Washington Environmental Council hiring Communications and Accountability Manager - SEATTLE
Lennon Bronsema
Position Summary: The Communications & Accountability Manager will be responsible for managing media relations, providing communications capacity to hold elected officials accountable, highlighting environmental issues in electoral campaigns for Washington Conservation Voters, and promoting an organizational narrative. The Communications & Accountability Manager will also provide communications and media support on select issue-based campaigns led by Washington Environmental Council. This is a full time position that reports to the Communications Director and is based in Seattle, WA.
Washington Conservation Voters (WCV) is the statewide political voice for the environment. We work to elect environmentally responsible candidates to state and local offices. Working with allies in the community, we advocate for strong environmental policies and hold our elected officials accountable during the legislative session. Through our political work, we are strengthening laws that safeguard the health of our communities, the beauty of our state and our economic future.
Washington Environmental Council (WEC) drives positive change to solve our state’s most pressing environmental challenges. For almost 50 years, we have been at the forefront of environmental protection in the state, securing laws and policies that safeguard the health of our families and our environment. From bedrock laws like the State Environmental Policy Act, to free electronic waste recycling, to finding solutions that reduce our climate emissions and build our clean energy economy, WEC ensures a healthy future for our state so it remains a great place to live and work.
By effectively combining the policy know-how of WEC with the political know-how of WCV, we have reshaped how environmental protection is achieved in Washington state. While both organizations are independent, we work very closely together. Combined, we have a staff of 28 and work in a LEED-certified building in downtown Seattle with a view of Elliott Bay. We offer competitive salaries, good benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference.
WCV and WEC are equal opportunity employers, committed to a diverse and welcoming work environment. People of color, people with varying abilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
Salary and Benefits
This is full time position, based in Seattle. Salary depends upon experience. We offer a generous benefit package including medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plan and flexible spending account, paid vacation, sick leave, and a transit pass.
To Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample(s),
and list of three references to h...@wcvoters.org by March 11, 2016.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so early application is
encouraged. Please include “Communications & Accountability Manager”
in the subject line. No mailed applications please.
WCV and WEC do not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, gender identity, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, ability, or sexual orientation.
Responsibilities
· In conjunction with the Communications Director, develop and execute a WCV communications plan designed to advance WCV’s goals and build power for Washington’s environmental movement. Work in close coordination with WCV leadership to build a consistent and powerful narrative for WCV’s work.
· Raise WCV’s public profile with earned media by identifying and seizing opportunities focused on targeted political races, legislative work, and holding elected officials accountable.
· Cultivate relationships with key media outlets, reporters, editors, and bloggers; field media inquiries.
· Work with WCV President and Political Director to develop communications strategies around targeted political races to build power for the environment by highlighting issues and WCV’s role. Work with Communications Associate to use WCV’s email program to build a narrative and capitalize on opportunities.
· Work with Communications Director, Political Director, and campaign teams to build communications strategies for holding elected officials accountable to good environmental outcomes.
· Work as part of cross-organizational communications teams on selected issue campaigns (examples of potential areas of work could involve Environmental Priorities or Stand Up To Oil).
· Work with communications team to ensure organizational messaging is implemented through social media channels, website, and other avenues (note: management of social media and website are not part of this position’s portfolio), as well as identifying needs for organizational materials to support outreach and fundraising work.
· Work proactively with WCV political and campaign staff to include communications in planning and strategy of field, political, and accountability programs.
· Draft press releases, opinion pieces, and activist communications.
· Provide communications support to WCV’s President.
Desired Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
· At least three years of experience with advocacy communications in a campaign, political or non-profit setting.
· Knowledge of Washington’s political lay of the land and electoral system.
· Strong writing skills and ability to turn around content quickly.
· Deadline-driven with an ability to work in a fast paced environment.
· Ability to set priorities and manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously.
· Proven ability to work collaboratively with staff across issues, campaigns, and organizations.
· Interest in using communications to expand and support WCV and WEC’s commitment to environmental and racial justice.
Preferred Qualitications
· On-the-record media experience
· Ability to quickly and accurately edit and proofread a variety of materials.
· Experience working on an electoral campaign or for an organization who works to elect candidates.