Strategic Communications Lead, Electricity

Overview 

RMI is seeking a Strategic Communications Lead to support the creation and execution of communications plans that drive the conversation around climate action and the energy transition. The lead will use diverse digital channels, events, and media to advance RMI's electricity system decarbonization goals and target key audiences and stakeholders, such as utilities, developers, rural electric co-operatives, companies, regulators, policymakers, investors, advocates, media, and the public.    

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 Carbon-Free Electricity team. In addition, the Strategic Communications Lead will partner with RMI editorial, design, events, traditional and digital media, and web staff to develop the most effective messages, resources, and campaigns.   

RMI seeks to transform the global energy system to be efficient, resilient, affordable, and clean while maintaining reliability and driving more equitable outcomes. We do this through engaging key stakeholders to deploy innovative technologies, vastly expand infrastructure, and leverage updated financial tools and business models to improve the lives of communities in the United States and around the world. We aim to bring this vision to life through communications that inspire action to make it a reality.  

An ideal candidate will have at least 3 to 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, or journalism and 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 Strategic Communications Manager, Electricity.  

Specific Roles and Responsibilities  

• Execute communications plans and strategies with clear goals, target audiences, and tactics, supporting the strategic vision of RMI communications   

• Work as liaison between program staff, external partners, and in-house communications teams to execute project development and publication from start to finish  

• Build and update media lists and research new reporters to connect with proactively; develop media and event briefing materials for experts   

• Work with media relations team to draft compelling and relevant pitches for reporters  

• Support program staff in drafting and reviewing op-eds, articles, event talking points, statements, social media posts, and other forms of thought leadership content for spokespeople  

• Manage and grow the program’s LinkedIn channels and digital presence   

• Advise on and maintain LinkedIn and other social platforms for key program spokespeople to increase team thought leadership’s public presence  

• Identify and pitch experts for public speaking opportunities and promote their participation  

• Work with program, web, and editorial teams to update and optimize web pages and resources  

• Identify stories and develop written content to advance RMI’s overall brand goals  

• Proactively identify and leverage news-making moments, milestones, and impacts to drive awareness and interest in the program among target audiences  

• Maintain program editorial calendar to ensure all program communications activities are coordinated with the central communications (influence) team, including 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  

• Coordinate with the program’s external partner communications, marketing, and events teams to ensure maximum reach and impact of projects and staff participation (as needed)  

• Manage external contractors such as editors, designers, videographers, and social media influencers to execute projects from start to finish  

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications  

• 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  

• Passion for storytelling and messaging around complex issues  

• Experience working on digital campaigns, event marketing, and social media initiatives   

• Experience with graphic design, video editing, Salesforce and PRP is a plus  

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 to transform the global energy system  

• Knowledge of the electric sector regulatory and policy environment is a plus 

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 Communication Leads join at the salary range of $68,092 to $83,924. You would also have an additional 5% 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.