Job: Deputy Chief of Communications

[Makeda Fekede]

Calling all communications change makers! Sierra Club, America's largest grassroots environmental organization, is hiring two Deputy Chiefs of Communications.  These deputies will serve as key leaders at the Sierra Club in our work to fight the climate crisis and preserve clean air, clean water, and public lands.  They will join a dynamic and talented group of communicators who are among the best in the business.  Apply here.

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Communications (2 Position Openings)
Department: Communications
Reports To: Chief of Communications
Position 1 Supervises: National Press Secretary, Senior Polling & Research Strategist, Communications Manager
Position 2 Supervises: Director of Entertainment Partnerships, Internal Communications Manager, Communications Manager, Associate Director of Communications, Latino Media

Context: Develops and implements Communications strategies for the Sierra Club and supervises national Communications staff.

Scope: The Deputy Chief of Communications is a key adviser to the Chief of Communications and a senior leader and representative of the Sierra Club. They will collaborate with direct reports, the Chief of Communications , and other departmental counterparts and organizational leaders to develop and implement national communications strategies for the Sierra Club, and manage the implementation of that strategy.

Job Activities:

1. Supervises and supports Communications team staff.
2. Advises Chief of Communications and other Sierra Club leaders on media strategy, tactics, and opportunities, as well as internal personnel matters.
3. Represents Communications Department and Sierra Club as a senior leader.
4. Works with colleagues and Chief of Communications on crisis management messaging and strategies.
5. Provides technical guidance to staff and volunteers on media relations strategies and tactics.
6. Contributes to decisions about budget, staffing and the allocation of department resources.
7. Supervises, directs, develops, and provides general and technical guidance to staff. Includes the following supervisory responsibilities:
   1.  assigns work and establishes standards and work priorities;
   2. ensures staff training and development of employee skills;
   3. provides ongoing performance feedback, prepares and conducts formal performance planning and evaluation;
   4. recommends salary, hiring, and promotion decisions
8. Works to cultivate national media contacts.
9. Assures preparation of timely and effective communications materials, working with writer/editor and policy staff.
10. Develops media materials, including writing news releases, statements, letters to the editor, op-eds and other materials as required for field work and national media on selected campaigns and legislative issues.
11. Performs miscellaneous duties as required.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Experience in media relations, with some background in grassroots organizing and staff supervision.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science or related field, or combination of education and experience.
• Solid oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience of how the media works, the needs of journalists, and how to get stories placed.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships, and work well with volunteers.
• Ability to work well under pressure, juggle competing demands and maintain good working relations with staff and media. Able to work effectively as a team player.

 

The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.

This is a category 2 exempt position.

Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization.  Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club Human Resources in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition.

The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

 

*If you are applying for more than one position with us, please attach your job-specific cover letters in the 'Attachments' section.