are aligned with the organization’s overall mission, brand, and key talking points

Communications strategy (10%)

• Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Communications Strategist to set the overall marketing and communications strategy for the organization
• In partnership with the Director of Marketing and Communications, manage editorial strategy and content strategy; including an organization-wide editorial calendar
• Provide communications guidance, consulting and support to Project Drawdown’s people and programs
• Identify and capitalize on innovative opportunities for enhancing visibility for, and appreciation of, Project Drawdown on a global scale
• Assist with overall planning and strategy for new communications-lead initiatives

Education and/or Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferred) in relevant field of communications, marketing, journalism, or other areas or equivalent work experience
• Proven record of success in communications
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in external communications, project management, content production, media relations, and/or development communications
• Strong writing and editing skills with experience translating scientific concepts for a wide range of audiences
• Experience overseeing publication development and production
• Experience creating and curating engaging content for digital audiences
• Experience working with a broad range of external partners across geographies, sectors, political persuasions and disciplines to increase the reach and impact of an organization’s activities
• Experience building collaborations and partnerships with individual journalists and media outlets
• Experience working with and managing outside consultants and freelancers
• Background in climate change or sustainability communications is helpful but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The qualifications listed here are necessary to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• Experience editing a wide variety of communications materials from reports and policy briefs to op-Eds and social media posts
• Experience working with a team of marketing and communications professionals
• Experience translating complex scientific concepts to engage broad audiences
• Experience working with researchers, program staff, and others internally on strategic communications projects
• Ability to develop and enhance the reach, impact, reputation, and value proposition of an organization
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple workflows on deadline
• Excellent written, speaking / presentation, and interpersonal communication skills to engage effectively within the organization and with external collaborators / stakeholders
• Creative thinking and ability to generate innovative ideas
• Ability to pitch, identify, and source compelling and relevant content for multiple audiences
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to self motivate and work effectively in a virtual environment
• Ability to generate innovative ideas
• Fluency in English
• Fluency in Spanish or French helpful but not required
• International experience helpful but not required
• Experience with social listening platforms, social media scheduling, web CMSs, design software, and document production tools

Location

As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (US Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the US may apply.

Compensation

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $100,000-115,000 / year. In addition, Project Drawdown provides exceptional benefits including 4 weeks PTO in your first year plus 6 sick days, 13 holidays, and a paid holiday closure December 26–30, health/dental/vision insurance (employee premium 100% paid), a 401k program with company match, a parental leave benefit, a professional development program, and a home-office connectivity stipend.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our online application form here.

All candidates will need to upload a cover letter, their most recent resume, as well as work samples as described below:

• Cover letter that creatively communicates your background and fit for this role.
• Resume detailing your professional and educational background.
• Portfolio of 2-3 pieces of your best communication work (please include any links or critical context about your role).

Applications will be reviewed beginning February 28, 2022. The application process may be closed at any point after that date.