Jobs

VP Communications

Office: Headquarters

Location: Oakland, CA

Department: Communications

Job Type: Full Time

Overview:
We have honed the skills of our creative and effective communications team and now seek a Vice President, Communications in our Oakland, California headquarters. The VP manages Earthjustice's many cutting edge communications strategies to build support for our environmental protection goals and to increase name recognition and support for Earthjustice. We design and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, pursue effective media relations, and promote our brand as uniquely effective. The VP also represents Earthjustice's communications program with funders and partner organizations. In addition, the VP plays a strategic role in determining program direction for the organization as part of the senior management team.

Responsibilities:
Essential Functions include:

• Communications Management
• Overseeing media strategies, including supervision of the Media Director.
• Overseeing the Marketing Manager on brand management, research and measurement projects.
• Overseeing the Director of Online Strategies to ensure an effective, updated website, related campaign sites, the strategic use of email lists, and effective online outreach strategies.
• Coordinating with the Senior Editor on special projects, such as books and white papers.
• Developing and managing annual expense budget.
• Responding to breaking news issues with communications staff and outside consultants.
• Keeping abreast of developments in communications, and determining how and when to adopt new approaches and technology.
• Regularly updating President, staff and Trustees on communications activities.
• Using research and analysis to measure the effectiveness of the communications effort and to help guide new initiatives.

Communications Strategy:

• Identifying key issues that require communication resources, including identifying key audiences for each office and major issue areas, and developing outreach strategies.
• Using an ongoing process for staff involvement and review.
• Management of outside consultants to identify key problems and opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinating message development efforts for the organization as a whole to ensure regional offices and departments are aware of outcomes that impact their work. Keeping outreach materials updated for use by development and program staff.
• Working with regional offices, PAL, and the development department to successfully implement coordinated communications plans.
• Determining core and future audiences for the organization and develop communication strategies to reach these targets.

Senior Management:

• Working with VPs and Managing Attorneys to help determine program priorities and direction for the organization.
• Contributing to weekly senior team meetings and participating in organizational management efforts.
• Helping organize board meetings, management meetings, and the annual meeting.
• Addressing internal communication issues that impact how headquarters staff work with legal staff on message development.
• Working with the development department to ensure adequate funding sources for the communications effort.
• Representing Earthjustice at networking events, conferences, etc.

This position oversees the following staff:

• Director of Media Relations (+ 4 press secretaries)
• Marketing Manager, Director of Online Strategies (+ Webmaster, a Sr. Associate and Associate)
• Senior Editor
• Researcher/Strategist
• Communications Assistant (+interns and volunteers)

Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will possess the following qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Communications, Political Science , Marketing, Environmental Studies or related area
• Minimum 10 years of experience in communications, with a focus on environmental issues and advocacy communications.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Successful track record of managing a creative and diverse staff.
• Experience with effectively working with outside vendors including negotiating contracts
• Understanding of or experience with public opinion research
• Experience with public speaking.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Experience in maximizing limited budget resources.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement projects and workplans.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of information technologies.
• Excellent computer skills. Ability to use a variety of computer and database programs.