Media Relations Specialist - Energy & Climate

Environmental Law & Policy Center•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is seeking a Media Relations Specialist with experience in clean energy and climate to join their team. This role is crucial for communicating ELPC's legal and policy advocacy efforts in protecting environmental values. ELPC is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization, driving transformational policy changes with national impacts by demonstrating that environmental progress and economic development can go hand-in-hand. They focus on advancing climate solutions, accelerating clean renewable energy, modernizing the electric grid, and moving the Midwest away from fossil fuels. The Media Relations Specialist will be a key strategist and implementer, primarily using earned media to tell the story of this work, with an increasing focus on integrated communications across owned and shared channels. The position involves approximately 80% media relations, including pitching stories, managing press strategy, drafting op-eds, and supporting spokespeople, with the remaining time dedicated to broader communications tactics for energy and climate campaigns such as blog posts and social media drafts. This role serves as a communications partner to the Energy and Climate teams and a core member of the Communications team, contributing to internal coordination and external impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
5–7 years of experience in media relations and strategic communications for advocacy organizations, or work in journalism (with a strong preference for environmental, energy, or policy experience).
Demonstrated successes pitching and placing stories, op-eds, and commentary in regional and national media outlets.
Existing knowledge and experience in clean energy, climate change, or utility and regulatory issues.
Strong media relations skills with a track record of building and maintaining reporter relationships.
Excellent writer and editor who can quickly translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear, compelling public-facing language.
Experience building advocacy-focused communications campaigns that support policy and legal strategies.
Highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple projects across teams.
Collaborative, flexible, and eager to support broader communications efforts as needed.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships with Midwest and national environmental or energy reporters are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute earned media approaches to generate high-impact press coverage around ELPC’s clean energy and climate initiatives.
Pitch and maintain strong relationships with key reporters and editors across nine Midwest states and nationally.
Draft press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, FAQs, and background materials.
Prepare ELPC experts for media engagement and help shape clear, compelling messaging.
Conceive and run press events, briefings, and media moments in coordination with partners and coalitions.
Build complimentary communications strategies for priority energy and climate issues that integrate earned media with storytelling, content development, and digital amplification.
Work closely with the Digital Strategist to provide subject-matter expertise and content support for social media and digital campaigns.
Serve as a communications thought partner to ELPC attorneys, policy advocates, and researchers working on energy and climate issues.
Contribute to the Communications team’s editorial calendar, story review process, and web content development.
Support cross-team coordination to ensure messaging consistency and strategic alignment across campaigns.
Jump in on other communications projects as needed in a fast-paced advocacy environment.