Communications Director

The Ohio Environmental Council and its collective of organizations — including the OEC’s affiliated 501(C)(4) organization, the OEC Action Fund — seek to hire a full-time Communications Director to lead its communications program.

The Communications Director is a strategic and experienced communications professional who has had success leading multi-faceted projects and teams. This role requires strategic and creative thinking, collaborative leadership, and exceptional communication skills to promote the OEC Collective’s programs and campaigns. 

Job Responsibilities & Performance Expectations

Reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs, the Communications Director’s primary role will be leading the OEC Collective’s communications programs. The Director will develop annual communications plans and strategies, and execute consistently on engaging, high-quality print and digital communications — often in collaboration with teammates across the collective of organizations. 

Responsibilities include:

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS: 

• In consensus with the VP of Public Affairs, develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports the OEC Collective’s goals and objectives
• Regularly work with Communications Program staff to analyze key performance indicators of tactics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies accordingly
• Research and test tactics to maximize engagement with key audiences

CONTENT CREATION: 

• Create and oversee development of written and visual content for print and digital platforms, including but not limited to: reports, GreenWatch and other newsletters, fact sheets, action alerts, photo, video, and events

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS:

• Create and oversee development of social media content, and manage daily social media content calendar across platforms
• Manage websites, including SEO updates and development of new content and functionalities

MEDIA RELATIONS: 

• Build and maintain positive relations with media outlets, journalists, opinion leaders
• Develop press advisories, statements, releases, and background information to secure earned media coverage
• Manage media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to secure earned media coverage

BRAND MANAGEMENT:

• In consensus with the VP of Public Affairs, manage the organization’s public image and reputation
• Maintain organizational talking points, style guidelines, and other key collateral

TEAM LEADERSHIP: 

• Supervise communications staff, ensuring execution of individual work plans and removing barriers to success
• Develop annual program/department work plans in support of Strategic Plan key actions and key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts
  • Lead internal team meetings and meetings with program leads across the OEC Collective
  • Manage outside consultants as needed

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, and INCLUSION: Conduct work through the lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion to ensure all Ohioans have equal access to the environmental movement

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• At least 7-10 years of relevant communications management experience (includes education, training, jobs, and other transferable skills) — preferably in an advocacy organization 
• Experience managing and mentoring employees  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Previous print design, experience including publications and mailing 
• Previous digital design experience, including graphics for digital use across web and social platforms
• Previous website management experience (preferably with WordPress and Squarespace) including familiarity with best SEO practices
• Advanced proficiency with Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube
• Previous media relations experience
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong analytical and organizational skills 
• Ability to translate complex concepts and problems into creative and easy-to-understand communications
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while meeting deadlines and juggling multiple priorities in a results-oriented environment

Desired Skills:

• Experience with photography and videography
• Experience with paid media campaigns, including experience with Meta Business Manager and Google Analytics 

Cultural Competence:

Shares our commitment and actively contributes to integrating racial justice and equity into our work and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is full-time, exempt, pays between $65,000 — $72,000. Excellent benefits include employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; professional development funds; and employer-matched retirement fund.

Additional Details

The Communications Director will work out of our Cleveland or Columbus office. Staff members work in a hybrid environment, including opportunities to work from home on Monday and Friday and outside of core hours (10 AM to 3 PM). Candidates must be able to work occasional evenings and weekends, and be willing to occasionally travel throughout Ohio.

About the OEC and OEC Action Fund (OEC Collective)

The OEC Collective envisions a healthy, clean Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment.

The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For over 50 years, we have led many of the major environmental policy wins in Ohio. Visit the OEC’s website to learn more about our work.

The mission of the OEC Action Fund is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio’s environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund’s website to learn more about our work.

The OEC Collective is committed to working toward a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environmental movement, and seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the diverse communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply 

Send a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the position, your resume, writing sample, and references to OEC@theoec.org with “Communications Director” in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; priority will be given to all applications submitted by June 7, 2024.