Communications Director

Position Summary:

Rainforest Action Network (RAN) works to protect the worlds rainforests and the rights of their inhabitants through education, grassroots organizing, and non-violent direct action. RAN is guided by the firm belief that continued destruction of the worlds last remaining old growth forests is both immoral and unnecessary, and that a mature, modern society has outgrown such practices. Our programs operate hard-hitting campaigns designed to challenge extractive industries to phase out destructive operations in old growth forests and to reverse our progress towards worsening climate change. RAN has enjoyed a string of victories in the logging and banking sectors, and has been dubbed by the Wall St. Journal as some of the most effective environmental agitators in the business.

The Communications Director is a senior-level position responsible for coordinating media strategy for RANs campaigns and managing public relations for the organization. Responsibilities include pitching and placing stories, developing media plans for campaign activities, writing press releases, and developing print and/or broadcast ad campaigns. Knowledge or experience with advocacy campaigns, media relations, long-term strategic planning helpful. Management functions include preparing and presenting reports to the Board of Directors, participating as a member of the Senior Management Team, developing an annual budget and workplan, supervising the Web Producer, and coordinating public relations for RAN.

Specific duties include:

• Work with the campaign staff to ensure that the media strategy is well integrated in the campaign plans and well positioned for anticipated developments in campaign progress;
• Generate press releases and press kits, op-ed pieces, and feature articles and letters to the editor;
• Help shape and refine the overall public image of the organization;
• Media Relations: pitch and place stories;
• Work with Development staff to optimize exposure and message to supporters;
• Coordinate the design and production of promotional and outreach materials including PSAs, advertisements, posters, etc.;
• Collaborate on Web page and other online electronic communications;
• Assist and back up the Executive Director and campaign staff as spokespersons for the organization;
• Report to Board of Directors quarterly on media successes and strategies;
• Facilitate press coverage of Special Events, celebrity campaign support and press conferences;
• Train staff as necessary on media techniques, supervise interns and volunteer staff as appropriate;
• Maintain in-house media database and systems;
• Generate or review various outreach pieces including direct mail, annual reports, fact sheets, reports and other publications;
• Participate in RANs organizational planning and training sessions;
• Participate in weekly RAN staff and Communications Team meetings;
• Share office responsibilities to maintain a healthy and safe workplace;
• Contribute to campaign success as appropriate during external activities.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success in media/public relations planning, management, and execution; well established contacts with broadcast and print media
• Good computer skills and knowledge of electronic media
• Ability to work independently, and to be goal-oriented, manage many tasks simultaneously and prioritize well
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Solid management and supervisory experience preferred
• Experienced public speaker
• Excellent decision-making and problem solving skills

Terms:

Supervisor: Executive Director
Status: Exempt, full-time, salaried
Location: San Francisco, CA
Deadline: May 16, 2003

Application Instructions:

Please send rsum and letter of interest to:

HR/FM,
Rainforest Action Network,
221 Pine St., Suite 500,
San Francisco, CA 94104
Fax 415/398.2732
E-mail: rainforest@ran.org.
No phone calls, please.

RAN is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, citizenship, military service status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.