Strategic Communications Manager - U.S. Federal & State Policy

Job Description:

Are you a creative thinker with a passion for results and tangible impact? Do you have a keen ability to grasp and synthesize complex issues? Are you a highly organized and detailed-oriented expert communicator who can bring technical subjects to life for different audiences? Do you thrive on working in fast-paced environments and managing multiple projects and priorities? If yes, then you may be perfect for this job.

We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply!

Overview

RMI is seeking an experienced Strategic Communications Manager with extensive project management skills and entrepreneurial vision. This individual will lead communications and marketing strategy and execute multiple initiatives related to RMI's policy work at the federal, state and city level in the United States, with an emphasis on deployment of programs in the Inflation Reduction Act.

RMI's U.S. policy team, which spans the electricity, transportation, buildings, heavy industry and finance sectors, provides technical assistance and conducts cutting-edge research and analysis on federal funding programs, economic development opportunities, and key policies at all levels of government. Our focus is above all on job creation potential, economic and community benefits, clean energy deployment, health, and climate impacts. Our work inspires action to benefit all Americans and steer funding to the places where it's most needed amidst the global energy transition.

You will be a strong team player and manager who coordinates and collaborates with multiple RMI programs, our central Influence Team, and external partners. As the Strategic Communications Manager, you will use data-driven insights about our audiences and their motivations to provide communications and marketing guidance to our sectoral experts, develop and execute strategic in-market campaigns, and coordinate communications efforts across channels with other RMI programs to inform and influence key stakeholders and decision makers. This role requires someone with deep experience at the intersection of policy and communications.

Your Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Direct marketing and communications strategy for RMI's U.S. policy program, encompassing initiatives focused on Federal, State and City governments, the America's All-In Coalition, economic development projects, all spanning work across the electricity, transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors.

• Provide guidance to Program leadership including initiative Principals and the Managing Director to position, frame, and deliver narratives from an audience-centric perspective, at the local, national, and international level.

• Work with Program leadership to identify high-priority stakeholders and the best set of targeted communication campaigns, activities, and products

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver audience-centric marketing plans and communications campaigns that leverage channels including media relations, social/digital, digital and live events, partnerships, and RMI- and partner-owned assets

• Coordinate communications efforts with other RMI programs and manage internal processes to efficiently deliver relevant thought-leadership, narrative stories, and insights to targeted audiences

• Leverage data insights and work with on-the-ground partners to identify and research target audiences and create messaging strategies and communications campaigns to influence those specific groups

• Work closely to implement all marketing and communications campaigns with any contracted and/or external partners.

• Proactively leverage news-making moments, milestones, institutional outcomes, and impacts leading to awareness and interest in the program with target audiences, influencers, donors, policymakers, and decision makers

• Develop in-depth understanding of audiences and familiarity with content in each of the core program areas

• Collaborate with and leverage in-house communications capabilities (i.e., editorial, design, web, traditional and social media) and third-party agencies

• Seek out, develop, and manage strategic communications partnerships with key NGOs, influencers, and/or advocacy groups

• Develop and report against metrics of success and track activities against strategic program outcomes and desired impact

• Partner with RMI's Development and finance teams on funding proposals, communications budgets, and fundraising materials

• Direct and guide RMI technical experts into the right conversations (media, social, events, etc.) that are shaping target audience sentiment

• Steward RMI brand across all communication channels and opportunities.

• Manage the U.S. program Communications Lead as a direct report.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, history, economics, journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, or related field and/or appropriate combination of education and relevant experience.

• 5-7 years' experience in strategic communications, with clear experience in developing strategies and leading successful campaigns

• Ability to manage a multitude of relationships and complex projects

• Tight project and task management skills

• Experience juggling conflicting priorities and deftly navigating audience sensitivities, interests, and comfort level with subject matter

Preferred Qualifications

• Robust knowledge and experience working in the energy transition / climate policy, ideally involving federal or state policy and government affairs

• Capitol hill or administrative experience a significant plus

• Interest in climate change, climate policy and action, or the broader energy transition

• Experience with strategic communications engagement across diverse channels, including underserved communities most impacted by the climate crisis

• Ability to communicate to a diverse national audience and employ appropriate tactics for engagement

• Proven track record of successful strategic communications efforts

• Relevant Graduate Degree

Location

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado.

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new Strategic Communications Managers join at the salary range of $88,300 - $125,800. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance

• 403b retirement options (5% match immediately)

• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability

• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)

• Generous paid time off

• Parental leave

• Commuter and wellness benefits

• Casual work environment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At RMI, our mission is to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future for all. For this to happen, every single person needs to be a stakeholder in the energy transition. Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is critical to our success. We need the widest range of perspectives to understand the systems we are trying to change. That doesn't just mean bringing a diverse team to the table; it also means working proactively to give all job seekers and employees equitable experiences. Visit our DEI page for more information on our DEI initiatives and commitments.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About RMI

RMI is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization of experts across disciplines working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives. Since our founding in 1982 by Amory Lovins, RMI's chairman emeritus, we continue to grow and have a global reach and reputation.

For 40 years, RMI has utilized our unique techno-economic expertise and whole-systems thinking to publish groundbreaking research and analysis. We bring together collaborations of rare reach, range, and expertise-creating unconventional partnerships and mobilizing action to drive change on the massive scale needed to combat the climate crisis.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.