Communications Manager

~ The science is clear: we must dramatically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to avoid crossing a threshold that scientists inform us could cause serious consequences to the global environment.

At VCS, we work hand-in-hand with public and private sector leaders all across the globe to lead a greenhouse gas reduction program that delivers massive emission reductions across the world. ~ 

We achieve this by: 

• Providing a trusted, robust? and user-friendly program that brings quality assurance to voluntary carbon markets.
• Pioneering innovative rules and tools that open new avenues for carbon crediting to businesses, non-profits and government entities that engage in on-the-ground climate action.
• Sharing knowledge and encouraging the uptake of best practice in carbon markets so that markets develop along coherent and compatible lines even as top-down regulations take shape. 

Our work is far from complete, so we continue to push forward with the support of trusted government partners, business leaders and international experts to continue to provide innovative and robust solutions for addressing climate change. 

Position Overview

The Communications Manager will be responsible for ensuring effective communications with VCS stakeholders worldwide and the smooth operation of VCS's communications efforts. 

Responsibilities  

Principal tasks and responsibilities will include the following:

• Ensure the ongoing development of VCS communications and effective positioning of the organization. This work will entail three distinct elements which need to be integrated. 

1. First, the Communications Manager will work with each of the various programs and initiatives to identify communications priorities, including addressing challenges and taking advantage of opportunities, and implement a plan to drive communications forward.
2. Second, the Communications Manager will weave together the individual narratives of each of the programs and initiatives VCS manages into a cohesive set of organizational communications. 
3. Finally, the Communications Manager will develop and implement a monitoring system to track real progress in effective messaging against tangible, measurable goals and targets.

• Ensure the ongoing development and clarity of the VCS website. This will include guiding the development of anew VCS website in early 2016, individual sites for each of VCS' programs and initiatives, and providing ongoing content and editing support. This task will involve managing and working closely with a communications consultant.

• Manage communications with stakeholders, including producing all outreach and marketing materials (eg, public statements, website content, print materials, presentations, newsletters, annual report) based on content provided by program staff, responding to media inquiries and supporting outreach efforts by colleagues.

• Refine and manage the organizational communications strategy, including a potential VCS re-branding effortwhich would rely on a communications and branding expert.

• Oversee the use of the VCS trademarks and brand, and ensure compliance with all licensing requirements.

• Assist with other parts of the organization as needed. 

Qualifications 

Required Skills, Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of professional communications experience in the non-profit or private sectors with astrong working knowledge of environmental and/or sustainable development issues. Marketing experience inthese fields is desirable. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical issues to different non-technical audiences, and experience editing and drafting documents for clients and public presentation.

• Good understanding of climate policy, carbon markets or landscape sustainability is highly desirable.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and work quickly, accurately and on deadline.

• Motivated, proactive, and resourceful with strong attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of relating to our many and diverse stakeholders, and maintaining a professional approach and demeanor in high pressure situations.

• Master's degree in communications, branding, marketing or a related field is desirable.

• Fluency in English is essential; fluency in Spanish is desirable.

• Experience in graphic and website design, HTML, email campaign software, and social media is desirable. 

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email the following documents by Februrary 3, 2016.  

• Cover letter (max one page) explaining why you are interested in the position and the value you would bring toVCS and our mission to protect the environment.
• Examples of previous communications work, including representative print and web content.
• Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages).