Director of Communications at PSE Healthy Energy

ORGANIZATION

PSE Healthy Energy is an independent scientific research institute that specializes in bringing science to energy policy. Our mission is to generate energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment. At PSE, we design our research around real-world challenges and proactively connect our audiences with actionable, evidence-based information they can trust. Our team of scientists, engineers, and public health professionals lead multidisciplinary research within our five practice areas of Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas.

POSITION

The Director of Communications serves as the chief storyteller and external representative of PSE Healthy Energy, ensuring our research reaches key audiences with clarity, credibility, and impact. This role provides strategic direction for the organization’s brand, messaging, media presence, and stakeholder engagement while maintaining a firm commitment to scientific integrity. The Director will work closely with scientists and executive leadership to translate complex research findings into accessible, compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers, media, and the public. Additionally, the Director of Communications is responsible for managing all communications team staff and contractors to effectively elevate the organization’s public profile, increase the reach and impact of PSE’s research, and serve as a spokesperson and thought leader in external engagements, including media interviews, industry conferences, and with funders.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

Success for a Director of Communications is characterized by the ability to design and implement strategies that achieve our organization's strategic goals, support innovative approaches to science communications, raise the profile of the organization and our work with desired audiences, and positively shape public perception and narratives about our research subject areas over time. This includes helping staff build strong relationships with stakeholders through effective communications, effectively managing crises, and leading a collaborative communications team. Additionally, success involves measuring the impact of communication strategies through data analysis and providing editorial oversight to ensure that the organization's mission and values are consistently communicated across all channels.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a member of the organization’s executive team, providing a model for organizational leadership in alignment with PSE mission, values, policies, and norms.
• Provide regular communication updates to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors, as needed.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing communications team, hiring two senior-level specialists to support digital strategy and public affairs.
• Streamline and optimize internal processes and best practices for content development, media engagement, and digital transformation, ensuring long-term growth and effectiveness of the department.
• Manage budgets, timelines, and external vendors as needed to maximize the efficiency and impact of communications efforts.

Brand Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances PSE Healthy Energy’s mission and enhances its reputation as a leader in energy and health research.
• Oversee branding, messaging, and content strategy to ensure clarity, consistency, and scientific credibility across channels.
• Facilitate cross-departmental coordination (e.g., Development, Finance, HR, Programs) to align communications with organizational priorities.
• Lead the evolution of PSE’s brand, ensuring all internal resources and external communications are aligned with the mission and vision.
• Improve internal communications to enhance collaboration and message consistency.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies, refining approaches as needed.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in internal and external communications, adapting strategies accordingly.

Editorial Oversight & Media Strategy

• Oversee the development and execution of all external communications, ensuring editorial consistency, accuracy, and strategic alignment with PSE Healthy Energy’s mission.
• Serve as the Editor-in-Chief, establishing editorial priorities, reviewing key content, and maintaining high standards for clarity, credibility, and scientific integrity.
• Lead media strategy, ensuring research findings are effectively translated into press materials, reports, and digital content that reach key audiences.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers in the energy, climate, and public health sectors.
• Act as the primary media contact, responding to inquiries, shaping narratives, and positioning PSE Healthy Energy’s experts in relevant news cycles.
• Provide media training and strategic guidance to executives and scientific staff, ensuring they are prepared for interviews and public engagements.
• Oversee stakeholder communications, serving as a key liaison with government officials, industry groups, and coalitions while maintaining scientific integrity.
• Thought Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Position PSE scientists and executives as thought leaders, identifying high-impact engagements with funders, policy makers, and other key audiences and crafting speeches, presentations, and testimony for these events.
• Develop and oversee outreach programs that foster greater awareness, utilization, and impact of PSE research, building mutually-beneficial relationships with diverse audiences.
• Oversee coalition and partnership communications, ensuring PSE’s work is effectively integrated into broader conversations around energy, climate, and public health.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations, preferably within a research institute, nonprofit, or public policy setting.
• Strong understanding of the energy, climate, and public health landscape, including key media and policy players.
• Proven ability to translate technical research into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Experience leading media relations, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Skilled at working with scientists, policymakers, and journalists to ensure clear and effective communication of research findings.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and messaging skills, with a keen eye for scientific accuracy and audience engagement.
• Experience managing a team and/or building a communications department from the ground up.
• Familiarity with digital strategy, SEO, and emerging communications trends is a plus.

LOCATION and WORK CONDITIONS

Remote position in the US. The position may necessitate extended work hours during projects and occasional attendance at after-hours or weekend meetings or events.

The position involves sedentary work with minimal physical exertion, primarily focused on computer tasks that require extensive use of a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

SALARY and BENEFITS
The Director of Communications is a full-time, exempt position. Salary range: $103K - $115K with possibility of deviation based on qualifications and location.

Competitive benefits include health (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance), flexible spending account, 401(k) with employer match, flexible time off, sick leave, and 11+ paid holidays.

TO APPLY
Please submit a resume or CV, provide a cover letter, provide responses to question prompts, and provide any relevant certifications in the online portal by March 21, 2025. Applications received by February 28, 2025 will be given priority review.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-VERIFY NOTICE
PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.