Consultant Campaign Director, Federal Climate Science

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is recruiting for a consultant to lead an aggressive and collaborative effort among EDF and partner organizations to defend federal climate science and research programs.

a) Services

The Consultant Campaign Director, utilizing their full mastery of public affairs campaign management, will oversee day-to-day execution of campaign strategy, measure progress toward campaign goals, and recommend strategy pivots as necessary. They will direct the work of a team of internal staff and contractors executing various facets of the campaign strategy including policy development, government relations, media and communications, and stakeholder engagement, and will oversee the convening and operation of an information sharing & coordination table with partner groups. They will help manage the campaign budget and consultant contracts, lead the writing of fundraising proposals and reports, and provide periodic campaign updates to a variety of audiences, including funders, EDF leadership, and partner groups.

Key Responsibilities/Deliverables:

• In coordination with policy and science experts, create policy agenda and develop district and state-specific educational and advocacy resources.
• Direct the work of campaign contractors with expertise in media and communications, government relations, stakeholder outreach, and more.
• Informed by polling and message testing, create compelling campaign messaging and branding.
• Develop a beltway-focused government relations strategy to build relationships with key congressional offices.
• Produce an integrated communications and media plan that provides a roadmap for strategically utilizing in-state events and paid, earned, social, and opinion media to deliver core campaign messages to target audiences.
• Identify and engage grassroots supporters and key in-state influencers to participate in campaign advocacy efforts.
• Launch, convene, and facilitate an information sharing and campaign coordination table of partner organizations.
• Participate in managing the campaign budget.
• Lead in writing fundraising proposals and reports.
• Provide regular updates on strategy and progress toward campaign goals to EDF leadership, partner groups, and others.

b) Proposed Agreement Start and End Date

Start date: ASAP (late May to early June 2025)

Estimated contract term: 12 months with the option of extension

c) Time Commitment and Compensation

We are seeking a full-time consultant to support EDF 35-40 hours/week. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

d) Required Materials for Consideration:

Please submit your cover letter and resume, along with examples of any prior relevant work products that are publicly available.

Prospective consultants will be evaluated based on criteria including:

• At least 10 years of campaign, government relations, public policy, communications, media or relevant experience; advanced degree in relevant field may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience in public affairs campaign management, government relations, or communications & media is required.
• Excellent ability to develop an integrated political and campaign strategy.
• Experience involving the intersection of science, research, and development with policy, public affairs and issue advocacy is highly preferred.
• Prior experience in federal policy on energy and environment is a plus.
• Superb communications strategy, writing, and editing skills.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Proven ability to use communications as a tool to achieve policy goals.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Excellent collaborator with a proven inclusive approach to work.
• Proven leadership, team and consultant management, and mentoring skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
• Budgeting and strategic planning experience.

All materials should be submitted to Reggie Paros, Senior Director, Campaigns and Partnerships (rparos@edf.org) by 5pm on Tuesday, May 20th. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the position will be open until filled.