Public Affairs Associate

Organizational Summary: The Climate Leadership Council (the Council) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote the most effective, fair, and politically viable climate solutions.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual interested in advancing in the DC policy industry. The Council offers: Flexible hybrid work environment | Generous benefits package | Free on-site fitness center | Fantastic location, very close to Metro | On-site bike storage

Position Overview: The Public Affairs Associate supports the Council’s stakeholder engagement and external communications efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director, Communications and Public Affairs, and working closely with the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, the Associate plays a key role in advancing the Council’s public affairs objectives—engaging corporate and policy stakeholders, translating complex climate and energy issues into clear communications, shaping public narratives, and supporting thought leadership. Responsibilities span corporate stakeholder development, media relations, content creation, digital communications, events, and administrative and project support, offering broad exposure to the Council’s public affairs work.

Responsibilities include:

• Support stakeholder engagement and corporate prospect development by assisting the EVP/COO with outreach tracking, drafting communications, scheduling meetings, and managing follow-up.
• Draft and edit external communications materials including press releases, media advisories, blogs, one-pagers, talking points, and background materials to elevate the Council and inform the policy community.
• Support media relations by maintaining press lists, monitoring news and policy developments, identifying pitch opportunities, preparing interview briefs, and flagging timely media moments.
• Identify and support external speaking opportunities by drafting pitches and preparing bios, decks, talking points, and engagement materials.
• Manage website content by drafting and publishing updates in WordPress, maintaining site accuracy, and serving as a point of contact for website vendors.
• Apply clear, concise “smart brevity” writing principles across all communications to ensure content is accessible, polished, and impactful.
• Draft and schedule social media content and support day-to-day management of the Council’s social media channels.
• Track and report communications metrics for internal and grant reporting, including earned media, website performance, social media engagement, and speaking activities.
• Provide administrative and project support to the EVP/COO and Public Affairs team, including scheduling, project tracking, drafting correspondence, and list maintenance.
• Support events and programs through planning, promotion, registration management, logistics, and on-site staffing as needed.
• Support production of the Nexus newsletter, including drafting assigned sections and assisting with finalization and distribution.
• Create and format communications assets such as social media graphics, slide decks, and documents; perform basic audio/video editing; and coordinate with external designers on larger projects.
• Conduct background research to support communications, media relations, legislative activity, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with special projects as requested by organizational leadership, including the CEO and EVP/COO.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in private sector communications, with a trade association, think tank, or firm/agency or on Capitol Hill preferred (must be full-time, paid experience).
• Ability to multi-task, meet pressing deadlines, anticipate needs and adjust in a changing environment.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills; attention to grammatical detail, clarity, speed, and accuracy.
• Strong verbal and written communications and the ability to present in a group setting.
• Knowledge of Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or video editing tool a plus.
• Knowledge of climate policy a plus.
• Most importantly, we are seeking individuals who are highly ambitious, focused on positive outcomes, eager to work collaboratively while remaining resilient in a challenging political arena, and operate with impeccable integrity.

Location: This position is based in DC in a traditional in-office setting; subject to the organization’s telework policy. Currently the office is operating in a hybrid environment (three days in office).

Compensation: Competitive salary range based on experience: $60,000-70,000; full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), etc.

Apply: Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to applicants@clcouncil.org.

The Climate Leadership Council is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse and inclusive working environment. The Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status and other such factors in accordance with U.S. state and federal laws.