Communications Senior Associate - Connected Grid Initiative

Multiplier•San Francisco, CA

1d•$80,000 - $95,000•Remote

About The Position

The Connected Grid Initiative (CGI) is a multi-funder collaborative and field catalyst working to advance electric transmission solutions for the future. CGI exists to unlock U.S. grid capacity and enable the deployment of clean power at scale for a stronger, more reliable, and more affordable grid for all Americans. CGI’s theory of change focuses on overcoming critical barriers to transmission development by supporting transmission advocates at the federal level and across all regions of the country to accelerate transmission planning, paying, permitting and development. In less than 3 years since CGI’s inception, CGI has built a substantial grantee network consisting of over 80 partners including both national and local organizations with varying specializations. CGI is supported by more than a dozen key philanthropies and individuals with a shared mission: to unlock U.S. electric transmission solutions and expand grid capacity for the benefit of all Americans. POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications Senior Associate will strengthen the communications capacity, cohesion, and external visibility of CGI’s grantee ecosystem, funder relations, and broader network strategy. This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive communications framework that spans grantee ecosystem messaging, stakeholder outreach, funder collateral, and internal/external content platforms — including working group convenings, an online information sharing Hub, a network speakers bureau, messaging templates, and coordinated earned media efforts. In close partnership with CGI’s program team, grantees, and funders — and reporting to the Director of Operations — the Senior Associate ensures consistent messaging, coordinated storytelling, and timely dissemination of information across campaigns, regions, and stakeholders. They also lead measurement and tracking of the network’s communications footprint, manage brand assets and vendor relationships, and oversee materials (print, video, digital) to ensure brand coherence and communication effectiveness. The Communications Senior Associate serves as a key integrator across internal stakeholders and external partners, enabling more strategic storytelling, greater network alignment, and enhanced visibility of CGI’s work advancing transmission buildout across the US. Note, CGI does not have or desire a strong public brand itself, and thus the Communications Senior Associate role will primarily work through and support CGI’s grantees.

Requirements

5+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, advocacy, storytelling, or networkwide communications — preferably in an energy, nonprofit, philanthropy, and/or grantmaking context.
Demonstrated track record of planning and executing communications strategies, including earned media campaigns, and coordinated storytelling across grantees.
Strong writing, editing, and content development skills (newsletters, op-eds, talking points, web copy, social media or blog content) tailored to a variety of audiences.
Experience and awareness with external media, journalists, or media outlets — deep understanding of reporter/outlets relationship management, as well as effectives strategies for pitching stories and earning media placement
Ability to manage multiple priorities, campaigns, and deadlines simultaneously — strong project management, organization, and attention to detail.
Familiarity with digital communications tools and platforms — content management systems (e.g. website CMS), email marketing or listserv tools, social media platforms, and basic digital or multimedia content production (copywriting, basic design or layout, possibly multimedia).
Comfort working collaboratively across teams, partners, and external stakeholders — including grantees, funders, program staff — to align messaging and coordinate communications efforts.
Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working in a dynamic environment — able to respond to emerging opportunities (e.g. rapid media outreach, messaging needs), adjust priorities, and adapt communications accordingly alongside colleagues and partners.
Strong ethical judgment, discretion, and commitment to consistency and brand integrity — capable of representing the organization and managing sensitive communications with care.

Responsibilities

In partnership with grantee communicators, develop and implement a coordinated communications strategy for the CGI network across priority regions or campaigns
Serve as the go-to communications resource for grantees — facilitating information sharing across the network and ensuring alignment around messaging, messenger, and timing
Oversee strategy and prioritization of information available to grantees on CGI’s information hub platform — identify gaps in data or resources, and work with CGI Program Officers and grantees to develop needed content or tools
Lead and coordinate a biweekly Communicators Working Group Zoom meeting with approximately 70 stakeholder attendees
Lead and coordinate a monthly Transmission Taskforce Zoom meeting, including identifying and preparing speakers, communications with attendees, and ensuring inclusivity and participation of all relevant grantees and funders
Monitor and track grantee external communications — flag and circulate relevant news and developments; develop and track metrics to measure the CGI network’s media footprint and overall communications impact
Develop and maintain shared communications resources and collateral
Build and maintain a deep understanding of key industry journalists and outlets relevant to the ecosystem
Identify opportunities for grantee storytelling campaigns and strategic communications initiatives
Ensure alignment across the ecosystem on key transmission messaging
Participate in non-transmission communications efforts, ensuring transmission related work is integrated and showcased as appropriate
Establish and manage a network speaker’s bureau and/or rapid response communications team
Develop and maintain funder-facing materials — e.g. one-pagers, collateral in InDesign or Microsoft Office, quarterly newsletter development, rapidly responding to funder requests