Communications Director, Offshore Wind Energy Technology Focus

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a leading nonprofit organization working with states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to advance innovative technology, finance, and policy programs in the areas of clean energy, seeks an experienced Director of Communications with responsibility to develop and implement communications activities related to growing the offshore wind energy sector in the United States.

This is a full-time position to establish and guide the organization's strategy for all communications, public relations, and stakeholder outreach related to creating momentum, awareness and support for the merits of offshore wind energy development and associated industry growth.  See Clean Energy States Alliance for more information.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will design and guide the organization's communications plan to support offshore wind development and manage communications efforts among a significant, growing network of partner organizations and leaders working to accelerate an offshore wind industry. The Director will be an expert writer and effective communicator of energy, environmental, and economic issues related to offshore wind energy. 

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned communication professional with the ability to effectively communicate detailed information to policymakers, sector decision makers and the media.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include the following and others as assigned:

• Lead the strategic design of a multi-faceted communications program that assures distribution of accurate information on policy, energy, economic, and other issues related to the emerging offshore wind industry.
• Implement and revise, as needed over time, the communications program for the organization's offshore wind energy campaign.
• Coordinate and implement public relations activities.
• Implement rapid response efforts to counter media and social network attacks on offshore wind energy's merits.
• Write and edit compelling documents and messaging for a range of audiences (funders, policymakers, industry leaders, non-governmental organizations, and others).
• Facilitate, guide, and provide communications support to a network of partnering organizations and agencies to support offshore wind. Track and measure the level of engagement and communications activities within the network over time.
• Develop marketing and communications materials, both printed and electronic, to promote offshore wind energy.
• Establish communication vehicles to create momentum and awareness of offshore wind energy and its merits.
• Identify, increase and manage media contacts.
• Manage other communications activities, including event planning, publicity, and community/stakeholder outreach.
• Represent the organization at events, hearings, and meetings.
• Lead the design and content of the organization's website.
• Lead the communications effort to engage priority audience segments that lead to measurable action.
• Assist staff and partner organizations to simplify and clearly communicate complex technology and program messages.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of communications experience.
• Experience developing and implementing communications plans.
• Experience writing about technical or energy issues in various formats (reports, press releases) and in various media (print, web).
• Ability to take information and transform it into exciting and effective messages, and disseminate to the right audiences through the best distribution channels.
• Highly collaborative style.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force among diverse constituencies and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Highly collaborative style; sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups and partner organizations.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Experience in issue/political campaigns, network communications, and stakeholder relations.
• Experience pitching, networking with, and responding to reporters, media, bloggers, etc.
• Working knowledge of issues facing the renewable energy sector (preferred, not required).

Travel: Domestic travel is required, primarily along the Atlantic Coast.

Location: Washington DC area (preferred, but not required)

Availability: This is a full-time position, with responsibilities commencing immediately upon selection of the most qualified candidate.

Compensation: CESA offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, 2 references and salary requirements via email by to Maria by Friday, December 30, 2011; Subject Line: Communications Director.

CESA is an equal opportunity employer.  CESA does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, ancestry, non-job related disability, or status as a veteran.