RMI is seeking a Communications Lead to support the creation and execution of communications plans that drive the conversation around climate action and the energy transition. They will make use of diverse digital channels and media to advance the goals of the Urban Transformation Program and target key audiences and stakeholders, such as policymakers, media, and the public. We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply!

The Urban Transformation Program is working to dramatically accelerate local government efforts around the world to simultaneously reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance urban livability, increase resilience, and support an equitable energy transition. Our team partners with city and other local government staff and supports them by providing technical assistance, building capacity, enabling learning, and developing tools and resources to meet specific needs.

A successful hire will be a strong team player who enjoys bringing communications strategies to life by leveraging RMI data, research, and subject matter experts on the Urban Transformation Program. In addition, the Communications Lead/Specialist will partner with RMI editorial, design, traditional and digital media, and web to develop the most effective messages and campaigns.

An ideal candidate will have 3 to 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, or journalism, with a passion for storytelling. A strong connection to RMI’s mission and expertise in the energy system is highly desired. This position reports directly to the Director of Impact Marketing.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the development of marketing and communications content, assets, and campaigns, including collateral, presentations, videos, reports, blogs, concept notes, grant proposals, web content, and social media posts.
• Manage communications projects from inception to completion, working with editorial, design, and media to ensure projects are completed on time and in line with requirements.
• Strategize with clear goals, target audiences, and tactical paths forward to execute a project.
• Build media lists for the overall team and specific projects.
• Identify new reporters to proactively connect with.
• Write press releases and pitches for reporters.
• Draft op-eds, blogs, statements, and other forms of thought leadership for key program spokespeople.
• Compile key statistics and research to inform messages and communications products.
• Advise LinkedIn and other platforms for key program spokespeople.
• Identify stories that advance RMI’s overall brand goals.
• Proactively leverage news-making moments, milestones, and impacts to drive awareness and interest in the program with target audiences, influencers, donors, policymakers, and decision makers.
• Maintain editorial calendar to ensure all program communications activities are coordinated, including things like internal and external publications, speaking engagements, media pitching, and digital and social media campaigns
• Help develop and report against metrics of success and track activities against outcomes and impact

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, or related field and/or appropriate combination of education and significant experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism disciplines
• Excellent initiative, follow-through, and project management skills
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communications skills, including communicating at different levels of depth (more in-depth for industry audiences; simplified for lay audiences)
• Passion for storytelling and messaging around complex issues

Additional Details

• Meticulous attention to detail
• A strong team player with excellent interpersonal/collaborative skills with staff and counterparts at all organizational levels and with external partners
• Passion for RMI's mission and theory of change

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. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.

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.

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined in Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.

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 [role type: Associates, Managers, etc.] join at the minimum to mid salary range of $68,000-$82,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment):

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403b retirement options (up to 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
• Work from home and commuter allowance

Diversity

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:

Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.

Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.

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 nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

JOB CODE: 1000776