Deputy Press Secretary

Sierra Club•Washington, DC

1d•$80,000 - $80,000•Remote

About The Position

The Temporary Deputy Press Secretary plans, coordinates, and executes communications strategies related to Sustainable Finance, Outdoors for All, wildlife conservation, and other relevant federal campaign work. Working with the federal policy team, federal campaign staff, and intersectional partners, the Temporary Deputy Press Secretary is responsible for developing and disseminating strategic communications plans that advance the goals of our campaigns in Beltway and national outlets while remaining rooted in our organizational values. To support that work, the Temporary Deputy Press Secretary executes long-term and rapid-response media outreach and acts as the media strategist for relevant campaigns, identifying opportunities to advance campaign goals through media relations. They also work with the creative team to develop creative assets to inform and influence decision makers; project manages the creation and distribution of advertising, videos, and other produced media; drafts and edits written content; and ensures messaging resonates effectively with various audiences. Additionally, they will be expected to provide messaging guidance and materials for their respective campaign(s) to the regional press team, and coordinate with coalition partners on the same. This position is responsible for an array of media communications, ensuring timely and accurate materials with a consistent tone and message. A key component of the Temporary Deputy Press Secretaryâs role is leading media outreach by coordinating the submissions of op-eds and letters to the editor; pitching stories; tracking and reporting coverage; organizing press conferences and other media events; compiling data; and nurturing relationships to grow a diverse bench of spokespeople. The ideal candidate should have a solid grasp of Sierra Clubâs legacy conservation work, including wildlife and National Parks, a familiarity with the sustainable finance movement, a personal commitment to and knowledge of social justice, and a passion for advancing progressive social change. They will also have the ability to articulate and reinforce the intersections of Sierra Clubâs legacy work and communicate the challenges and opportunities we face, centered on justice and equity.

Requirements

Experience with media relations. You have professional experience as a journalist, media liaison, spokesperson, press secretary, or other position involving public relations. You have an understanding of best practices for using media to advance campaign goals.
Excellent writing and verbal communications skills. You are a strong writer and communicator who is comfortable interacting with reporters, developing compelling messages, and drafting written materials for various audiences.
Ability to interact cooperatively and effectively with internal and external partners. You think collaboratively and can build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders. You are capable of navigating challenging dynamics to achieve shared goals.
Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of energy and/or climate issues and relevant media landscape
Experience working with campaign teams to execute creative tactics including but not limited to audio/video, podcasts, projections, murals, performance art, and advertising
Ability to build alignment between stakeholders while project managing competing priorities
Proficiency with Cision, TVEyes, and/or other media outreach and tracking tools
Spanish language proficiency a plus, but not required

Responsibilities

Plan and implement federal communications strategy for Sierra Club campaigns.
Serve as liaison across internal teams and committees, as well as with external partners and stakeholders, to advise on communications strategies and tactics.
Track media coverage of the issues covered in the campaign and report major narrative themes, inclusions and exclusions from coverage, and whose voices are represented out to campaign teams to inform future strategies.
Develop and execute long-term and rapid-response media outreach plans to advance campaign narratives and outcomes at the national level, in adherence to the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing.
Develop messaging, written, and produced assets to advance federal campaign goals in collaboration with internal partners and with external partners as needed.
Develop media messages, op-eds, press releases, video/audio, talking points, and other materials, and coordinate media events as necessary.
Collaborate with internal creative teams, Digital Strategies department, and external contractors to develop and execute paid media tactics.
Create strategic media responses to relevant reports, Environmental Law Program work underway, and external developments.
Contribute to staff strategy meetings, and stay current on substantive and political developments in major conservation campaigns by reading latest literature, attending meetings and maintaining contact with relevant sources.
Provide drafted materials and guidance on federal efforts to regional teams as needed.
Develop talking points and media materials on various campaign efforts to be disseminated and utilized by the regional press team.
Build relationships with national, Beltway, and trade reporters and influencers.
Serve as a point of contact for those reporters in order to advance media coverage.
Pitch relevant stories and connect reporters with spokespeople.
Train and coach key and relevant national staff and volunteers in strategic communications skills and messaging developed on key timely issues.
Identify, train, and place compelling spokespeople to tell the campaignâs stories.
Support staff, volunteers, and partners with media training, messaging guidance, and interview preparation.