Senior Communications Associate

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +5 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee AWR's communication initiatives to align with federal wildfire policy and advocacy objectives.

• Assist in the formulation and execution of AWR's comprehensive communications strategy.

• Establish and sustain communication channels, ensuring a uniform voice, timing, and quality.

• Uphold AWR's brand identity, including voice and design elements like visual style guides and templates.

• Improve fundraising narrative strategies and evaluate donor materials and reports.

• Monitor and report on communications metrics to assess strategy effectiveness and funder accountability.

• Generate and share briefs, fact sheets, and public summaries derived from policy and research activities.

• Assist with in-house publications by editing content and collaborating with external partners.

• Create materials for virtual and in-person events, briefings, and lobbying days.

• Prepare team members and coalition partners for media interviews and public speaking engagements.

• Collaborate with partner organizations to develop communications materials for coalition efforts.

• Cultivate relationships with journalists and reporters focusing on wildfire, natural resources, and associated federal policies.

• Draft and distribute press releases and other earned media communications.

• Monitor relevant media coverage and identify engagement opportunities, including quick response actions.

• Coordinate with external contractors on media strategies, production, and implementation.

• Oversee the production, distribution, and expansion of AWR's monthly newsletter.

• Assist in grassroots list development and mobilization efforts with external contractors.

• Create content tailored for grassroots lists.

• Maintain AWR's contact databases.

• Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of Partnerships and work alongside policy, research, and government relations teams.

⛳️ Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a knack for converting complex policy and research findings into clear, engaging public content.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing earned media strategies, including producing press releases and fostering journalist relationships.

• Demonstrated capability in managing external communications, media, and grassroots contractors and vendors.

• Strong editorial judgment and proficient copy editing skills.

• Experience in managing the production and distribution of newsletters or email communications.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with internal staff, partner organizations, and external contractors.

• Educational background or equivalent professional experience in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field.

• 4–7 years of experience in nonprofit, advocacy, congressional, or public policy communications.

• Experience in developing or managing organizational media channels, such as social media platforms and blogs.

• Knowledge of science communication practices.

• Experience collaborating with paid media and grassroots mobilization contractors.

• Proficiency in graphic design and video editing, with experience in tools like Adobe Premiere or CapCut.

• Familiarity with multi-organization grassroots coalitions or membership organizations.

• Submission of a resume and cover letter is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Alternate Fridays off work schedule (employees work 40 hours one week, 32 hours the next week).

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• 401k plan with a 5% match.

• Generous paid time off.

• Technology allowance.

• Student loan repayment assistance.

• Calm app subscription.

• Mental health benefits.

• Approximately 17 paid holidays per year.