Press Secretary, Climate and Energy

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, supporters, individuals and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time, and bring about positive change. We are guided by a passionate, ambitious vision for the future for people and our planet: until justice stands for all, we will never rest. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Chicago, Juneau, Los Angeles, Miami, Tallahassee, Honolulu, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, and Washington, DC.

In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has a robust communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization.

The press secretary will work with the Program Communications team to develop and carry out earned media strategies for Earthjustice litigation and policy work, and deepen and expand the press coverage of the organization’s climate and energy priorities. The press secretary will pitch stories to national and regional papers, magazines and long-form media outlets, TV and radio stations, online outlets, and other influential media outlets. The press secretary will report directly a national communications strategist while also providing media support to regional communications strategists as needed. This person will track media narratives; identify and pursue earned media opportunities; develop media lists; and build relationships with journalists who write about climate and energy issues.

The press secretary will also write and place op-eds, blogs, and letters to the editor on behalf of Earthjustice leaders and clients/partners, and contribute to the Earthjustice blog, website, and social media accounts. This role will interface directly with Earthjustice attorneys, clients, partners and coalitions and contribute to joint media efforts.

This position is located in Washington, DC. Due to Covid-19, Earthjustice staff are currently working remotely from approved locations through October 4, 2021.

• Works with National Communications Strategist and communications team, litigators and program staff, and clients and coalition partners to build, shape, and pitch media strategies on climate and energy issues.

• Provides press support to Regional Communications Strategists on priority regional fights to generate national attention.

• Writes and distributes press releases and background materials on cases of interest to national, regional, and online media.

• Develops and maintains media lists and contacts and monitors media coverage.

• Manages vendors for communications content (digital ads, photos, etc.)

• Works with program staff to assess media narratives and develop appropriate messages.

• Develops talking points for program staff and prepares staff for media interviews.

• Develops and presents media trainings for partners, clients and staff around the country, as needed.

• Works with national and grassroots coalitions to support advocacy efforts and develop messaging and media strategy.

• Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.

• Attend events, webinars, and trainings as professional development.

• Attend internal DEI learning opportunities to increase awareness of creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing preferred.

• At least three to five years’ experience in media relations.

• Experience working with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government, or political campaigns preferred.

• Experience working on climate and energy issues preferred.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

• Proven ability to develop relationships with journalists and pitch high-impact media stories to advance advocacy campaigns.

• Experience using social media to monitor media narratives, connect with journalists, and amplify earned media placements, especially Twitter.

• Experience using Cision, Muck Ruck or other media relations software preferred.

• Spanish speakers encouraged to apply.

• On-the-record experience a plus.

• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.

• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

We offer a mission and employee-focused work environment and a competitive compensation package including excellent benefits. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer and highly values diversity.

Interested candidates should submit the following via Jobvite:

Please apply by September 13, 2021. After that, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to jobs@earthjustice.org if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.