Director, Communications

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) brings science and policy together to make law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. We support just and practical law and policy solutions to spur environmental, economic, and social progress across the United States and around the world.  Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

ELI is seeking a Director of Communications to contribute to this mission by:

• Increasing ELI’s impact by improving the dissemination and reach of products and programs
• Raising ELI’s profile among existing and potential audiences, including substantive partners, target groups, and individuals
• Strengthening and expanding ELI’s reach within donor and sponsor communities

What Would You Be Doing Exactly?

The Director of Communications reports to the President and supports ELI’s efforts to realize environmental progress by leading all of the Institute’s communications initiatives.  They work with everyone at the organization, from the President to interns, to ensure cohesive, strategic, and inspiring communications.  They cultivate and maintain ELI’s organizational voice in a way that motivates people to act and helps position ELI to benefit fundraising, awareness, and impact.  The Director looks at ELI holistically and “connects the dots” between departments and programs as they relate to communications and marketing.  This position is key both to deepening the reach and impact of ELI’s work, as well as to supporting vital development efforts.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Establish, maintain, and develop an external communications strategy for the organization, working with the President and Executive Team;
• Lead the creation of all ELI communications, ensuring consistency with organizational values and brand identity;
• Establish and drive multi-channel communications strategies for ELI events, publications, projects, and programs;
• Advise and help guide development of targeted outreach and communication plans for specific initiatives;
• Supervise the Communications team (Webmaster and Senior Digital Media Producer);
• Develop, implement, and evaluate success of external communication strategies;
• Manage and strengthen media relations and serves as point of contact for media inquiries;
• Oversee and/or contribute to the creation of ELI’s digital, video, audio, and print content, including podcasts, social media, brochures, video, and our annual report;
• Oversee advertisement creation and placement;
• Attend major ELI events where press likely to be present; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What do you need to thrive in this role?

To be successful as the Director, Communications you need a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and at least 7 years of communications-based work experience. The Communications department is collaborative by nature, and you must be able to interact in a professional manner with people from diverse racial, ethnic, political, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We employ anti-racist practices and principles while striving to support ELI’s culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Specific skills needed include but are not limited to:

• Ability to design and implement a communications strategy for an organization with a variety of products on a range of topics including identifying institutional priorities
• Expertise and experience in range of communications practices and strategies
• Keen eye for detail and the ability to understand complex concepts and communicate them clearly and strongly, adhering to brand tone and values
• Knowledge, experience, and/or interest in environmental, energy, or natural resource law and policy
• Ability to effectively supervise a team and collaborate with a wide range of staff and partners
• Excellent editing, writing, and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Broad knowledge and experience working in social media platforms
• Ability to juggle numerous deadlines and projects with limited supervision
• Proficiency with standard office software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience in photography, graphic design, and/or audio and video production highly welcome, but not required
• Experience with Google Grants, Google Tag Management, Google Analytics, Drupal, and CiviCRM highly welcome, but not required

Who is ELI?

ELI is a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C., and is a leading center of environmental research, policy analysis, and training in the United States. Founded at the beginning of the modern environmental era more than five decades ago, ELI has played a pivotal role in the evolution of environmental law. Today, ELI is an internationally-recognized independent research and education organization whose interdisciplinary staff of lawyers and scientists works to develop creative solutions to critical problems in environmental law, policy, and management worldwide. ELI is also a renowned membership organization for environmental professionals, promoting excellence in environmental law through providing the field’s finest publications, intensive legal practice and training courses, regional seminars, and forums on key policy issues.

What can you expect from ELI?

The annual salary for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. ELI’s total compensation includes excellent benefits including: 

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance 
• Flexible Spending Account 
• Employer-paid life insurance & disability insurance 
• Long Term Care insurance 
• Pre-tax transportation benefit 
• Fitness Incentive 
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match 
• Paid time off

Ready to apply? Here’s how…

Submit an application package via ELI's online application system. Simply visit https://www.eli.org/employment to get started. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows: 

1. A cover letter addressing your personal goals and interests, as well as your experience and interest in carrying out the duties outlined above
2. A resume with dates for all listed experience
3. A list of references

ELI will accept applications for this position until on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, the USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery.

Please note that to ensure the health and safety of the ELI workforce, any offer of employment from ELI is contingent on candidates providing proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.  ELI management will consider requests for religious or medical exceptions, consistent with applicable law.   

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive, diverse workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusiveness. As such, minority candidates and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.