Communications Manager

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) is a national non-profit organization that certifies eligible hydropower facilities that prioritize environmental, recreational, historical, and cultural resource protection. We believe that hydropower is part of addressing climate change and that it can be built and operated in a manner that enables healthy ecosystems which are essential to biodiversity preservation and planetary health. As part of our efforts, LIHI advocates for renewable energy and climate change policies and practices that lead to greater value for positive environmental and social outcomes at hydropower generation facilities. As a nonprofit organization, our efforts are focused on advocacy and education, not lobbying.   

The Communications Manager will work closely with the LIHI staff and board in a tight, team-oriented atmosphere. LIHI works to identify the best ways to achieve change, using a combination of policy advocacy, research, strategic communications, and program development. LIHI works to educate and inform policymakers, the public, and large energy purchasers, and supports those advocating for river conservation and renewable energy.

The Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communications activities designed to reinforce LIHI’s mission. The Communications Manager is responsible for the creation and editing of external facing written and digital communications targeted to certificate holders, people with an interest in hydropower facilities, and the general public.  In addition, the Communications Manager will manage media relations, including vetting media inquiries, seeking earned media opportunities, and fact checking. 

This is a full-time position. Salary range is $65,000-85,000. Benefits include a health care stipend, retirement contributions, and five weeks of vacation time. Work is remote. Travel is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategic communications plan that reflects and reinforces LIHI management and governance goals
• Develop and maintain external facing content, including newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, social media posts, annual report, and website content
• Assist with writing blogs and other thought leadership pieces
• Manage media relations by building relationships with key media contacts
• Ensure LIHI brand guidelines are followed and updated as needed
• Maintain branded content for external facing presentations in PPT or similar program
• Represent LIHI at conferences and other events as appropriate
• Research and write grant applications
• Provide updates to the team and at LIHI board meetings

Qualifications and Skills:

• Five or more years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
• Familiarity with traditional, digital, and social media
• Strong organizational skills
• Grant writing or grant management experience
• Curiosity and a strong desire to learn and communicate new ideas
• Ability to work independently and in teams and to inspire others to work toward common goals
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of renewable energy and/or non-profit work not required, but preferred
• Ability to travel

Send cover letter and resume or CV to Shannon Ames, Executive Director at sames@lowimpacthydro.org. Please put “Application Communications Manager – [your last name]” in the subject line. Position will remain open until filled.

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.