Communications Director

Water Defense is a new organization, co-founded by actor/director Mark Ruffalo, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fracking and other forms of extreme energy, and to building a national movement for clean energy solutions.

We've just launched an online video series tackling the myth that natural gas is a clean "bridge fuel," and we're currently building a grassroots network with frontline communities across the country as we gear up for some big events and distributed days of action in the summer and fall. We're also engaged in responding to several evolving stories in the news cycle, and working to ensure that our frames inform how these hotly-discussed issues are reported and retold.

Position Overview:

As Communications Director, you'll develop strategic communications for Water Defense, be responsible for getting the story of the emerging anti-fracking movement into the headlines, work with other staff members to coordinate various communications and multimedia projects, and manage rapid responses to ongoing opportunities in the news cycle.

We're looking for someone who can develop and implement communications strategies to both build and activate our base, and also influence the broader conversation. Ideally, you're fast on your feet, flexible, creative, and comfortable wearing many hats in a very small team. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

• Write frequent statements, press releases, fact sheets, analysis, blog posts, op/eds, email blasts, and other communications
• Manage press outreach to advance Water Defense's work and tell the story of the emerging, grassroots anti-fracking movement. Ensure our spokespeople are regularly booked in the media cycle and our frames inform coverage.
• Build relationships with a wide variety of reporters to develop Water Defense as the go-to voice on our issues.
• Live in the news cycle and engineer rapid responses to media opportunities.
• Work closely with organizing staff to develop our roster of grassroots leader spokespeople, and ensure that spokespeople are prepared to go toe to toe with industry.
• Work with graphic designers, video producers, web developers, and other collaborators to ensure multimedia projects meet communications and campaign goals.
• Vet all outgoing communications products to ensure a high standard of quality is met.
• Work with online and organizing staff to develop synergy between communications, social media and organizing strategies.

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years experience in communications in an advocacy or campaign environment
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complicated information quickly and generate compelling, values-driven content
• Good story teller, familiar with story-based strategy
• Compulsive networker comfortable pitching to a variety of outlets, from financial blogs to entertainment TV. You know how to sell a story for maximum effect.
• Good problem-solver with excellent time-management skills; you can triage and prioritize to meet goals with multiple competing projects.
• Flexible and resourceful with low ego; comfortable wearing many hats and doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done in a very small team.
• Movement mentality/background in organizing; you are passionate about building leadership from the grassroots.
• Detail-oriented; you have an eagle eye for mistakes and commitment to high-quality work.
• Strong self-starter, entrepreneurial. You don't need someone to tell you what to do.
• 24/7 mentality: willing to work nontraditional hours, especially during crunch times.
• Cool under pressure
• Understanding of how social media can drive coverage
• Passion for our issues an absolute must

Additional skills and qualifications that would be beneficial:

• Existing media contacts
• Organizing or online organizing background
• Grassroots media training skills
• Experience in advocacy or working with elected officials

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Location: Brooklyn, NY, with occasional travel
Start date: Immediately

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and writing samples with "Communications Director" in the subject line. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis, with a hiring decision potentially made right away.

Water Defense is an equal opportunity employer with an organizational commitment to diversity. Women, people of color, and LGBTQ candidates encouraged to apply.