Communications Director

Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), operating since 1984, is a nationally recognized neutral third-party certifier of environmental and food safety claims. SCS program areas include: Sustainable forestry, sustainable fisheries, sustainable flower production, sustainable agriculture, pesticide residue-free and organic food certification, food safety inspection and certification, environmental claims certification, electric power environmental performance certification, and more.

Position Overview:

We are currently seeking a Communications Director for our Emeryville, California headquarters.  

Opportunity for motivated, multi-talented, mission-driven individual seeking to put your public relations experience, strategic thinking, and persuasive writing skills to work in support of a sustainable environment. This is a hands-on position, so prepare to roll up your sleeves!

Responsibilities:

• Plan, develop, and execute media relations and public outreach activities, including writing press releases, pitching stories, writing articles for publication, working with client public relations staff, and conducting community outreach.
• Collaborate with senior management on cohesive company branding, communications and messaging.
• Network and build relationships with key media and NGOs associated with our business areas.
• Supervise the design, editing and production of company printed materials, including research papers, educational materials, brochures, guides, articles and other publications.
• Implement other marketing communications tactics, as called for (e.g., advertising, direct marketing, e-communications, sponsorships).
• Support the public relations and communications needs of SCS’s certification customers.
• Manage small, fast-paced company communications team (and occasional contractors), which have web design, graphics, media relations, company events trade shows, and other marketing and communications support responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or graduate degree in related field (e.g., English, journalism, public relations, marketing communications, environmental science).
• Exceptional writing and editing ability, with track record of tackling wide range of topics, both technical and non-technical in nature.
• Experience and/or demonstrated knowledge in environmental or agricultural fields related to SCS business areas.
• 7+ years of experience in public relations, working with an array of public relations and marketing communications tools.
• Experience in brand development and rollout.
• Proven editing skills and ability to address target audiences.
• Computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Office products, Internet research, media databases).
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of industry, government, media, environmental organizations, and the public.

This is a hands-on position that demands excellent organizational and production skills. Applicant should be highly organized, motivated problem solver, capable of working with minimal supervision, meticulous, and resourceful. You must be interested in working in a small company (50+ employees, and capable of working under pressure and juggling assignments in this challenging, fast-paced work environment.

Compensation: SCS provides excellent benefits and salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please email resume and cover letter, including salary requirements and description of how your experiences connect to our needs and mission to Nancy Ottenstein. Interviewed candidates will also be asked to bring examples of work. For more information about SCS, go to our website.

SCS is an equal opportunity employer and as such, considers individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. We value diversity and are a company that values employees of many backgrounds. Accordingly, SCS does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions) national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, physical disability, mental disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. Further, SCS prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above.  This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.