Program Communications Director

The Southern Environmental Law Center is seeking a communications professional to lead SELC's program communications.  The position will be based in our headquarters office in Charlottesville, Virginia.  This is an excellent opportunity to join an organization that is successfully addressing some of the most important and challenging environmental issues facing the Southeast and the nation.

With offices across the region (Charlottesville, VA; Chapel Hill, NC; Atlanta, GA; Asheville, NC; Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Richmond, VA; Birmingham, AL; and Nashville, TN), SELC uses law and policy expertise to protect the South's natural resources-its land, air, water, coast and wetlands-and to preserve our rural countryside and community character.  Although our regional focus is the Southeast, much of our work is national in scope and impact.

SELC works collaboratively with over 100 national, state, and local groups to enhance their efficacy and achieve our common conservation goals. Our legal and policy staff comprises some of the nation's leading experts in their respective fields, and over its 25-year history, SELC has earned a reputation as one of the most effective environmental organizations in the country.  We currently have a staff of 97, including 50 attorneys. 

Position Overview:

The Director of Program Communications will lead SELC's program communications work and will work with Communications Managers in the Chapel Hill and Atlanta offices on communications strategy and planning, media relations, and strategic use of the array of communications tools and approaches to reach target audiences and further SELC's program objectives.  He or she will report to SELC's Deputy Director.

Responsibilities:

• Managing SELC's program communications team; successfully implementing strategic communications goals and priorities; actively monitoring new communications technology, tools and approaches, and deploying those best suited to SELC's unique law and policy approach.
• Working closely with SELC's Director of Marketing to develop and execute coordinated digital and print strategies, and to synchronize messaging and tactics to maximize effectiveness.
• Implementing all facets of program communications work for priority cases and issues in the Charlottesville, Virginia and Nashville, Tennessee offices.

Qualifications:

We are seeking a communications professional with a strong work ethic and sense of initiative.  The ideal candidate will have excellent academic credentials, a minimum of 8 years experience in communications or public relations work, a strong working knowledge of web-based communication strategies, excellent verbal, writing, and editing skills, a demonstrated ability to work well in a collegial setting, and a strong personal commitment to SELC's mission.   

Compensation: SELC offers salaries competitive with leading national environmental non-profits, and an excellent benefits package.

To Apply:

If you have these qualifications and are seeking one of the most interesting, challenging, and rewarding environmental advocacy positions available, please send your  letter of interest, resume, college or graduate school transcript, and at least 3 references to Nathan Pace.

Southern Environmental Law Center
201 West Main Street, Suite 14
Charlottesville, VA 22902

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is continually seeking to diversify its staff.  We strongly encourage applications from persons of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.