National LCV - Director of Communications

Title: Director of Communications                                

Status: Exempt          (Exempt/Nonexempt)

Reports to: Senior Vice President Political Affairs            

General Description:

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) works to turn environmental values into national priorities.  To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV’s mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies.

Develops and implements the LCV and LCV Education Fund's strategic programmatic communications and message plans; promotes the programs, messages and spokespeople of LCV and LCVEF through an effective communications strategy; positions the organizations' brand politically and environmentally.

Specific (Essential) Responsibilities:

§  Designs and manages national and local strategic communications and message plans and campaigns (earned and paid media) to promote the programs, messages and spokespeople of LCV/LCVEF.

§  Develops and markets messages for LCV's legislative accountability and electoral programs and LCVEF's public education campaigns as well as other programs.

§  Designs and manages a Congressional media strategy.

§  Serves as daily media resource and as secondary contact/spokesperson for LCV/LCVEF's national, political and environmental media outlets.

§  Serves as a contact for campaign media.

§  Manages quality control and message discipline in LCV/LCVEF programmatic materials (press releases, op-eds, Internet, speeches, media material, blogs, direct mail, on-line and phone solicitations, etc.).

§  Develops new media tools for message delivery.

§  Prepares LCV/LCVEF spokespersons for interviews and appearances.

§  Makes assignments of LCV/LCVEF spokespersons in response to media requests as needed.

§  Positions the organizations' brand politically and environmentally.

§  Manages Communications Department activities including staff, press, consultants and budget.

§  Ensures that media is monitored to keep LCV and LCVEF staff informed about latest news affecting LCV and LCVEF and directs organizations’ response operation.

§  Prepares regular reports on LCV news coverage and other metrics of communications work, prepares board reports and materials and works with development on raising money for communications efforts.

§  Other duties as assigned.

Supervision:

Press Secretary, Web Communications Manager.

Requirements:

§  Education:  College degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, political science or related field; graduate degree preferred.

§  Work Experience:  Eight years progressively responsible communication experience, including experience in managing staff. Experience in electoral campaigns, a proven understanding of message development and a background in public relations highly desirable. Environmental background a plus.

§  Skills:  Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on written skills; proficient with word processing and spreadsheets (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint required). Working knowledge of the Internet and World Wide Web. Familiar with video on the web, text messaging as a communications strategy and blogs. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and make deadlines.

§  Capabilities:  Entrepreneurial focus; demonstrated relationships building skills; solid judgment; critical thinking skills; a sense of teamwork and community; ability to handle multiple tasks; highly organized; interest in environmental issues desirable.

§  Conditions:  Able to work hours in excess of stated office hours to get the job done; ability to travel.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to hr@lcv.org with "Director of Communications" in the subject line. No phone calls please.

LCV is committed to diversity within its staff and offers opportunities for growth, convenient metro location, and comprehensive benefits including 3 weeks vacation, paid health, life and disability coverage and 401(k) plan.  Visit our website, www.lcv.org. 

LCV is an equal opportunity employer