Vice President, Global Methane Communications

Environmental Defense Fund•Washington, DC

8d•$230,000 - $260,000•Remote

About The Position

Methane reduction is the fastest, highest-impact lever available today to slow global warming. The Vice President of Methane Communications will architect EDF's global narrative on this issue. A key player in EDF’s methane advocacy and science efforts, the VP will lead a high-stakes global communications strategy that mobilizes policymakers, industry leaders, investors, science community, and civil society to accelerate climate action on the world stage, translating complex, technical content into credible, moving narratives that drive action. The role calls for a sophisticated understanding of the global political and media landscape, spanning government, business, civil society, academia; as well as the role of high-quality data in driving effective action. The VP, who manages 6 staff and a seven-figure budget, is both a strategic leader and a strong executor. The VP will strengthen EDF's credibility and voice in the rooms where methane policy is shaped. They must build deep, trusting relationships internally with EDF’s senior leaders, methane leadership team, subject matter experts, and regional communications teams. Externally, strong relationships with policymakers, industry executives, journalists, investors, consultants, science, and civil society partners will be key to success. As EDF's methane mission expands, the VP will coordinate closely with staff across geographies and areas of expertise to ensure a unified, powerful voice.

Requirements

At least 15 years' experience in communications, media, or a related field (advocacy sector experience strongly preferred), including at least 10 years in an environmental, energy, government, or multilateral role. Experience working at the international level is highly desirable.
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications campaigns for national and global audiences, including experience managing complex teams of staff, consultants, and partners.
Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to shift seamlessly between technical and lay audiences, and comfort translating complex environmental science, measurement, and satellite/remote-sensing data into accessible public narratives.
Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Strong knowledge of climate issues, with experience or fluency communicating across a variety of sectors, constituencies and industries -- including with investor and financial audiences.

Nice To Haves

Strong contacts in global media and national outlets in the markets that matter to this work is highly valued.
Multilingual skills also highly valued.

Responsibilities

Architect and drive a proactive global methane communications strategy for EDF’s highest-leverage work, including MethaneSAT, the oil & gas sector, agriculture and livestock. They will craft a positive narrative to push policy, influence market/capital access, and stimulate corporate action. This role uses high-quality data and science to underpin undeniable human and economic stories and integrates and synthesizes region-based work around a unified global narrative to command the public conversation.
Elevate the profile of signature methane initiatives, including MethaneSAT, the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, the Animal Health & Climate initiative, and Better Feeding for Climate, as visible proof points of progress. Navigate politically sensitive terrain, including farmer and rancher constituencies and the polarized oil and gas debate in key regions, to preserve credibility across the spectrum.
Coordinate messaging with key allies, philanthropies, and EDF fundraising team. Serve on EDF's communications leadership team. Support key EDF spokespersons to maximize media and narrative-shaping moments at COP, G7, American Geophysical Union, and similar forums.
Nurture, lead, and grow a high-performing team of in-house staff, consultants, and agency partners. Manage the methane communications budget for the highest impact of organizational strategies.
Lead global media relations, crisis communications, and high-impact campaigns for global audiences, with a tailored focus on key regional markets. Partner with science, policy and advocacy teams to design communications that support specific regulatory and diplomatic outcomes (e.g. national methane action plans, super-pollutant provisions under the UNFCCC and Global Methane Pledge, and data collection initiatives).
Monitor global climate policy, science, politics, and industry trends to position EDF as a definitive thought leader on methane reduction. Establish metrics to rigorously evaluate campaign effectiveness and continuously optimize strategy. Anticipate key developments in sector to strategically position EDF’s voice in a timely way to ensure impact.
Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.