Communications Specialist / Senior Communications Specialist — U.S. & Canada HDV and PV, plus Marine, Aviation, and Fuels

International Council on Clean Transportation • Washington, DC

27d

About The Position

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is seeking a Communications Specialist or Senior Communications Specialist to manage communications for its U.S. and Canada Heavy-Duty Vehicle (HDV) and Passenger Vehicle (PV) programs, as well as its Marine, Aviation, and Fuels program work when targeted at a U.S. audience. This role involves strategic planning, media outreach, spokesperson development, partnership support, digital asset management, event coordination, and production facilitation. The position requires a strategic thinker with media savvy and the ability to build and nurture relationships across a diverse media landscape. The Senior Communications Specialist will take on these responsibilities with greater independence and leadership, potentially supervising staff and leading global communications projects.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in communications (at least 7 years for Senior level).
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent professional experience) in a relevant discipline (e.g., communications, journalism, or public relations).
• Demonstrated experience in public communications, including designing and implementing media outreach and campaigns.
• Demonstrated media savvy and experience building and nurturing relationships across a broad range of media formats — from national- and state-level journalists and independent commentators (e.g., Substack writers) to trade publications, podcasters/YouTubers, and traditional outlets.
• Outstanding writing and public speaking skills, with an exceptional ability to communicate technical information and policy details on vehicle, marine, aviation, and fuels topics to individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
• Experience working with contractors and vendors, including providing guidance and feedback on work products.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, keyboard, and telephone.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via written correspondence.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate-level degree is a plus.
• Experience supporting media training or coaching for spokespeople, or organizing trainings, is a plus.
• Experience supporting partnerships, bilateral relationships, or coalition-building efforts is a plus.
• A background in transportation or climate public policy, environmental sciences, climate change mitigation, or energy conservation is preferred.
• Familiarity with marine, aviation, or fuels policy is a plus given this role's scope.
• Experience in non-governmental organizations is preferred.
• Experience supervising communications professionals or leading teams is preferred (Senior level only).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans covering U.S. and Canada HDV and PV, and U.S.-audience Marine, Aviation, and Fuels communications.
• Serve as liaison between research and program staff and the global communications team to maintain editorial and communications outreach calendars.
• Conduct media outreach by building and nurturing relationships with national- and state-level media contacts across a disparate media landscape, including independent journalists, trade publications, podcasters/YouTubers, and traditional outlets.
• Proactively pitch stories and produce press releases, statements, and other promotional materials.
• Support the development of ICCT's roster of spokespeople, including contributing to or organizing media training and coaching efforts.
• Support or lead the development of bilateral partnerships and coalitions relevant to the portfolio.
• Manage digital assets, including social media channels, for U.S. and Canada HDV/PV content and U.S.-audience Marine, Aviation, and Fuels content.
• Plan, produce, and schedule digital content.
• Support the organization of virtual/in-person events, workshops, conferences, and publication launches.
• Facilitate the progression of publications through ICCT's editorial process, with an emphasis on projects requiring comprehensive outreach.
• Inform ICCT staff about communications plans and activities across the portfolio.
• Monitor and report on the information ecosystem relevant to U.S. and Canada vehicle policy and U.S.-audience marine, aviation, and fuels policy.
• Track and report on metrics from communication channels, including websites, social media, newsletters, and earned media.
• Support or supervise the coordination of communications-related work of ICCT consultants engaged within the portfolio.
• Lead global communications projects that draw on this portfolio, including piloting new tools and managing campaigns that go beyond a single program (Senior level only).
• May supervise 1–2 staff members in the performance of specific communications tasks (Senior level only).

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.
• Consideration for employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree