Communications Manager, Forest Program - Rainforest Action Network (San Francisco, CA)

[Claire Sandberg]

Rainforest Action Network is seeking a Communications Manger for our Forest Program. The position is open until filled, but we're looking to hire ASAP. Details below.

--------------------

Communications Manager - Forest Program

Rainforest Action Network is seeking a Communications Manager to help shape the communications strategy for our Forest program. We’re looking for someone who’s got great judgment, who’s quick on their feet and ready to seize the opportunities that the news cycle provides, and who’s excited about a campaign focused on the intersection between rainforest destruction, human and labor rights and climate change. The ideal candidate is fast but highly detail oriented, has strong writing skills with good instincts on campaign messaging, existing relationships with key reporters or a proven ability to build them, and a track record of taking projects to successful completion.

Responsibilities: Working closely with RAN’s Senior Communications Strategist, the Communications Manager will be responsible for leading communications for the Forest Program. The Communications Manager is primarily responsible for developing relationships with regional and national reporters and producers, pitching and placing stories, as well as serving as a campaign spokesperson. In addition, this position is tasked with overseeing the messaging strategy for the campaign and the editorial production process for communication materials, including print and web collateral, reports, opinion pieces, press releases, and related reporter outreach. In particular the job duties include:

• Work with campaign staff to develop and implement strategic, media-worthy campaign events. Crafting long-term strategic vehicles for promoting RAN and program messages and stories,
• Handle rapid response communication, developing messages, and writing op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points and other media materials;
• Train and coach staff and volunteers in media skills;
• Contribute to staff-wide strategy meetings, and stay current on developments in energy, finance and climate issues;
• Cultivate relationships with vendors and other strategic allies who can help in furthering promotion of the program;
• Spearhead and manage production of creative print and online collateral, including high-impact ads and clever web videos, shareable social media content, etc.;
• Conduct target- and market-specific media research as necessary to support campaign objectives;
• Write and copy-edit material for RAN publications, website and activist emails.
• Create press lists and keep media contact database current;

Qualifications 

• 3 years prior experience as a media liaison or journalist involving media/press relations. Public relations experience a big plus -- a journalism background alone does not meet the qualifications for this job.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills that are adaptable to various offline and online media.
• Proven ability to build relationships with reporters (existing relationships with environment, climate, business reporters and bloggers highly desired).
• Fast – you enjoy working on a deadline and can turn things around quickly.
• Strong judgment on what kinds of tactics and campaigns will attract press attention.
• Good framing and messaging skills, you understand how to talk about a campaign or a media moment in the most advantageous terms.
• Proven ability to work with advertisers and designers to develop creative offline and online content.
• Solid copy-editing skills and familiarity with AP Style.
• Familiarity with media database technology, ideally Meltwater.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities effectively in a heavy workload and coordinate complex projects.
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility and creativity.
• A strong anti-oppression analysis and ability to work with Indigenous and affected communities.
• Passion for RAN’s mission and the use of non-violent direct action as a strategy for change making.
• Knowledge of issues such as energy and climate, finance, and social change movements is preferred

The Communications Manager will be supervised by the Senior Communications Strategist.

Salary: Salary is competitive and benefits include health, vision & dental insurance, 4 weeks vacation, and a 401K-type program.

Please send a resume and a letter of interest to: res...@ran.org

RAN values diversity, educates staff on issues including privilege and oppression, and integrates these values into all of our work. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this process and work with us to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and world. RAN provides all people with equal employment and volunteer opportunities. 

Full job description and more information about the Forest Program available here: http://www.ran.org/communications_manager_forest_program