For more than 20 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned for the forests, their inhabitants and the natural systems that sustain life. In coalition with Indigenous communities and allies from around the world, RAN uses non-violent direct action, grassroots organizing, education, and strategic communications to challenge corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt comprehensive policies that reduce their contributions to global warming. Later this year, RAN will be launching a new campaign to hold Chevron accountable for years of contamination and neglect in Ecuador and a rash of human rights and environmental abuses around the world. This will be a multi-year campaign and a top priority for the organization.
RAN is looking for an Online Communications Manager to develop and implement savvy online and offline promotion plans for our new Chevron campaign. The ideal candidate has a passion for fighting climate change, upholding human rights and protecting rainforests, and using creative communications as a tool to do so. The Online Communications Manager will work with the communications team and the Chevron campaign team to mount a global campaign to persuade Chevron to clean up contaminated communities in Ecuador while implementing a 21st century global environmental and human rights policy.
The Online Communications Manager will be able to develop comprehensive communications strategies for the Chevron campaign and manage innovative online and offline promotion plans. They will be someone who understands media and communications as it relates to grassroots organizing and advocacy campaigns. They will pitch and place stories in print, broadcast and electronic media; develop media plans for campaign activities, with a strong emphasis on online media; write and disseminate news releases and advisories; develop print, broadcast and online ad campaigns; and aid in the production of campaign and organizational brochures and other collateral materials.
Responsibilities
- Work with the communications and campaigns teams to identify online and offline media outreach opportunities that advance the Chevron campaign and the organization
- Develop and implement innovative grassroots public relations plans
- Cultivate media relationships in strategic markets, both national and international
- Cultivate relationships with bloggers and other strategic allies who can help in online promotion of RAN and the Chevron campaign
- Develop story ideas and events and pitch them to reporters and bloggers
- Respond to media requests and arrange interviews for RAN campaigners and spokespeople
- Create press lists and keep media contact database current
- Monitor offline and online media coverage on core issues and campaign targets
- Organize press briefings, media alerts and other PR events
- Write and manage production of various PR materials including news releases, media advisories, blogs, op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, etc.
- Spearhead and manage production of creative print and online collateral, including high-impact ads and clever web videos
- Conduct target- and market-specific media research as necessary to support campaign objectives
- Copy-edit material for RAN publications, website and activist emails
- Provide media trainings to the campaign staff, activists and allies
- Represent RAN and act as a spokesperson for the campaign as needed
Qualifications
- Excellent oral and written communications skills that are adaptable to various offline and online mediums. In particular, a proven ability to write clear, concise and compelling prose in the form of press releases, op-eds and other articles, ad copy, blog posts and email alerts.
- 1-3 years of experience in public relations or a related communications field with an emphasis on direct media outreach.
- 1-2 years experience in public relations or a related communications field conducting online promotion as well as using media and communications to advance advocacy campaigns.
- Proven ability to draft documents under tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to work with advertisers and designers to develop creative offline and online content.
- Solid copy-editing skills and familiarity with AP Style writing highly desired
- Familiarity with media database technology, ideally Cision.
- Demonstrated ability to work in diverse teams; manage time and a heavy workload effectively, and coordinate complex projects.
- Demonstrated ability to drive projects independently.
- Good organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, flexibility and creativity.
- Desire to work with activists as well as Indigenous and affected communities is strongly preferred.
- An understanding and/or interest in diversity and anti-oppression work is appreciated.
- Understanding of climate, fossil fuels and human rights issues is strongly preferred.
- Bilingual (particularly Spanish) applicants are desired.
RAN values diversity, educates staff on issues including privilege and oppression, and integrates these values into all of our work. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this process and work with us to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable work environment and world. RAN provides all people with equal employment and volunteer opportunities. RAN seeks diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation and physical ability.
